Japanese Cultural Studies

MA Japanese Cultural Studies

Part-Time Programme

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

• Interdisciplinary programme with a choice of two pathways: Japanese Cultural Studies or Japanese Creative Industries Studies.
• Provides an advanced understanding of modern Japan, its cultural practices and producers.
• Ideal if you have a personal interest in Japan and cultural studies or want to enhance your career prospects in the media/cultural industries or in professions with an intercultural and international outlook.

Japanese Cultural Studies combines approaches from history, literature, film, media and gender studies.

This programme is taught in English and does not require knowledge of the Japanese language. Students are encouraged, however, to make use - free of charge - of our Japanese language courses.

Core course

The compulsory core course, Key Issues in Japanese Cultural Studies, provides you with critical insight into some of the key issues in Japanese cultural studies. It examines the ways in which 'Japan', its society and culture(s) have been conceptualised and narrated at crucial moments in Japan's recent history. We will explore a wide range of cultural practices and productions in their social and historical formations, examine their producers and audiences, and engage with related critical debates in contemporary Japan.