[ANTH V3939] Millennial Futures: Culture in Japan

Professor Ivy is wonderful. This anthropology course on post-WWII Japan was not only extremely interesting, but also very current. It is one of the rare "hip" anthropology courses that engages in discussions of recent cultural trends in Japan such as anime, otaku culture, manga, the Superflat aesthetic, and the Aum cult. After taking this course, you will think of Japan, America, and commodities differently. You might also become very interested in postmodern theorists such as Jameson and Baidrillard, and the novelist Haruki Murakami. We read many Japanese theorists as well. In the meantime, check out the "Little Boy" exhibit at the Japan Society to introduce yourself to some of the visually-
related topics covered in this course. Ivy is a real scholar and does not waste her time trying to butter-up to her students. Instead, she inspires thoughtful writing and analysis of contemporary culture. However, it is a pleasure to listen to her vast amount of knowledge and to occasionlly participate in discussion. In addition, Ivy herself is a wonderful writer.

She's a good professor, if you understand that no, she's not listening to you. She has has a nice taste in anime (which she insists on calling 'hanime-eh') Really interesting texts (but accompanied with garbage po-mo theoretics) Great 4-point course overall.