Department of Japanese Studies, School of Modern Languages and Cultures HKU

This course examines representations of urban space in Japanese literature from 1890 to 1945. The profound transformation of Japanese society during these years was marked by rapid modernization, urban development, cultural fluidity, and imperial conquest. We will discuss the different ways in which the modern city was experienced and imagined, attending closely to themes of subjectivity, gender, sexuality, fantasy, and the grotesque.

Interdisciplinary Elective Course
JAPN2086	Writing cities: Urban space in modern Japanese literature	6 credits

This course examines representations of urban space in Japanese literature from 1890 to 1945. The profound transformation of Japanese society during these years was marked by rapid modernization, urban development, cultural fluidity, and imperial conquest. We will discuss the different ways in which the modern city was experienced and imagined, attending closely to themes of subjectivity, gender, sexuality, fantasy, and the grotesque.

Assessment: 100% coursework
(Not on offer in 2020/2021)