This course investigates visual culture in Japan primarily through film, from the early masters to contemporary directors and animation. Additional material may be drawn from fields such as theater, television, advertising, architecture, visual art, and comics. All texts are translated or subtitled in English. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: two short papers, a midterm exam, and a final exam. No prerequisites. No enrollment limit (expected: 15). Preference given to Japanese, Asian Studies, and Comparative Literature majors.