| Unit name | Evil Monks, Foxy Ladies, and Pocket Monsters: Religion and Japanese Popular Culture |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20225 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Lomi |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
How are religious teachings, beliefs in supernatural entities and the afterlife communicated and disseminated? What is the role of texts, visual representation, and objects aimed at popular consumption in shaping religious ideas and beliefs? Can playfulness and fun play a role in facilitating people’s engagement in ritual and devotional practices? This unit tackles these questions by focussing specifically on the Japanese religious and cultural context, from the medieval to the contemporary period.
You will be exposed to a variety of visual, textual and mixed-media sources, from illustrated scrolls and charms to anime and action figures, through which you will become familiar with myths, cosmologies, and beliefs as well as conceptualisations of self, natural and supernatural forces, and the afterlife proper of the Japanese tradition. During our seminars, we will analyse the content of these sources, assess their unique visual and material strategies, and reflect on how the medium relates its religious message.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Specialist subject options are offered in the second year of the Religion and Theology programmes. Specialist subject options are available to students on Liberal Arts programmes as well. The portfolio of units available will change from year to year based on staff availability, but it will consistently represent a full range of research strengths across the English department, as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increased optionality as students’ progress through their programme.
This unit examines ideas, beliefs, and practices proper of Japanese religious traditions as presented in a variety of different media aimed at popular consumption. Amongst the many themes we will explore are: beliefs and cosmologies articulated in mediaeval illustrated scrolls; ideas about retribution, defilement, and taboos found in miracle tales and popularised through storytelling; religious themes and doctrines brought to life by puppet-plays and theatre; the rise of printing and the development of satirical tracts on religion; the overlap between folklore and scientific taxonomies and the study of monsters; the way manga and anime can shape religious identities.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
The unit will allow you to explore the religious landscape of Japan, and become familiar with key ideas, practices, and attitudes towards the sacred in an unconventional way. You will in fact approach religious studies through the lens of entertainment and play, opening new avenues for future studies.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which do not count towards your unit mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
Portfolio, 1500 words (0%, Required for credit) [ILOs 1-3]
The portfolio is a collection of different samples of group activities, in-class and remote exercises you will complete in the course of the unit. The aim of the exercises is to maintain constant engagement with the content of the unit and receive feedforward.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Group Presentation (10%) [ILOs 1-3; 5].
2,500 word Essay (90%) [ILOs 1-4].
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRS20225).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
