Course description

The degree provides students with expert knowledge of Japanese popular and media culture from the early modern period (from 1600) up to the present day. This period in history is responsible for key political, economic and social/cultural developments and heralded radical change in the country. The early modern period is not only crucially important for nearly all forms of cultural expression and achievements in contemporary Japan but also forms the basis of any well-founded academic study of modern Japan.

As a key to a comprehensive understanding of Japan, its central historical and current developments, its self-perception and how it is perceived by others and its position in a globally networked world, the degree programme looks at Japanese popular and media culture in terms of critical cultural studies, enabling deep insights into the close interlinking of culture, society, politics and business.

Like no other area of Japanese culture, popular and media culture has had a significant influence on Western art and aesthetics since the 19th/20th century and has also had a lasting effect on youth and subcultures worldwide since the second half of the 20th century.

You will receive an intensive education in both spoken and written Japanese at the University of Cologne. Seminars and lectures look at topics on visual culture, media culture and history, and popular culture and subculture while promoting the ability to critically analyse and interpret them.