01:565:215 A-Bomb Literature and Film in Japan

In this course, we will be reading and discussing eyewitness accounts, short stories, a novel, and poems, by survivors and writers of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. All students will be asked to serve as discussion leader in class twice during the semester. We will also study films describing the history of the bombings and depicting the aftermath. All readings are in English translation. By studying multiple genres (eyewitness accounts, fiction, poetry, and film), we will be able to examine from varied perspectives the ways atomic warfare has been represented in media. Ideally, each student in the class will develop an understanding of the limits of representation of the dehumanizing effects of atomic warfare, and learn to connect A-Bomb literature and film in Japan to political concerns about future use of atomic weapons.

Grading: Discussion posts: 50% (2 pts x 25) Discussion leader: 15% (5 pts x 3) Final paper: 35%

Course Materials:

“A-Bomb Literature and Film in Japan” 01:565:215 satisfies Core Curriculum goals:

The course also satisfies the following Asian Languages and Cultures learning goals for Japanese majors and minors: