Modern Japanese History, 1850 to 1945

Designed for juniors/seniors. Investigation of meaning of modern “Japan” for newly national (and imperial) populace, and resistance to consequent radical upheavals in daily experience, both in Japan and Asia. Exploration of meaning of “modern” and fraught interplay of imperial and anticolonial ambitions in domestic and foreign politics. World War II experience and radical and conservative effects of Allied Occupation. Foregrounding of professional practice of history and historical creation of categories, practices, and perspectives that have become second nature (i.e., linear time, nation, and modern social norms). Topics also include gender, sexuality, aesthetics, fascism, eugenics and race, hygiene, bloodsucking, monsters, anarchism, time, colonialism, feminism, art, censorship, protest, and Cold War. Socratic-style discussion in lecture.

P/NP or letter grading.