Schedule

Cross-Cultural Influences and Postmodern Visions: Japanese Anime and Manga in a Global Context

Summer 2009

Instructor: Dr. Andrea Wood

Office: 303 Skiles

Office Hours: MTW 11:30-12:30 or by appointment

Class Meeting Times: MTWR 9:20-11:20

Classroom Location: Skiles 317

Email: andrea.wood@lcc.gatech.edu

Course Overview

This section of 1102 will focus on the growing global popularity of Japanese manga (comics) and anime. While covering some of the critical history and aesthetic movements behind these two art forms, we will also spend considerable time examining key themes that recur in manga and anime. In particular, we will consider the significance of issues such as apocalypse, the environment, family, cyborg bodies, existential crisis, war, gender and sexuality, adolescent rebellion, futurity, and the supernatural, as they manifest in different texts. Tentative anime titles include Katsuhiro Otomos Akira, Hiyao Miyazakis Princess Mononoke and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Satoshi Kons Perfect Blue and Tokyo Godfathers, Mamoru Oshiis Ghost in the Shell, Mamoru Hosodas The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Isao Takahatas Grave of the Fireflies, and Hiroyuki Kitakubos Blood: The Last Vampire. Tentative manga titles include Hotaru Odagira and Satoru Kannagis Only the Ring Finger Knows and Hiroaki Samuras Blade of the Immortal (Vol.1).

Course Content Disclaimer

This course will engage with visual material that may be disturbing to some students. Consequently, students should be prepared for occasional graphic depictions of violence, gore, and sex. We will be analyzing and discussing, in a scholarly manner, the meaning and significance behind these representations. Students who are uncomfortable with this material are encouraged to see me early in the semester to discuss their concerns. Additional meetings can be arranged throughout the term if necessary.

Required Texts

NOTE: Books are available at GT Barnes and Noble and Engineers Bookstore (http://www.engrbookstore.com/)

Required Books:

1. Gravett, Paul. Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics.

2. Napier, Susan J. Anime: From Akira to Howls Moving Castle.

3. Odagiri, Hotaru and Satoru Kannagi. Only the Ring Finger Knows.

4. Samura, Hiroaki. Blade of the Immortal: Blood of a Thousand.

5. Takahashi, Rumiko. Ranma . Vol. 1

Required Films:

NOTE: Students are expected to view the subtitled versions of these films.

1. Akira

2. Blood the Last Vampire

3. Ghost in the Shell

4. Grave of the Fireflies

5. Perfect Blue

6. Princess Mononoke

7. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

8. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

9. Tokyo Godfathers

(NOTE: There will be at least one copy of most films in the library on reserve. Students are expected to watch the films on their own time by the required class date listed in the syllabusthus, they will need to either rent the film or view the library copy in advance. Please make appropriate arrangements at the beginning of the semester. No excuses for being unable to view a film will be accepted.)

Required Supplemental Texts

There will be several required supplemental readings throughout the semester that will be made available on e-reserve in the library. Students will be responsible for printing out copies of these texts on their own and reading them for the dates assigned in the schedule.

Required Hardware and Software

Students will be expected to have access to and use:

A laptop computer

A word processing program (i.e. MS Word)

A program for presentations (i.e. PowerPoint)

A scanner (for manga images) *There are a few in the library and some at different computer labs on campus.

A screen capture program (for anime still shots)

Required Supplemental Materials and Expenditures

All students will need:

A pocket folder (this must be brought to class daily)

Loose leaf lined paper and pens for in-class writing assignments and notes

Reliable form of backup for assignments (CD-ROM, flashstick drive, etc.)

Name card (I will give details about this on the first day of class)

One appropriate business casual outfit for presentations (I will discuss details about this early in the semester. If you do not own appropriate attire and have extreme financial hardship that makes it difficult for you to purchase an outfit please see me as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.)

All students must be prepared to pay for the following:

A poster board (for the Group Poster Presentation)

Printing costs for a poster (the cheapest rates for large printer-plotter jobs are available in the library)

Attendance

I will be monitoring attendance for this class. Students are allowed to miss 2 class sessions without penalty (this includes sick days). I will deduct 10% from their final grade for each additional absence thereafter. In other words, if a student with a 90% in the class has five absences their final grade will be dropped to 80%.

If students are absent, they are still expected to turn assigned work in on time (either submitting it to me via email by the beginning of the class period or having a fellow class member turn it in for them).

It is also the students responsibility to contact me about their absence in a prompt fashion and to find out what they missed.

Tardiness is unacceptable in my class. Students are expected to be on time and prepared. Repeated tardies will negatively affect students participation grades and extreme lateness (20 minutes late or more) will count as an absence.

Classroom Dynamics and Participation

This course aims to generate an interactive, engaging, and critical dialogue between all members of the class. Therefore, regular participation in class discussions and group work is mandatory and each student will receive a grade for their efforts at the end of the semester, amounting to 10% of their final grade. While I will at times lecture on some of the scholarly articles and other texts when I deem it necessary, my overall expectation is that we will work together as a group to come to more complex and varied understandings of the materials covered over the course of the semester.

Non-Discrimination

Georgia Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. This class adheres to those guidelines. Alternative viewpoints are welcome in this classroom. However, statements that are deemed racist, sexist, classist, or otherwise discriminatory toward others in the class will not be tolerated.

No form of harassment or discrimination is allowed in this class including but not limited to gender, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. In keeping with the professional nature of this course, only professional behavior is acceptable between the instructor and students, as well as between or among students.

Personal Technology in the Classroom

For the sake of common courtesy, all cell phones and beepers must be turned off during class. If your cell phone goes off during class I will confiscate the phone until the end of the class period. Text messaging is also not allowed during class time.

PDAs, iPods, and any other hand-held portable devices must be turned off during class or they will also be confiscated.

Laptops are allowed in the classroom for certain activities. I will, however, indicate when students may and may not use them. Any students who use their computers for non-class related purposes (such as email, IM, web surfing, etc.) will lose participation points. Repeated instances will result in a disciplinary meeting with me.

Submitting Assignments

All assignments must be completed and submitted at the beginning of the class period on the due date and in the assigned format.

If under special circumstances you know in advance that you will be unable to attend class that day, you must make arrangements with me submit the assignment to me BEFORE the due date.

All students are required to save backup copies of all of their work (CD-ROM or flashstick drives are recommended). This is for your own protection. I will not accept any excuses about lost work, home computer meltdowns, etc. Therefore, students will be expected to save their work at all stages of the writing process to guard against any such computer problems. Students should also bring the backup copy with them to class whenever an assignment is due.

LATE POLICY: No late work will be accepted in this course.

Format

Each assignment must follow MLA format and citation guidelines unless indicated otherwise. I will deduct points for incorrect formatting. If youre unclear on how to use MLA format, please review the section in your grammar handbook.

Web assignments must employ MLA citation (for quotes, images, etc.) and include a Works Cited section in the proper bibliographic format.

Academic Honesty

All work students turn in for this class must be their own, with all outside reference sources properly cited and acknowledged. All written assignments for this course will be turned in through turnitin.com.

Students are expected to abide by the Student Conduct Code of the Rules and Regulations (Georgia Institute of Technology General Catalog, Section XIX) which states, Academic misconduct is an act that does or could improperly distort student grades or other student academic records and offers the following descriptive list:

Possessing, using, or exchanging improperly acquired written or verbal information in the preparation of any essay, laboratory report, examination, or other assignment included in an academic course;

Substitution for, or unauthorized collaboration with, a student in the commission of academic requirements;

Submission of material that is wholly or substantially identical to that created or published by another person or persons, without adequate credit notations indicating authorship (plagiarism);

False claims of performance or work that has been submitted by the claimant;

Alteration or insertion of any academic grade or rating so as to obtain unearned academic credit;

Forgery, alteration or misuse of any institute document relating to the academic status of the student.

The Code continues, While these acts constitute assured instances of academic misconduct, other acts of academic misconduct may be defined by the professor. Students should consult the Honor Code online at http://www.gatech.edu/honadv/honorcode.html or in the General Catalog to remember ther primary commitment to academic honesty.

Students who engage in academic dishonesty will receive a zero on the assignment and may fail the course. In addition, the instance will be reported to the Dean of Students who may take further action.

Returning Graded Assignments

I will endeavor to return graded assignments within one week of receiving them. I recommend that students read all of my comments carefully in order to learn which elements of their writing and communication need improvement.

Students are required to keep all graded assignments in a pocket folder until they have received final grades at the end of the semester.

Questions about Grades

Any concerns about individual assignment grades should be addressed to me and not the Department. I will not discuss grades the day that assignments are returned, as I require that students take time to review and reflect on their grade and my comments. I am happy to discuss graded assignments 24 hours after they have been handed back.

Students may keep track of their grade in the class by logging into T-Square.

Conferences

NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, students are expected to email Dr. Wood to arrange conference appointments. Emails should be sent at least 24 hours in advance of a proposed meeting time.

Students will be required to schedule 2 mandatory conferences during the semester:

1. A group conference for the poster presentationgroups are responsible for arranging this meeting with me; the meeting must take place at least 3 school days before their scheduled presentation.

2. An individual conference for the final conference paperI will have extended office hours during Week 3 for students to make an appointment with me to discuss their ideas for the final conference paper.

In addition, I am always happy to meet with students outside of class during my office hours or by appointment to discuss any of the texts we are reading, to go over assignments, to explain comments on graded papers, and to address any questions or concerns students may have. I will have office hours every week so feel free to drop by and just chat if you are so inclined. My office hours are solely for students, so make the most of me as a resource!

Student Problems and Concerns

The stresses of the academic semester, coupled with personal problems, can often seem overwhelming. If you are having difficulty meeting the requirements and expectations of this class, please come and see me immediately. While we can discuss your situation, and depending on circumstance make some accommodations, I must also emphasize that I am not a counselor. If you are having personal problems, please get in contact with the student counseling center (http://www.counseling.gatech.edu/). Similarly, you should make sure to know your academic advisor and meet with her/him to discuss options for withdrawal or medical leave should it become necessary.

Accommodations

Georgia Tech supports students through ADAPTS (Access Disabled Assistance Program for Tech Students). Any student who may require an accommodation for a documented disability should inform me as soon as possible or as soon as you become aware of your disability. Anyone who anticipates difficulties with the content or format of the course due to a documented disability should arrange a meeting so we can create a workable plan for your success in this course.

ADAPTS serves any Georgia Tech student who has a documented, qualifying disability. Official documentation of the disability is required to determine eligibility for accommodations or adaptations that may be helpful for this course. Please make sure I receive a Faculty Accommodation Letter form verifying your disability and specifying the accommodation you need. ADAPTS operates under the guidelines of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Visit: Smithgall Student Services Bldg, Suite 210 on 353 Ferst Dr.

Email: adapts@vpss.gatech.edu.

Call: 404-894-2563 (V); 404-894-1664 (TDD); 404-894-9928 (fax)

Assignments

NOTE: Specific details about and requirements for assignments will be given out at the appropriate times during the semester.

Abstract (5%): Students will need to compose a 500-word abstract for their proposed final conference paper.

Annotated Bibliography (15%): Students will be required to find 5 scholarly sources for their final conference paper and then compose a 4-5 page annotated bibliography for these sources.

Final Conference Paper and Presentation (30%): For the final project, students will be developing a conference paper presentation on an issue of interest relating to Japanese anime and manga. The conference paper will need to develop an independent argument that is supported with textual analysis and scholarly sources. Students may use anime or manga texts from the course reading list or approved outside texts. In Week 3, students will schedule individual conferences with me to discuss their proposed paper topics before developing their formal abstracts. Once I have approved the abstracts, students will be grouped into small panels based on topic connections. The class conference will take place during the scheduled exam period. At that time, student panels will give their paper presentations to the audience (15-20 minutes per person) followed by a short Q&A session. All students are required to attend the entirety of the conference.

Group Poster Presentation (15%): Early in the semester, students will sign up for a particular film that they would like to work on for their poster presentation. Students will be placed in groups of 2-3 and required to develop a formal poster that presents a detailed critical analysis of a specific theme or issue in their chosen film. Each group will then give a 10-15 minute oral presentation explaining their poster to the class during the week that we will be discussing the film.

Participation (10%): Since the class will revolve around regular discussion, group work, and in-class activities, students will be expected to contribute on a regular basis and to provide thoughtful and constructive views on the texts and topics we will be covering. Several factors will be considered when assessing participation: 1) relevance, regularlity, and quality of contributions, 2) overall attendance and punctuality, 3) level of involvement in group tasks and peer review workshops, 4) completion of in-class activities. Near the end of the semester I will assign each student an individual participation grade based on these assessment criteria. Frequent absences or tardiness will result in the loss of points.

Quizzes (15%): Students will have several multiple choice and short answer quizzes on the films and/or required readings throughout the semester.

Short Essay (10%): Students will be required to write a short 3-5 page essay that performs a textual analysis of an anime or manga text. A list of prompts will be given with the assignment.

Evaluation

All grades for the semester will adhere to Georgia Techs mandatory grading scalenote, there are no plus or minus grades in this system.

90%-100% A

80%-89% B

70%-79% C

60%-69% D

59%-below F

Communication Objectives and Outcomes

Table 1. Objectives and Outcomes Specified by the Board of Regents and by Communication@Tech

Board of Regents

University System of Georgia*

Georgia Tech

Writing and Communication Program

Rhetoric

Rhetoric focuses on available means of persuasion, considering the synergy of factors such as context, audience, purpose, role, argument, organization, design, visuals, and conventions of language.

Objective

Understand rhetorical contexts for writing by establishing the writers role, the audience, and the purpose of the project.

Outcome

Use conventions of writing mechanics, usage, and style to communicate effectively for the given audience, purpose, and format.

Objectives

Understand registers and variations within discourses.

Apply strategies for addressing academic and professional audiences.

Outcome

Create artifacts that demonstrate the synergy of rhetorical elements.

Process Processes for communication for example, creating, planning, drafting, designing, rehearsing, revising, presenting, publishingare recursive, not linear. Learning productive processes is as important as creating products.

Objective

Approach writing as a way to think and communicate ideas to others.

Outcomes

Use recursive processes that include collecting information, focusing, ordering, drafting, revising, and editing.

Demonstrate the techniques and skills of research, integration of source material, and documentation.

Objective

Explore individual and collaborative processes in multicultural and international contexts.

Outcome

Construct, select, and deploy information based on interpretation and critique of the accuracy, bias, credibility, authority, and appropriateness of sources.

Modes and Media Activities and assignments should use a variety of modes and mediawritten, oral, visual, electronic, and nonverbalsingly and in combination. The context and culture of multimodality and multimedia are critical.

Objective

Adjust writing to a variety of contexts, including electronic environments.

Outcome

Read and respond to various texts for purposes of interpretation, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and judgment.

Objective

Distinguish and evaluate multimodal communication WOVEN (Written, Oral, Visual, Electronic, and Nonverbal).

Outcome

Create WOVEN artifacts that demonstrate interpretation, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and judgment.

General Disclaimer

As the instructor of this course, I reserve the right to make any changes to the syllabus that I deem necessary during the semester. Students will be expected to make note of any such changes and follow them accordingly.

*TENTATIVE SCHEDULESUBJECT TO CHANGE

Schedule

Daily Class Activities

Assignments and Events

Week One

Monday (06/22)

First day of class

Introduction to Japanese manga and anime

Short video

Overview of course

Tuesday (06/23)

Syllabus scavenger hunt

Introductions

Short video and writing task

Wednesday (06/24)

QUIZ #1

Group Poster Presentation Sign-Up

Go over Group Poster Presentation Assignment

Discuss readings

Review rhetorical triangle

Thursday (06/25)

QUIZ #2

Discuss readings

Go over Short Essay Assignment

Monday (06/22)

HW:

Purchase books

Print and read syllabusbring to class on Tuesday

Tuesday (06/23

HW:

Read Introduction and Ch. 1-3 of Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics

Read Ranma Vol. 1

Wednesday (06/24)

HW:

Read Ch. 1-2 of Anime: from Akira to Howls Moving Castle

Thursday (06/25)

HW:

Read Ch. 3 of Anime: from Akira to Howls Moving Castle

Read Ch. 5 of Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics

Watch Akira

Week Two:

Cyborg Selves, Existential Crisis, and Postmodern Apocalypse

Monday (06/29)

QUIZ #3

Discuss readings and film

Group Poster PresentationAkira

Tuesday (06/30)

Conclude discussion of Akira and begin discussing Ghost in the Shell

Group Poster PresentationGhost in the Shell

Wednesday (07/01)

QUIZ

Conclude discussion of Ghost in the Shell

Thursday (07/02)

QUIZ

Peer Review

Mecha discussion

Sample Video Clips

Monday (06/29)

HW:

Watch Ghost in the Shell

Tuesday (06/30)

HW:

Read Ch. 6 of Anime: from Akira to Howls Moving Castle

Wednesday (07/01)

HW:

Read Ch. 5 of Anime: from Akira to Howls Moving Castle

Read Ch. 4 of Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics

Thursday (07/02)

DUE:

Rough Draft of Short Essay

HW:

Watch Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Finish revisions on Short Essay

Sign up for extended office hours next week to discuss proposed topics for final project

Week Three:

Humanity vs. Nature: Gendered Environmental Politics

Monday (07/06)

Go over Final Project

In-class writing activity

Group Poster Presentation-- Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Tuesday (07/07)

QUIZ

Discuss readings

Review library database searching and scholarly sources

How to write an abstract

In-class writing activity

Wednesday (07/08)

QUIZ

Group Poster PresentationPrincess Mononoke

Discuss film

Thursday (07/09)

Finish discussing film

How to write an annotated bibliography

In-class writing activity

Clip from Barefoot Gen

Monday (07/06)

DUE:

Final Draft of Short Essay

HW:

Read Ch. 8 of Anime: from Akira to Howls Moving Castle

Tuesday (07/07)

HW:

Watch Princess Mononoke

Read Ch. 12 of Anime: from Akira to Howls Moving Castle

Finish abstract

Wednesday (07/08)

DUE:

Abstract

HW:

Begin compiling a list of scholarly sources for conference paperbring copies of available sources to class

Read at least one of your sources and take notes on itbring to class

Thursday (07/09)

HW:

Watch Grave of the Fireflies

Read Ch. 11 of Anime: from Akira to Howls Moving Castle

Work on rough draft of annotated bibliography

Week Four:

Appropriating History: Fact, Fiction, and Fantasy

Monday (07/13)

QUIZ

Group Poster Presentation--Grave of the Fireflies

Discuss readings and film

Tuesday (07/14)

Discuss Blade of the Immortal

ActivityDetermining Panel Titles for Grouped Papers

Peer Review Workshop

Wednesday (07/15)

Group Poster Presentation--Blood the Last Vampire

Thursday (07/16)

Group Poster Presentation--The Girl Who Leapt through Time

Discuss film

In-class writing activity

Monday (07/13)

HW:

Read Blade of the Immortal (Vol. 1)

Finish rough draft of Annotated Bibliography

Tuesday (07/14)

DUE:

Rough Draft of Annotated Bibliography

HW:

Watch Blood the Last Vampire

Read Christopher Boltons The Quick and the Undead: Visual and Political Dynamics in Blood: The Last Vampire

Wednesday (07/15)

HW:

Watch The Girl Who Leapt through Time

Read Ch. 6 of Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics

Finish revisions on Annotated Bibliography

Thursday (07/16)

DUE:

Final Draft of Annotated Bibliography

HW:

Watch Perfect Blue

Read Ch. 7 of Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics

Complete rough draft of Conference Paper

Week Five: Narratives at/about the Margins: Articulations of Desire and the Need for Alternative Kinship Structures

Monday (07/20)

Discuss Perfect Blue

Vote on film screening for Thursday

Tuesday (07/21)

Discuss Only the Ring Finger Knows and article

Watch Embracing Love OVA Episode 1

Wednesday (07/22)

Discuss readings

Discuss Tokyo Godfathers

Thursday (07/23)

Last Day of Class

Final Conference Program and Reminders

Film Screening

Course Evaluations

*NOTE:

The Conference will be held during the final exam period. Location TBA. All students are required to attend for the full duration of the conference.

Monday (07/20)

DUE:

Rough draft of Conference Paper

HW:

Complete email peer review for partner

Read Only the Ring Finger Knows

Read McLellands article

Tuesday (07/21)

HW:

Read Ch.8 of Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics

Begin working on Conference Paper Revisions

Watch Tokyo Godfathers

Wednesday (07/22)

HW:

Read Ch. 10 of Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics

Begin rehearsing for conference paper presentation

Complete revisions on final paper draft

Thursday (07/23)

DUE:

Final Draft of Conference Paper

HW:

Make final preparations for Conference Presentation

*Quoted text derives from the Committee on English Recommendation, Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, HYPERLINK "http://www.usg.edu/academics/comm/english/level_11012.phtml" http://www.usg.edu/academics/comm/english/level_11012.phtml (accessed July 31, 2008).