ANTHROPOLOGY OF JAPAN

Academic year
2025/2026 Syllabus of previous years
Official course title
ANTROPOLOGIA DEL GIAPPONE
Course code
LM2460 (AF:568100 AR:326338)
Teaching language
Italian
Modality
On campus classes
ECTS credits
6
Degree level
Master's Degree Programme (DM270)
Academic Discipline
L-OR/20
Period
2nd Semester
Where
VENEZIA
This course explores the major cultural and social dynamics of Japan through a series of central themes. We will examine the legacies of nationalist research, which has influenced the construction of Japanese identity, and the role of eugenics in nation-building. We will also analyze relations between majority and minority cultures, with focus on groups such as the Ainu and Zainichi Koreans. Another major theme concerns class and status divisions, exploring social inequalities and mobility dynamics. The course will also address issues of gender and sexuality, examining traditional roles and modern challenges related to women's and LGBT+ rights. The juxtaposition of urbanization and rural decline will be discussed in the context of social and economic transformations. Domestic, corporate and educational ideologies and practices will be explored, with a focus on work culture and education. Finally, the course will touch on the influence of media, sports and fashion, as well as Japanese views of nature, life and death, analyzing traditional religions, religious syncretism and the impact of new biomedical technologies.
This programme is provisional and there could still be changes in its contents.
Last update of the programme: 27/03/2025