David Hooper, Waseda University

Alex kerr (2001) has suggested that much of what has been written about Japan in the last 50 years has come from authors viewing the country through rose-tinted spectacles. The course will examine some of the popular images about Japan and its culture and consider how they originated and the extent to which they are valid. Is there a case for reassessing much of what modern-day Japan is though to represent? The topics chosen for discussion will be wide and varied, including amongst others, Japan and its love of nature, Japanese concepts of beauty, Japan's preoccupation with ruthless efficiency in business, the Japanese education system, Japanese fashion, and Japanese animation.

Students in the course will also be expected to make some presentations either in groups or individually, examining some of the stereotypical images and myths within their own cultural backgrounds, and drawing contrasting parallels with Japan and other cultural settings. A reading list and detailed course outline will be given at the beginning of the semester.

David Hooper BA in Education with Physical Education and PhD in Education/Motor Control (University College of North Wales). Associate Professor at the School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University. Interested in Education, Teaching and Learning, Motor Control and Comparative Culture. Member of the editorial board of “Classical Fighting Arts Magazine”, and regular contributor to “Classical Fighting Arts” (US) and “Shotokan Karate Magazine” (UK). Recent publications include: Communication Beyond the Classroom in “The Japanese Association for Studies in English Communication Bulletin” (2002) 11 (1), p.123-132; Some Thoughts on Learning and Understanding in “Journal of Liberal Arts, Seijikeizai-Gakubu, Waseda University” (2004) 116, p.107-120. Forthcoming title: Experience: An Often Underestimated and Undervalued Part of the Teaching and Learning Process .