This course examines the use of the Japanese language in different
media in contemporary Japan. The course starts by discussing how media
discourse is different from everyday interaction, and how differently
language is used in different types of media. It then focuses on the
characteristics of Japanese found in the media. Specific words, sentence
structures, and styles of language use both in written and spoken data
are analyzed. Such data include Japanese used in news, advertisements,
public signs, music lyrics, and blogs. Students also compare the
language with examples of similar contexts in English. Through these
analyses, the course fosters 1) ability to explore and express ideas
about the Japanese language and media discourse, 2) comprehension of the
ways interlocutors interact with their audiences through various
Japanese media, and 3) cultural insights that manifest in media
discourse in Japanese. During the course, students are expected to
survey research on each topic and later conduct original research by
gathering and analyzing discourse in specific media.
Prerequisites: AP/JP 2000 6.00 or equivalent (students who, through a
placement test administered by the Department, place in AP/JP 3000 6.00
or higher are also eligible to take this course). Course credit
exclusions: None.
