MIT MIT-OCW
Intro to Japanese Culture
MIT OpenCourseWare shares this survey of the aesthetic, social, and political forces that shaped modern Japanese culture and society. Readings pair contemporary accounts of Japan with the historical evolution of its culture, alongside literary texts, film, and art. The course also examines everyday life and leisure activities, from traditional customs to modern pop culture, to show how history and aesthetics play out in ordinary experience. Materials include the syllabus, reading lists, and assignments as posted by MIT, free to access with no certificate offered. Suited to students wanting a structured introduction to Japan through texts and film rather than a language course.