Course Description

This course explores the relationship between literature and its means of production and distribution from the Meiji Restoration to the present day. Students will engage with a wide variety of documents to explore the evolution of the publishing industry, examining the ways in which the contexts of production and promotion shaped modern and post-modern literature. By doing so, students will not only learn about the complexity of traditional media industries (books, newspapers) but also reflect on how the digital revolution disrupt those existing institutions and practices.
The first semester focuses on the development of the publishing industry from the second half of the 19th century to the mid-20th century Japan. The second semester focuses on the digital revolution and its impact on contemporary literature. From the development of the I-novel genre to the international boom in light novels, students will learn about the behind-the-scenes of the publishing industry (literary prizes, publishing houses, translation, etc.) and train to discuss in English about their literature preferences (novel, manga, light novel, etc.).