This course is part of the UBC Future Global Leaders Online program for high school students ages 15–18.
Explore the fantasy world constructed in Japanese popular culture by looking at a series of texts from manga (Japanese comics) and anime (Japanese animation). We investigate how manga and anime create meaning significant not only to Japanese society but also to the global audience. Through analyzing the history, technology, and industry behind manga and anime, we explore the social and cultural significance of this fantasyscape that continues to mesmerize the world.
This course will appeal to students interested in literature, popular culture, Japanese society and the globalization of entertainment.
CYRUS HUIYONG QIU is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Asian Studies at UBC where he teaches the very popular upper-level course, Critical Approaches to Manga and Anime. His research focuses on Japanese popular culture, especially manga and anime, and its circulation among Japan, China, and Korea.
Expected Effort
In addition to the live virtual classes and office hours, you can expect to spend 1-2 hours per week reading, researching and participating in discussion boards.
Technology Requirements
To take this course, you’ll need access to:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop or tablet under five years old using Windows or macOS
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection
- a video camera and microphone.
One business day before the start of your course, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.
Course Format
This course is 100% online and instructor-supported with real-time classes, and virtual drop-in office hours during the course. The real-time classes are not recorded.
Fall/Winter Term (September – December / January – April)
Attend live virtual classes once a week on Saturdays for two hours for ten weeks.
Summer Term (July and August)
Attend live virtual classes two hours a day from Monday to Friday for three weeks.
All class times are in the Pacific Time Zone (Vancouver, BC, Canada).
Virtual Student Lounge
All UBC Future Global Leaders students have access to the online Virtual Student Lounge where they can hang out and develop friendships with students from across Canada and around the world.
To Register
After you add the course to your cart, you’re asked to complete your registration by creating a new account or logging in. If you are a parent, guardian or other adult registering for the first time on behalf of your student, please create the account in the name of the high school student attending UBC Future Global Leaders, not in your name.