Same as Asian Studies 372R. Examine a wide variety of Japanese popular media within the historical context during which these unique cultural forms developed. Focus on the popular manga and anime Japan has exported since becoming an economic superpower in the 1980s, the utopian/dystopian expression in Japanese sci-fi narratives of this era, and the complex interplay of gender and technology in the new post-human societies these narratives envision. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Asian American Studies 320 (Topic: Jpn Pop Cul:Anime/Manga/Otaku), 320J, Asian Studies 372 (Topic: Jpn Pop Cul:Anime/Manga/Otaku), 372R. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.