Visualizing Postwar Tokyo: Part 2

Course Description

Embark on a fascinating journey through the visual landscape of postwar Tokyo in this captivating course, "Visualizing Postwar Tokyo: Part 2." This course delves deep into the geopolitics of gazes that shaped the modern city, offering a unique perspective on urban development, social dynamics, and cultural transformation. As a continuation of Part 1, this course provides an in-depth exploration of how various groups, technologies, and media played a role in visualizing and understanding Tokyo's postwar era.

What students will learn from the course

• The dynamic exchange of gazes in postwar Tokyo from multiple perspectives
• Development and adoption of visualization technologies in Tokyo
• Sociological theories and research methods used to study marginalized urban communities
• Tokyo's evolution as a city of students and knowledge
• The concept of "visualizing" in urban contexts and the meaning of "postwar" in Japan
• The role of cinema and television in shaping the city's visual narrative
• Geopolitical implications of various gazes within the urban landscape

Pre-requisite or skills necessary to complete the course

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. It is designed as an introductory-level course, making it accessible to students from various backgrounds. However, a general interest in urban studies, Japanese history, or social sciences would be beneficial.

What the course will cover

• The impact of American occupation and the Emperor's presence on Tokyo's visual landscape
• Skyscrapers and cityscape transformation in postwar Tokyo
• Intersections of class, gender, and ethnicity in downtown Tokyo
• Gazes upon war orphans, the poor, and marginalized groups
• The role of students in shaping Tokyo's intellectual landscape
• Cinema and television as mediums for visualizing the city
• Geopolitics involved in the practice of "visualizing postwar Tokyo"

Who this course is for

• Students of urban studies, sociology, history, or Japanese culture
• Professionals in urban planning, architecture, or social work
• Anyone interested in the visual and social dynamics of modern cities
• Individuals curious about Japan's postwar development and its impact on Tokyo
• Those who want to understand the role of media and technology in shaping urban perceptions

How learners can use these skills in the real world

• Urban planning and development projects, considering the visual and social impact of changes
• Social work and community development, understanding marginalized groups in urban settings
• Media and communications, analyzing the role of visual media in shaping urban narratives
• Cultural studies and tourism, providing deeper insights into Tokyo's postwar history and development
• Academic research in fields such as urban sociology, Japanese studies, or visual culture
• Policy-making related to urban development and social integration