4cr In this course students will critically read and interpret translations of literary, filmic, and other texts originally written in Chinese and Japanese. By studying issues such as the spread of classical cultures, cultural relationships throughout antiquity to the modern age, anxiety toward modernization and Westernization, colonialism and imperialism, national identities, ethnicity, gender, East-West relations, popular culture, labor issues, and environmental problems, students will better understand the ways that literature and culture intersect and interact with each other throughout the long, intertwined history of the two cultural spheres. Students will develop their intercultural understanding and refine their skills in critical thinking and oral and written expression. Prerequisite: None