Scribner Seminar Program
Course Description
Manga as Social Commentary: Storytelling, Society, and Cultural Critique
Instructor(s): Masami Tamagawa, World Languages and Literatures
How do comics critique society? This seminar examines Japanese manga as a form of social commentary. Through close reading of visual narratives, students explore how manga addresses themes such as gender, sexuality, disability, work, war, technology, and belonging. Drawing on sociology, history, and literary and media studies, the course introduces interdisciplinary approaches to analyzing how popular culture reflects and challenges social life. No prior knowledge of Japan or manga is required. All readings are in English translation, and key concepts are introduced in accessible language for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Course Offered: 2026