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Introduction to the Online Course

  • The course is delivered in an online, on-demand format, allowing students to watch at their convenience.

  • The instructor acknowledges the challenge of teaching to a large audience without seeing their faces, expressing a desire to create an enjoyable learning experience.

Instructor's Background

  • The instructor is a faculty member in the Theory Department of the Manga Faculty.

  • Currently serving as the chairman of the organization responsible for the university's management.

  • Emphasizes the importance of understanding student needs to improve university operations.

  • Joined the university in 2001 and has been involved in manga research, founding various related organizations such as the Manga Studies Association and Manga Museum.

Course Structure and Expectations

  • Today's session is an introductory guidance session, approximately one hour long, broken down as follows:

    • First 10 minutes: Introduction of current topics.

    • Remaining 50 minutes: Lecture content.

  • The full course runs for 90 minutes, including post-lecture assignments.

  • Assignments typically request students to provide feedback on the lecture in a simple format.

Focus of Today's Topic

  • The first topic revolves around Kyoto CMX, the organizing body focused on creating cross-experiences among manga, anime, games, and films.

  • An upcoming event is scheduled for October 9, where a lecture will be delivered at the Kyoto Brighton Hotel.

  • Featured speaker: Akira Sugaya, a manga artist known for several notable publications and former colleague of the instructor.

Importance of Upcoming Lecture

  • Focus on topics relevant to contemporary manga, including IP business and the role of AI in manga creation.

  • Sugaya’s experience includes being one of the first to use a computer for manga creation and leading discussions surrounding AI developments in the industry.

  • The instructor encourages students to attend the event if possible, stressing its relevance to their studies.

Course Objectives and Goals

  • The course aims to enhance understanding of manga through two main objectives:

    1. Understanding the historical context and social significance of manga.

    2. Analyzing the structure of manga production, distribution, and consumption.

  • Students will explore how historical perspectives shift their engagement with manga, fostering active creative expression.

  • The curriculum differentiates between two quarters, focusing on different historical periods:

    • First half: Manga’s establishment in daily life (focusing on history).

    • Second half: Evolution of manga from the late Edo period through post-war Japan.

Manga Literacy

  • Manga literacy is introduced as essential for understanding complex narrative structures within manga.

  • The course will encourage critical analysis and appreciation of manga as a cultural medium.

  • Literacy includes recognizing visual cues and narrative techniques, such as how panels convey timing and action.

Specific Example of Manga Literacy

  • The session includes an example using the manga "Shinkawa Longichiro" highlighting comedic cues in artwork and storytelling.

  • Engaging students’ skills to interpret visual gags and context clues foster deeper comprehension.

Visual Literacy in Manga

  • Students will learn to decode visual elements, such as panel layout and character expressions, which influence emotional engagement and narrative flow.

  • Asking students questions around visual interpretations illustrates the need for collaborative understanding in reading manga.

Structure of Weekly Lectures

  • Weekly lectures will follow a similar format, allowing students to engage with topics in real-time or via recorded sessions.

  • The instructor emphasizes using online portals effectively for assignments and feedback.

Evaluation Criteria

  • Two main components for evaluation:

    1. General understanding of coursework: 50 points.

    2. Personal insights and original thought contributions: 50 points.

  • Students encouraged to express unique perspectives, enhancing critical discourse around manga's cultural values.

Course Materials

  • Recommended readings will enhance conceptual understanding of manga history and theory.

  • Students are encouraged to engage with primary texts and sources to supplement learning.

Conclusion and Future Engagement

  • The instructor expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming sessions, encouraging active participation.

  • Expectations set for students to engage meaningfully and deepen their understanding of manga culture and its historical significance throughout the course.