This course provides a comprehensive overview of the key theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of Japanese culture. Students will explore influential theories of culture, and examine Japan through the intermediary of the nation-state, families, schools, businesses, as well as religion and folklore. Lectures integrate leading academic research from the social sciences, and they encourage students to deepen their understanding of Japan from a multidisciplinary perspective and through cross-cultural comparisons. Students will have the opportunity to further develop their research and critical thinking skills through a group project and a final research paper.