Course summary

The BA Digital Media, Culture and Japanese combined degree at SOAS University of London offers a unique and interdisciplinary education that explores the dynamic interplay between digital media, cultural practices, and the Japanese language and society. This innovative programme enables students to critically engage with contemporary Japanese culture while acquiring essential skills in digital media production and analysis. In the Digital Media component, students investigate how digital technologies influence communication, creativity, and cultural engagement in Japan and beyond. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including social media, digital storytelling, content creation, and the implications of digital platforms for cultural representation and identity. Students learn to critically analyse digital media texts and practices, examining how technology shapes the production and dissemination of cultural content. Practical training in digital media production equips students with the skills necessary to create impactful digital content, enhancing their understanding of the evolving media landscape. The Japanese component provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Japanese language, its structures, and its cultural significance. The curriculum encompasses essential aspects of Japanese linguistics, literature, and cultural history, allowing students to develop proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Japanese. Students explore key themes such as identity, tradition, and modernity in Japanese culture, engaging with a variety of cultural forms, including literature, film, and visual arts. This component encourages students to reflect on the cultural contexts that shape media production and reception in Japan, fostering a nuanced appreciation of the rich cultural heritage and contemporary developments in Japanese society. By combining these two disciplines, the BA Digital Media, Culture and Japanese programme equips graduates with a unique blend of critical analytical skills, language proficiency, and digital literacy. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for diverse career opportunities in media, cultural production, education, translation, and international relations, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to discussions about the role of digital media in shaping cultural narratives and identities within Japan and the wider world.