Prerequisite: JAPN201 with a C- or better.

This course explores topics in the field of linguistic pragmatics (the study of language use in context) with a focus on stylistic variation inthe films of Miyazaki Hayao and Studio Ghibli. We begin with an introduction to pragmatic concepts such as deixis (how language indexes social, temporal, and spatial relationships), speech acts (how utterances function as requests, orders, apologies, invitations, etc.), and linguistic politeness. Readings, class discussions, quizzes, and homework assignments will first address these concepts through English examples, and subsequently apply them to excerpts drawn from Miyazaki s works, with special attention to how the linguistic behavior of a character contributes to his or her overall portrayal in a film. We conclude with individual multimedia projects developed and presented by the students.