This semester I took the somwhat extracurricular (in the sense that it's not part of my study program) course JAP2501 - Japanese Popular Culture. This course had no final exam; the final grade was given through the submission of a term paper on the topic of your own choice.

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I wanted to write about the Japanese animator and director Hayao Miyazaki, so I elected the following study question:

What are the central themes of Hayao Miyazakiʼs films, and how are they presented?

I've chosen to share my work with the entire world, so if you'd like, you can read my term paper here. Feedback is, as always, appreciated.

Update (2009/06/22 21:48): Final grade: A! :D