RCS 123Monsters and Magic in Japanese Popular Culture

Units: 0.50
Faculty: Arts
Subject: Religion, Culture, and Spirituality
Cross-listed: EASIA 120R

When it runs

Ran in 1 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

What roles do monsters, magic, and supernatural creatures play in Japanese popular culture such as anime and manga? How do these relate to Buddhism, Shinto, Daoism, and other Japanese religions? Topics include modern-day creations such as Godzilla and Pokémon as well as traditional deities, ghosts, angry spirits, goblins, and shapeshifters.

Prerequisites

None listed.

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
Section	Class	Enrolled	Meets
LEC 001	8058	17 / 25	Th 10:00–12:50

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar

2025–26
2026–27 (shown here)
2019–20 and earlier on ucalendar