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Savannah Cardinale
Samples of Coursework
On this page, you’ll find a collection of examples of work I've completed throughout my academic journey, showcasing a range of skills and abilities developed across various courses. Simply click on the button beside each description to enlarge and explore the full details of my work.
Linguistic Proficiency Samples
私が尊敬する有名人
This sample provides a brief description of a famous person I deeply admire, along with the reasons why they inspire me.
日本語のスピーチ
This speech was prepared for the Japanese Department’s annual speech contest during the spring semester of 2023. It tells a brief story about the first time I learned how to ride a bike.
Culture Proficiency Samples
"The Ideal Female Body in Japan" - Sociocultural Analysis Paper
This paper explores the "ideal female body" in Japan and how Japanese beauty standards are heavily influenced by Western ideals, particularly those from America. It examines the pressure many Japanese women feel to conform to these standards, often at the expense of their mental and physical well-being. The paper delves into the widespread impact of these unrealistic expectations on women's lives, highlighting the detrimental effects and challenges they face in their pursuit of beauty.
"Ogasawara Island People of Japan" - Ethnographic Analysis Paper
This paper examines the struggles faced by the indigenous people of the Ogasawara Islands since their first settlements in 1830. It highlights how sovereignty disputes and the arrival of mainland Japanese residents have led to discrimination and a diminishing sense of cultural identity. The lack of recognition and support from the Japanese government further threatens the unique heritage of the Ogasawara people. Ultimately, these challenges create a profound sense of alienation and identity crisis among the island’s inhabitants.
Literature & Humanities Proficiency Samples
"Post-Modern Human Identity" - Literary Analysis Paper
This paper explores Haruki Murakami's Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, focusing on its postmodern portrayal of human identity through two contrasting narratives. By examining themes of materialism and personal connections, the paper argues that true identity thrives in imperfection, ultimately suggesting that human complexity is best understood through a postmodern lens that values uniqueness over conformity.
"Princess Mononoke's Progression Through Time" - Film Analysis Paper
This paper explores Princess Mononoke's evolution in Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 film, highlighting her shift from a vengeful spirit in Japanese mythology to a powerful symbol of feminism and environmentalism. It argues that her character, along with Prince Ashitaka and Lady Eboshi, embodies modern values of female strength and the pressing need for humans to live in harmony with nature. Through their struggles, the film calls attention to the dangers of environmental destruction and the importance of respecting the natural world.
Fall 2024 translation project coming soon
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