Japan

Dates (tentative): May 13 - June 12, 2008

Group leader: Prof. Bruce Wallin (b.wallin@neu.edu)

Course description:
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of Japanese public policy and administration, as well as expose students to the civilization and culture of Japan. Students will explore case studies of issues of public policy and administration in Japan, and compare them to similar issues in the United States. Before the visit to Japan, students will read about Japanese politics and policy, the theory and practice of public administration, and conduct research using the Internet on current policy and administration issues in Japan.

Through lectures by, and meetings with, Japanese professors, elected officials, and public administrators, students will have the opportunity to place the issues in context, and to ask questions relating to them. An important part of the dialogue will also be interaction and discussion with Japanese students. At the conclusion of the trip students will write up a summary of their findings.

The course also seeks to introduce students to Japanese civilization and culture, which provides the context for current Japanese political and governmental (as well as societal) issues. This will be accomplished through visits to important Japanese cultural institutions, including, for example, museums, shrines, and temples.

The majority of the Dialogue will take place in Tokyo, with a five-day side trip to Kyoto.

There will be mandatory meetings during the Spring semester, as well as meetings on campus at the start of Summer I before we depart.

Course credits: POLU938 (4 SH) and IAFU938 (4 SH)

Cost of program: Most major costs will be covered by summer tuition. There may be an additional program fee depending on length of stay in-country, airline ticket prices, or other extra expenses. Students will be responsible for meals and spending money.

Application Process: Download the Dialogue of Civilizations application, enrollment form, and waiver form. Turn in the completed forms to Cynthia Rapp in the International Affairs Office, 270 Holmes Hall. Students will be interviewed by Prof. Wallin as well.

Application Deadline: The deadline for this Dialogue has passed. Please consider another one of our wonderful Dialogue programs.

Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.