Japan - Language

Dates (tentative): May 26 - June 26, 2008

Group leader(s): Prof. Matsuko Levin (m.levin@neu.edu) and Prof. Rei Inouye (r.inouye@neu.edu)

Course description:

View program flyer.

The course offers intensive Japanese language training and a hands-on introduction to Japanese culture. We will spend 20 days in Sapporo, 8 days in Tokyo, and 3 days in Kyoto. In Sapporo, where the summer weather is perfect, we will use the facilities of the technologically enhanced campus of Hokkai Gakuen University. Students will be placed into an appropriate level of language courses and meet 3 hours in the classroom in the morning and 1 hour during dinner (conversation sessions), and paired with native speaker peer companions (college students) and participate in various activities together. Students will also have abundant opportunities to engage in dialogues with Japanese university professors, local business leaders, government officials, farming people, and students ranging from elementary school to college level.

In the Japanese culture course, taught by Prof. Inouye and local professors and experts, lectures and discussions will include popular and traditional culture, history, religion, politics, business, social customs, geography, and aboriginal Ainu culture. The integral part of the course includes field trips to local industries, government offices, temples and shrines, a native aboriginal village, and a hot spring spa (onsen). June is a festival ("matsuri") season in Sapporo. We will have the chance to witness the excitement of "matsuri," inducing the world-renown Yosakoi Festival. Students will also have a two-night home-stay and share in the domestic customs and daily life of the Japanese.

The last third of the course consists of trips to various places where students will explore what they have learned in the classroom while in Sapporo. We will fly to Tokyo, the political and cultural center of Japan, which provides a great kaleidoscope of contemporary and traditional elements of Japanese culture. We will visit pop cultural sites such as Asakusa, Akihabara, Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi, and experience the lively, exciting urban life of Tokyo. We will also visit Sumo training houses and Kabuki and Noh theaters to learn about traditional culture. Politicians will give us a tour of the National Diet building, the focus of Japanese political life. In addition, there will be a one-day excursion to the beautiful ancient city of Kamakura and to the environment-friendly factory of Fuji Film in Odawara.

Then we will ride the Bullet Train to Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital venerated for its old shrines and temples, many of which designated as World Heritage. During this three-day stay, we will visit various historical/cultural sites such as Kiyomizu Temple, Golden Pavilion, Nishijin Textile Center, and the Gion district, and participate in Zen meditation. We will also visit the new International Manga Museum and explore its fascinating exhibition and workshop on Japan's comics culture.

Prerequisite: LNJU101 or equivalent

Course credits: IAF U939 Dialogue of Civilizations Globalization, Humanities, and Cultural Studies and one Japanese Language Immersion course (LNJ U120, 320, or 520).

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 may be responsible for meals and spending money.

Application Process: The program is open to students of any major. Applicants should have a 3.0 GPA and have completed at least LNJU101 or equivalent.
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.

Application Deadline: December 14, 2007

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.