Dates: May 13-June 21 (tentative)
Instructors: Prof. Matsuko Levin, m.levin@neu.edu
Prerequisite: JPNS 1101 or equivalent
Course credits: INTL 4939 Dialogue of Civilizations Globalization, Humanities, and Cultural Studies and one Japanese Language Immersion course (JPNS 1302, 2301, 2302, 3301, 3302).
Course Descriptions: The Japanese Language summer course which takes place in 3 Japanese cities offers intensive Japanese language training and a hands-on introduction to Japanese history and culture. The students will spend 23 days in Sapporo, 11 days in Tokyo, and 4 days in Kyoto.
In the first segment of the trip, the students will be in Tokyo, the political and cultural and business center of Japan, which provides a kaleidoscope of contemporary and traditional elements of Japanese culture. We will visit popular cultural sites and areas such as Asakusa, Akihabara, Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi, and experience the exciting urban life of Tokyo. We will also watch Sumo tounament - a famous sport of Japan - and the National Kabuki theatre to learn about one of Japan's great traditions. In addition, there will be a one-day excursion to the factory of Fuji Film factory in Odawara, where we will also visit the old Odawara castle and finally walk to the Odawara beaches on the Pacific Ocean.
On the second part of the trip we will ride the Shinkansen to Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital venerated for its old shrines and temples, many of which are designated as World Heritage sites. During this 4 day stay in Kyoto, we will visit various historical/cultural sites such as Kiyomizu Temple, Golden Pavilion, and the Gion district, and participate in the Zen meditation experience. We will also visit Nara, another oldest capital of ancient Japan.
In the final part of the trip, we will fly up to Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, where the summer weather is perfect, we will use the facilities of the Hokkai Gakuen University which has modern hi-tech facilities. Students will be placed into appropriate level language courses, take language classes for 3 hours each morning as well as 1 hour during dinner (conversation sessions). Students will be paired with native speaker peer companions (college students) and will also have abundant opportunities to engage in dialogue with Japanese university professors, local business leaders, government officials, farming people, and Japanese students ranging from elementary school to college level.
In the Japanese history course, lectures and discussions will include popular and traditional culture, history, religion, politics, business, social customs, geography, and aboriginal Ainu culture. An integral part of the course includes field trips to local industries, government offices, temples and shrines, a native aboriginal (Ainu) village, and a hot spring spa (onsen). June is a festival ("Matsuri") season in Sapporo, which offers the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of several festivals including the world-renowned Yosakoi Dancing Festival which draws dance groups from all over Japan and the world. Students will also have a two-night home-stay and share in the domestic customs and daily life of the Japanese.
Cost of program: Summer tuition for 8 NU credits plus additional costs TBD.
Application Process: Download the dialogue of civilizations application and waiver form. Turn in two copies of each completed form and two copies of your unofficial transcript to the Office of International Study Programs in 10 BV.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2009
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.
