This program will last approximately thirteen weeks. The group will spend the initial five weeks residing together on campus. While on campus, students will obtain background on Japanese society, history, and culture by reading several books and doing preliminary research. Students will also begin their study of the Japanese language by taking instruction from Professor Bohaker. This course will enable the students to know basic phrases and the two basic Japanese alphabets (hiragana and katakana) before arriving in Japan. This introduction will provide a basis for continued language training in Kyoto.
The remaining eight weeks of the program will include five weeks in Kyoto and approximately 3 weeks visiting the cities of Hiroshima, Awara, Tsuwano, and Tokyo. While in Kyoto, students will attend Japanese language classes each morning at a local language school. Afternoons will be spent in a variety of ways: exploring the Japanese culture and history by visiting shrines, temples, and gardens, participating in a tea ceremony, visiting an elementary school, walking through back streets and markets, shopping, visiting museums; researching, which will include observation and conducting interviews with Japanese people; interacting with local experts and scholars to learn more about Japan. Weekends will include trips to other historical and cultural sites including the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, the Sea of Japan near Awara, the ancient capital of Nara, Himeji Castle, and the culturally-rich village of Tsuwano. During the final days in Tokyo, students will engage in activities similar to those conducted in Kyoto: meeting with Japanese experts in a variety of fields, researching and exploring local culture, visiting historic sites, etc. Upon returning home from Japan, students will complete final assignments and a research paper due by the end of the semester.
Weeks 0-5: On Principia College Campus
Week 6-7: Kyoto
Week 8: Kyoto/Fukui
Week 9-10: Kyoto Homestays
Week 11: Kyoto/Tsuwano/Miyajima/Hiroshima
Week 12: Hiroshima/Tokyo
Week 13: Tokyo