Most field trips are half-day trips. Field trips are subject to change.
-Toyot

Location:

Okazaki, Japan

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

Arrive Date: 6/22/2013 End Date: 7/21/2013

This program examines how Japanese popular culture has developed from traditional culture. It explores Japanese twentieth-century popular culture including films, animation, and comics. The program also explores how the culture grows and shifts its focus. It includes field trips to both contemporary and historical sites, and cultural lessons such as Japanese calligraphy, a tea ceremony and flower arrangement. It includes three major field trips to Kyoto, the Ise Shrine/Iga Ninja House and the Toyota Automobile Factory. The program is designed so that students can taste the essence of Japan within a month. Those who participate should expect a serious amount of course work and a strict Japanese living environment. No prerequisites.

COURSES
Japanese 109 - Japanese Popular Culture (5 units) - Taught in English
Japanese popular culture, from its medieval/early modern precedents to contemporary incarnation. Emphasis on the major forms of twentieth-century popular culture, including genre films, popular theater, TV manga (cartoons), animation and science fiction. GE credit: Arts and Humanities, Diversity
AND
Japanese 198 - Directed Group Study (3 units) - Taught in English
P/NP grading only.

~Understand Japanese popular culture such as anime, movies, and comics inside out.
~Experience various authentic hands-on cultural lessons and exciting field trips.

Most field trips are half-day trips. Field trips are subject to change.
-Toyota Motor Corp. (factory tour)
-Okazaki city tour
-Two schools: elementary and junior high (class observations)
-Star Festival
-Day-trip to Kyoto
-Noh performance
-BBQ dinnner
-Ise Shrine & Ninja House (a whole day trip)

Activities: Every week students will experience different Japanese traditional culture. Well-trained talented masters will provide hands-on lessons. Traditional cultural lessons include:
-Japanese calligraphy (Sho-Do)
-Wearing Yukata
-Flower arrangements (Ka-Do)
-Tea Ceremony (Sa-Do)
-Sumie painting


Upper-division units (open to freshmen through graduates). Taught in English. UC Davis courses taught by University of California, Davis faculty.

Please contact UC Davis Summer Abroad for the most up-to-date information concerning program costs. Programs start around $4,000.

All students enrolled in a Summer Abroad program (Davis and Non-Davis) will have the opportunity to apply for a Travel Award ($500 - $1,500.) Travel award deadline: March 5, 2013. Enrollment deadline is April 5, 2013.

Setting Description:

Students will be staying at Aichi Seinen no Ie (the House of the Aichi youth) funded by Aichi Prefecture. The facility is newly remodeled and has numerous amenities: tennis courses, a gymnasium, a TV room, "tatami" room for a tea ceremony and outdoor facilities for BBQ's. The House is surrounded by beautiful nature, yet conveniently located with a shopping mall and a train station within a few blocks. The area is considered to be very safe, and very stimulating both culturally and contemporarily. Students will share a room and a bathroom, and have access to a laundry room. There is free wireless Internet connection in the common area of the dorms. There is a 10 p.m. curfew at Aichi Seinen no Ie.

Okazaki is located midway between Nagoya and Toyohashi. Okazaki Castle is the focus of the city, which was an important Tokaido post town and river port.

The area around the student accommodations is surrounded by beautiful nature, yet conveniently located with a shopping mall and a tra