INSTRUCTORS
Mindy Landeck, Tom Blake
COURSE FEE: $5750
ESTIMATED OUT-OF-POCKET COST: $750
INTERVIEW: Yes
MAX CLASS SIZE: 32
PREREQs: No
DESTINATION
Japan
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Writing in the late nineteenth century, world traveler Isabella Bird said of japan that “Japan offers as much novelty perhaps as an excursion to another planet.” Join fellow AC students on an adventure into Japan’s past and present. We will start in the nation’s spiritual and cultural capital of Kansai, where we will explore the neon-lit streets of Osaka, the tranquil Zen gardens of Kyoto, and the ancient forests of Nara, where visitors hand-feed tame deer. Jumping on a bullet train, the group will then explore points including visits to the storied castle town of Himeji and the bustling city of Hiroshima, the site of the world’s first use of the A-bomb. At destinations both ancient and modern, the group will enjoy cultural activities that range from traditional arts and crafts to experiencing the game arcades and karaoke boxes of contemporary youth culture. Along the way, we will read accounts of travels in Japan by native and foreign writers, and use travel journal to write about our experiences as they unfold. Additionally, students will learn how to navigate the processes of cultural acclimation and to function as well-informed and courteous world travelers.
EMAIL FACULTY: Mindy Landeck