
This seminar offers a unique opportunity to understand contemporary Japanese society through lectures, readings, discussions and field trips to historically and socially relevant sites in and around Tokyo, including rural revitalization projects and the beautiful city of Kyoto, often considered the cultural capital of Japan. Every week, the seminar will cover important topics that carefully consider both the country’s culture, history, political system and the dramatic social changes taking place over the past 20 to 30 years. Students will explore each topic though a combination of lectures, occasional guest speakers, readings, student presentations, class discussions and onsite tours. Japanese language instruction will offer conversational tools and another entry point into understanding Japanese culture.