UAlberta - Thematic Studies in Japan - Summer Program

City: Kyoto Country: Japan

UAlberta - Thematic Studies in Japan Course Website

Overview

The Prince Takamado Japan Centre and the Department of East Asian Studies coordinate a summer study abroad program in Japan. The 2-week program will be held at Ritusmeikan University, Kinugasa Campus, located in northwestern Kyoto, a 1200-year-old city rich in culture and art.

A center of Japanese learning and culture, Kyoto is home to a number of universities and university students. Ritsumeikan University's Kinugasa Campus is surrounded by such well-known temples as Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Ninnaji, and Tojiin, and is a suitably tranquil setting for research and learning.

The Thematic Studies in Japan course varies in topic every year to cover an array of disciplines involving Japanese cultural elements. Students of any academic background who are interested in the topic are free to attend the course. Feel free to check out topics from previous years.

The theme for 2018 is "Western Comics Culture/s vs Japanese Manga Culture?" with Chris Reyns-Chikuma.

Course Summary

Although there are many cultures of comics in the world, it is often accepted to say that there are three main traditions: American, Japanese and Franco-European. In his famous didactic book Understanding comics, Scott McCloud reduces these three cultures to two, the West (US-Europe) and the East-Japan, using formal aesthetic differences to oppose the two. Similarly, in Manga in America, Transnational Book Publishing, while analyzing the manga industry in the US market, Casey Brienza, found differences between both from a managerial and organizational perspective. In this course, while trying to avoid the orientalist binary system opposing West and East in an essentialist way, we will explore both the aesthetic and commercial differences but also similarities between these two comic/manga worlds. We will use both critical texts and 'comics/manga' to debate these issues. Students will bring their own readings, academic sources and knowledge to contribute to the debate.


When Can I Go?

Terms Offered: Spring 2018

Dates & Duration: June 18-29, 2018


Eligibility Requirements

TOEFL 400-480

In order to apply for the Thematic Studies in Japan course, the following must be submitted by the application deadline set by the Prince Takamado Japan Centre:

  • Completed Thematic Studies in Japan Course Application Form (ensure two references' names and contact information are included as part of the application package)
  • Official transcript(s) of all post-secondary work

Program Information

Language of Instruction: English

Field of Study: Arts


Fees & Costs

Costs shown are approximate and subject to change.

  • Airfare (Edmonton - Osaka - Edmonton): $1,400
  • Field Trips (e.g. Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe): $200
  • Other Expenses: $1,100 (accommodation, local transportation, meals, etc.)

Total Cost: Approximately $2,700


Housing

Shared accommodation will be organized by Ritsumeikan University. Ritsumeikan University offers students its dormitory check in on June 17 and check out on June 30. (Bunk bed x 2)


Program Contact

For all questions related to eligibility, applying, deadlines, costs and program details, contact:

Rei Kondo
Prince Takamado Japan Centre
TELUS Centre Suite 203 B
ptjc@ualberta.ca

Apply Now

Deadlines

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Funding Opportunities 

Students receive on average between $1,400-$2,000 in funding.

Over 80% of students who apply get funding.

Education Abroad Awards