Harvard Summer Program in Tokyo, Japan
At a Glance
Dates:
May 31–July 23, 2010
Application deadline:
February 5
Cost:
$7,350
Accommodations:
Host family
Slideshow
Related Links
Contact
- Theodore J. Gilman, e-mail
Harvard College students can attend the study abroad fair to learn more about this program.
A study of Japanese and East Asian cultural beliefs and history
Faculty: Mikael Adolphson and Shigehisa Kuriyama
With a metropolitan-area population of roughly 35 million, Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world. It is a thoroughly modern metropolis with high-speed trains and subways, soaring architectural icons of glass and steel, flashing anime imagery on colorful billboards, and vibrant shopping districts woven into its fabric. But Tokyo’s rich history is never far away. One can easily retreat into a small temple courtyard, stroll down a narrow street lined with small homes and shops, or relax in a park under a stand of swaying bamboo.
Students who study in this summer program are exposed to both modern and traditional Tokyo. Professor Adolphson’s course examines Japan’s warrior class, exploring themes such as warfare, religion, and literature. Professor Kuriyama’s course investigates cultural beliefs about medicine and the body, making a comparative study between Europe and East Asia.
Course of study
Students take both courses. Noncredit Japanese language instruction is provided for students with no previous exposure to the Japanese language.
EALC S-11 Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan: Medicine and the Body in East Asia and in Europe (32421)
Shigehisa Kuriyama.
(4 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
This course offers a comparative historical perspective on East Asian and Western ideas of medicine and the body. It spotlights how the contrasts between these 2 traditions entailed not just different ways of thinking about the body, but also different ways of being bodies. A special feature of the course will be the opportunity to explore the uses of podcasts and short movies as media of intellectual analysis. Harvard College students can log in and view a movie trailer for the course at the website for Culture and Belief 11.
Prerequisites: none.
HIST S-42 Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan: Constructing the Samurai (32096)
Mikael Adolphson.
(4 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
This course examines the rise and fall of Japan's warrior class and of the bushido ethos. The main focus is on the juxtaposition of the mythology of the samurai and the realities of samurai life. We discuss warfare, training, religion, art, literature, values, and the family. There is extensive use of visual materials and excursions to sites relevant to the samurai lifestyle.
Prerequisites: none.
Course credit
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Mikael Adolphson, PhD, Associate Professor of Japanese Cultural Studies, University of Alberta
Shigehisa Kuriyama, PhD, Reischauer Institute Professor of Cultural History, Harvard University
Application
Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 1 year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply.
The application materials, outlined below, are due February 5:
- A completed online application (available in early December) that includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A supplementary statement describing interest in the program, relevant coursework, and travel experience abroad (previous travel is not a prerequisite)
- Official transcripts (sent directly to the address below; unofficial transcripts are accepted for Harvard College students only)
Transcripts should be addressed as follows:
Matilda West
Study Abroad Coordinator
Harvard Summer School
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Students are notified of admission decisions by late February or early March.
Cost
The cost of the program is $7,350 and a nonrefundable $50 application fee. This covers:
- Tuition
- Room and some meals
- All scheduled excursions and extracurricular activities
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($175; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Tokyo
- The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
- Any immunizations
Program directors will advise students of likely additional expenses. A sample budget for estimating expenses will be available soon.
How to pay and funding options
See How to Pay for payment deadlines, deposit amounts, and more information including funding options for Harvard College students.
Accommodations
Students stay in homes with local families where they have the best chance to experience the Japanese way of life. Each student has a private room. Access to a kitchen, laundry facilities, and a telephone may be arranged between the students and the family. Families live in safe neighborhoods within a normal commute to the university.
Additional information
Contact Theodore J. Gilman, tgilman@fas.harvard.edu; (617) 495-3220; fax (617) 496-8083.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible. See Students with Disabilities for more information.
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