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Japan: Arts, Culture and the Pursuit of Otaku

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COURSE DESCRIPTION The history of otaku culture reflects its deep roots in Japanese pop culture and its ongoing adaptation to changing social and technological landscapes. Developed after World War II as Japan underwent a period of rapid economic growth and modernization, Otaku culture originated as a subculture rooted in a mix of various aspects of Japanese culture and history and American pop culture, including comics, movies, and television shows. Initially, "otaku" referred to someone with an intense interest or obsession, often related to anime, Manga, video games, cosplay, and other forms of Japanese pop culture. Today, otaku culture has created a new space for young people to express themselves and find a sense of community and, with its complex narratives, unique art styles, and themes, continue to globally influence contemporary cinema, video games, television, music and fashion trends and production. Through the lens of otaku, this Maymester class will explore how ...
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Potential Free-Time Activities

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Kyoto  Visit the Kurama Hot Springs just outside of the city. Take a day trip to Osaka and visit Space Station Visit Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Groves Take a day trip and visit the village of Ine no Funaya Visit Wazuka Tea Plantation, a green tea plantation Participate in a cooking class or tea ceremony See the Fushimi Inari Shrine Eat, shop and relax in Nishiki Market Eat, shop and relax in Shijo Dori district Climb to the top of Mt. Kurama and relax in the hot springs Stroll by the Takase River Hike from Kibune to Kurama Wander Around Kyoto Botanical Gardens Follow the Philosopher’s Walk, Eat, shop and relax in Gion, a traditional entertainment district Eat, shop and relax in the Pontocho District and Kawadoko at Kamogawa River, a modern entertainment district Tokyo  Browse Jimbocho Book Town Wander around the old Japanese houses in Yanaka Shop, eat and listen to music  in Shimokitazawa Shop, eat and relax in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Shop , e...
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Financial Aid

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Scholarships There are several sources for outside funding, including: Vanderbilt-approved Maymester and Summer abroad programs FEA Study Abroad Funding directory International Scholarships directory Boren Awards Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program Freeman Awards for Study in Asia Fund for Education Abroad Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
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The Details

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Class Title:  CMA 3893 Topics - Japan: Arts, Culture and the Pursuit of Otaku  Prerequisites:  None Credits: Three credit hours  Deadline: Maymester Application Deadline :  January 31, 2024 Tentative Dates : May 6 | International Program Begins - travel to Kyoto May 7 - 16 | Kyoto  May 16 - 18 | Osaka  May 18 - 29 | Tokyo  May 30 | - Return home Cost: $6,180: Tuition $6.960: Accommodations, Breakfasts, Ground Transportation, Guides & cultural immersions, travel insurance Total Cost: $13, 425 What is included: Accommodations (students will be sharing rooms) Breakfasts Ground transportation Guides & cultural immersions Intra-program train from Kyoto to Tokyo What is not included: Any applicable processing fees for participants that may require a visa International airfare Lunch and dinners Activities or transportation arranged on your own—any daily inclusions not listed within your itinerary Accommodations:  Kyoto -  Kyoto Tow...
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Faculty Information

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  Dr. Brian DeLevie,  brian.delevie@vanderbilt.edu Brian DeLevie serves as the Associate Director of the Center of Teaching and is a Senior Lecturer for the Department of Cinema and Media Studies at Vanderbilt University. In addition to liaising with departments and colleges across the Vanderbilt campus, Brian supports consultations, syllabus and course design, workshops, teaching observations and programs such as the New Faculty Teaching Academy.  Dr. DeLevie is also a digital artist, designer, author, and former Associate Professor of Design at the University of Colorado Denver; during his twenty-year tenure at the University of Denver, he served as the Co-Founder and Director of The Comcast Center for Media and Technology and the Center for Arts as Systemic Change, Chair of the Department of Visual Arts, and Head of the Digital Design program. His body of creative and artistic works investigates themes of technology, memory, history, and Holocaust issues and has been e...
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Application Process

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Application Process Maymester Application Deadline :  January 31, 2024 Even if you are not completely certain you wish or are able to go, you  MUST  submit an online application to hold your spot.  Students must submit all application materials, including personal statement and academic references, by January 31. The course will accept students on a rolling basis. Additional requirements will apply after acceptance. Once students have been accepted into a Maymester course, they must confirm their acceptance by signing a virtual “Commitment to Attend” by February 15, 2023. This commitment will appear on the student’s GEO application once she or he has been accepted into the course. Students are strongly encouraged to sign this document as soon as possible in order to accommodate waitlisted students. If a student fails to sign this document by the February 15 deadline, his or her position in the course may be made available to waitlisted students. Please note: Under-en...
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Planned Cultural Activities, Excursions

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KYOTO   Kyoto served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh-largest city, with a population of 1.4 million. Over the centuries, Kyoto has been destroyed by many wars and fires, but countless temples, shrines, and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today. Kyoto Cultural Activities and Excursions Kyoto Neighborhood Tour  Stroll along the streets surrounding your housing accommodations and get familiar with the local restaurants, shops, and public transportation stations (no entrance fees included). Kyoto National Museum   The museum's permanent collection is presented to the public in rotating exhibitions and consists of various cultural properties, including archaeological relics, sculptures, ceramics, calligraphy, costumes and paintings. It is housed in the spacious galleries of the Heisei Chishinkan, a building designed by Taniguchi Yoshio and opened in 2014.  Rengeoin Sanjusangend...
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