Japan

Japan: International Christian University–UC Joint Program in Contemporary Japanese Culture

Host Institution

International Christian University, Tokyo (ICU)

Highlights

This program features a core course taught in English titled Contemporary Japan from Ramuné to Anime, which provides both a historical survey of post-1945 Japanese popular culture, including such genres as anime and manga, and intensive field work in the urban culture of today’s Tokyo. It examines recent Japanese media culture in terms of Japan’s place in a globalizing world and issues specific to recent Japanese history (immigration, falling birth rate, globalized youth culture, economic restructuring, and the nation’s role in world affairs). ICU is a relatively small institution located in a western suburb of Tokyo on a spacious, peaceful campus. It’s just over an hour by train from the city center but close to shops, small restaurants, and supermarkets.

Duration

Fall Term: early September to late November (calendar)

Extension from ICU fall to ICU year is not possible at this time. Qualified students interested in spending more than one quarter at ICU are encouraged to apply for the year program.

Academic Focus

Interdisciplinary and subject-specific courses on contemporary Japanese culture in the areas of art, communication, popular culture, media, economic development, sociology, history, politics, and society; a core course, titled Contemporary Japan from Ramuné to Anime, is required. (course information)

Students attend classes with UC students, international students, and host country students.

Language of Instruction

English

Language Study

Students with no prior background in Japanese language are required to take an introductory Japanese language course at ICU. Students with some Japanese language skills are strongly encouraged to continue their language study but are not required to do so.

Units

Students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. A minimum of 15.5 UC quarter units is required; to earn a semester’s credit, UC Berkeley students will take a minimum of 19.5 quarter units.

Housing

UC students live off campus in EAP-arranged, furnished apartments or dormitories.

Estimated Cost

For estimated program costs, see the Financial Overview page.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this program, see the Selection Criteria and Application Deadlines.