[COOPER 122] Students’ Reflections to Faculty-Led Travel to Japan

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte conducts a variety of faculty-led travel abroad programs which are developed and led by faculty members focusing on a specific subject. The faculty-led travel to Japan happens during spring break. This program is called “Tokyo: From Samurai Capital to Modern Metropolis” which is led by the professor from the Department of History, and its aim is to grasp the transformation of Tokyo from a shogunal power into the modern global capital it is today. The presenter participated in the program as sub-coordinator in March, 2017. Besides Tokyo, Kamakura and Nikko were included. The program is a cross-listing among three departments; History, International Studies, and Languages and Culture Studies. No Japanese knowledge is required for this program and the students can earn three credits for the 10-day trip. The participants are also required to attend four lectures prior to the travel and make a presentation afterwards. At the SEATJ conference, the presenter will discuss the program conducted in March, 2017, including the curriculum and the participants’ survey who all visited Japan for the very first time. Surveys were conducted prior to the trip and afterwards to examine what the students had learned through the program and if there were any changes of interests and impression of Japan during the short time period. Faculty-Led Program, Cross-Listing Course, Reflections to the New Program, Tokyo, Japanese Histor