TOK3: Japan in Today’s World

Hosted by The University of Tokyo
11 – 26 July 2013

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GSP students at a Japanese family home built in early Showa period

This course will give an overview of modern Japan with emphasis on the works of the political system, including political parties, civil service, elections, and foreign relations with China, US, Korea, as well as Japan’s role in international political economy. Along with those introductory classes, we will hold two workshops, one on Risk Management and Post Disaster Relief after the March 2011 Earthquakes and another on Territorial Disputes and Nationalism, where participants are encouraged to make contributions in the discussion with invited specialists. There will be no field trips as in the photo shown above, but we expect the workshops to offer a different kind of excitement.

More Course Details

All classes will start with an introductory lecture from the instructors, each of whom are specialists from The University of Tokyo in the respective fields, which will then be followed by discussion and interactive instructions. All classes will be held in the morning of each day. The credit equivalent will be two credits for a semester-length program.

Field Trip

No formal field trip, however, there will be a one-day trip in Tokyo and a “study visit” to old historic town Kamakura with students of other GSP courses will be held (subject to change).

Target Audience

This program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who share strong curiosity in Japanese society. No specific background on Japan studies or political science is required, but participants must be prepared to complete assigned readings that are provided prior to the course.

Learning Outcomes & Assessment

Learning Outcomes

As an introductory course, you cannot expect to receive in-depth analysis of Japanese society. Our purpose is otherwise; to stimulate your intellectual curiosity toward Japanese society and politics, an intellectual appetite which may lead you to further studies in this field.

Assessment

Contact Hours: 16 classes ×90 minutes

Credit Equivalent: This course is awarded 2 credits at the University of Tokyo.

Exams: Final examination at the end of the program

Accommodation

Hotel Kizankan (5 minutes on foot from Hongo Campus)

Students must arrive by 10 July 2013.

Students will be able to check in from 10 July 2013.

Check-out date 27 July 2013.

To extend your stay, you have to reserve your rooms by yourself. Please note that for the extra nights, you will have to pay the full amount of the accommodation fee to the hotel directly.

Costs

Costs are subject to minor changes. Successful applicants will be informed.

Tuition fees	:	JPY 29,600
Accommodation including any deposits	:	JPY 142,800 (does not include meals and other costs)
Other deposits	:	N/A
Textbook Fees	:	N/A
Miscellaneous Fees	:	N/A
Living Expenses	:	Approximately JPY 3,000 per day

FAQ

Can I participate in more than one GSP course at your University, concurrently?
Yes. The University of Tokyo has designed TOK2, TOK3 and TOK4 to be taken as standalone or concurrent courses. However, TOK1 is only available for students enrolled in another TOK course. Please note that a separate application fee will be applied for each course, including "Introduction to the Japanese Language".
If I am accepted, when will I receive more course details, such as course content, reading lists, timetables, payment schedule & cancellation policies, campus maps and other logistics details?
We will send you general program information in April and detailed program information in June.
Will I have access to student facilities such as computer labs, libraries and health services at the hosting university?
Unfortunately, GSP students cannot use computers of the University of Tokyo and internet services on campus but students will have access to the internet service at the hotel. Please bring a laptop. Libraries and health services are available to GSP students.
Will I need a visa to attend this GSP course?
Information about visas is available from http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html. The host GSP coordinator can provide supporting letters and other relevant information for your visa application. Please consult your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate whether you need to obtain a visa.
How can we interact with other participants and GSP alumni before the course?
Please visit our GSP Facebook page and join the various events groups to meet informally with other GSP participants as well as alumni.

Please see also the FAQ page on the University of Tokyo GSP website.

You can direct your questions about course credits and scholarships to your home institutions. More details about the application process and deadlines will be available in the "How to Apply" page.

Further Information

The course coordinators would like to tailor the course to the participants’ interest. Only shortlisted nominees are requested to provide a list of ten questions about Japan you wish to learn during this course. This list should be sent to your host university for compilation.

For more information, please visit: http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/about/international-activities/gsp/