Japan Studies Institute

Incorporating Japanese Studies into the Undergraduate Curriculum

Join your colleagues from AASCU institutions around the country in a three-week intensive summer institute focused on the study of modern Japan.  The Japan Studies Institute (JSI) allows faculty to learn from scholars, business leaders, artists and journalists about Japanese civilization, history, language, business and education.  JSI Fellowships are available to cover the costs of the Institute for all selected fellows.Applications for this year’s program are due in the AASCU office by December 10, 2007

The Institute Program

The program is multi-disciplinary in content and designed for faculty without prior experience in Japanese studies wishing to incorporate information about Japan into the courses they teach.  In addition to the preparatory readings that are made available prior to the Institute, participants receive an Institute Pack containing bibliographical and Internet resources related to Japan, as well as copies of source materials to complement the seminars and lectures that constitute the core of the Institute.

The Institute involves three weeks of intensive seminars, lectures, readings, films, and cultural activities related to Japanese history, culture, literature, government, business, language and education.  While modern Japan serves as the focus for the program, participants are provided with a firm foundation in the pre-modern history and culture of Japan.  Previous programs have included topics as diverse as wartime and occupation Japan, social relations and the changing role of women in Japan, Japanese foreign policy and regional relations, classical music, ikebana, calligraphy, survival Japanese, Japanese film in the classroom, and philosophical and religious traditions in Japan.  Classes are held Monday through Friday, from morning until late afternoon.  The formal program is complemented by a number of off-campus and evening activities.  Institute faculty include scholars, representatives from the local Japanese community, artists, journalists, and government officials.

While attending the program, participants are housed in shared suites (separate bedrooms, common living area) in a dormitory on the university campus.  Because of the intensive nature of the program, families cannot be accommodated and are not permitted to stay in the dormitory.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants in the program must be faculty members at member institutions of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) who can impact undergraduate education (either through teaching or academic support services that affect undergraduate studies).  Participants should not have prior training or professional experience in Japanese studies, and should demonstrate an interest in gaining a better understanding of Japan.  Past participants have included faculty in the humanities, social sciences and professional fields, deans, department chairs, directors of international programs and librarians.  Applicants must be nominated by their president or chancellor, either directly or at the request of the applicant.

• Application
• Nomination
• Reference

2008 JSI Fellowships JSI Fellowships will allow faculty to attend the 2008 National Faculty Development Institute on Incorporating Japanese Studies into the Undergraduate Curriculum, held on the San Diego State University campus.  Up to 20 awards will be granted to full-time faculty members who teach undergraduate students, academic administrators, and librarians at member institutions of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Fellowships include administrative and academic costs and campus housing.  Participants receive up to $700 for transportation and a $700 stipend for meals and other expenses. Institutions whose faculty are accepted for the fellowships pay a partial tuition of $700.  The total value of this program is $5,500 per person.  Applications are due in the AASCU office by December 10, 2007. The JSI Fellowships are made possible by a generous endowment from the Nippon Foundation.  The endowment is managed by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), an association of more than 400 public institutions of higher education across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  San Diego State University provides the academic program and facilities