Japan: Crafting Ethics and Aesthetics
Program Overview
In this program, students will explore the relationship between mind and body through a series of somatic, embodied practices such as woodworking, cooking, pottery, making tea, Buddhist meditation, and other craftworks. Complemented by readings and reflective writing, students will grasp the ethical and aesthetic potential of Japanese crafts. The relationship between philosophy and Zen-inspired arts preservation will be paired with a focus on Japanese history and culture. The program will be based in Kyoto with excursions to Tokyo and Seto.
Academic Highlights
- Participate in a Zen Buddhism retreat at Eihei-ji Temple.
- Engage with local Japanese students at Showa University.
- Practice daily meditations and carry them forward in your craftworks.
- Reflect upon your observations and practices through short prompts.
- Build respect, perseverance, skill, humility, and appreciation for materials.
Cultural Highlights
- Sharpen your culinary skills with Japanese cooking and tea-making workshops.
- Ride down the Hozugawa River, ending at Arashiyama, the bamboo forest.
- Create your own Seto-style pottery as a personal momento.
- Watch the Chunichi Dragons baseball game.
- Take in some of the national museums in Tokyo.
Course Information
All students enroll in the following courses:
- PH 203 - Ethics, Aesthetics and Somatic Learning (4 credits)
- HI 206 - History and Culture of Embodied Practice in Japan (4 credits)