ART3711: Special Topics – Japanese Design, Culture, and Aesthetics
Program at a Glance
Program Dates: June 15 – July 6, 2024
Program Leaders
Academic Director: Christie Herbert, Professor of Visual Arts
Program Director: Peg Alden, Professor of Anthropology
Scholarship Availability
There is one need-based scholarship available for this program. See below for details and an application link.
Considerations
Consider the following to determine if this course is right for you. Details below.Free time/Independence: Moderate
Physical Demands: Moderate
Transitions: Low to Moderate
Stimuli: High
Language Difficulty: Moderate
Cultural Differences: Significant
Learn about the ways in which Japanese aesthetics and fundamental notions of design permeate its culture and art while living in Japan.
Program Dates
June 15 – July 6, 2024
Program Overview
- Establish a basic working understanding of Japanese geography, culture, and history, and how it has shaped its design and aesthetics.
- Explore how Japanese cultural values and norms have been shaped by its geography and history and are reflected in its language, food, and religious and social practices.
- Engage in experiential activities that highlight and explore historical and contemporary Japanese art and design through field trips, observation, and interactions throughout our time in Japan.
- Study how Japanese aesthetics and fundamental notions of design permeate its culture and art.
- Choose and explore an art form or aesthetic principle for a final, in-depth project.
Housing, Transportation, and Program Activities
Students will be fully immersed in Japanese culture during this program. The group will spend a majority of time living and learning in Tokyo.
Housing for the group will be in a hotel with two students to a room. The group will use public transportation to get around the city, both for program activities and during free time.
The program includes:
- A one-night excursion to the small city of Nikko in the mountainous Tochigi Prefecture.
- A day trip to Kamakura
- Numerous other outings in and around Tokyo
Travel to and From Japan
Flights for this program will depart from a New York area airport. Some students may incur additional costs to get to the departure airport to meet the group.
Flights to and from Japan are long, and the whole process of getting to Japan can take 24 hours or so. The time difference between Putney, Vermont and Tokyo, Japan is +12 hours; students should expect to experience jet lag.
At least one program leader will accompany the group on each flight.
Landmark will offer optional shuttle service between campus and the airport, with a stop in Massachusetts or Connecticut depending on student demand.
Students may opt out of the group flight; in this case they would be credited the amount of the flight and would make their own round-trip travel booking.
Important Information about Bringing Prescription Medications into Japan
The Japanese government has strict restrictions on the kinds of medications that may be brought into the country. Please review the information below carefully to determine if it may impact you.
Academic Director: 
Program Director: