CCA News
Summer Abroad in Tokyo
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2012, by Carol Pitts
Japan | In Search of Emptiness & Wabi Sabi
Instructor: Doug Akagi
SF Campus: May 15 & 22
Japan: May 30–June 13, 2012
SF Campus: June 27 & July 11
An Information Session on Japan will be held:
Wednesday, February 29
SF, West 1, 3:15-3:45 p.m.
History & Influence
Most of us are familiar with the mainstream phenomena that have characterized Japanese pop culture for the past two decades. Manga, anime, and Kawaii (the Cute craze) are commonly known, but the true origins of Japanese aesthetics lie in the traditions of its two indigenous religions, Shintoism and Buddhism.
Shinto gods, kami, are thought to be present in all natural things such as mountains, trees, water, and rocks while Buddhism holds humility and simplicity as a path to enlightenment. These basic tenets can be seen in Japanese art, architecture, design and landscaping and in Zen Buddhist practices such as the tea ceremony.
Description
This course is a journey of discovery - documenting dichotomies, synergies and juxtapositions, and experiencing the power of the old and the shock of the new. Participants explore Japan’s present day capital, Tokyo, and its ancient capital, Kyoto (from 794-1868 CE), discovering, recording, and interpreting examples of traditional Japanese aesthetic values and their modern day manifestations.
Students spend 10 days in Tokyo with a 4-day excursion to Kyoto via the Shinkansen, Bullet Train. As with any journey to a foreign place, the first challenge is learning how to navigate the new environment. In both cities the class rides some of the world’s best intra-city transportation systems, interconnecting subway, trains, and buses, to get to all relevant destinations.
While the focus of the course is an investigation of traditional Japanese aesthetics, students also explore the compelling surface of Tokyo. For the duration of the trip, the class lives in the question of what ties the old to the new. Each participant is encouraged to create a visual system that is informed by site-specific observations and individual conclusions.
The Outcome
The final outcome of this course may integrate narrative with visual images. It may take any form including print and time-based media. As in the established curriculum of the CCA Graphic Design Program, the outcome is evaluated on the quality of research, analysis, creative thinking, form giving, and craft.
Note: Collaboration is an option.
Prerequisites
Undergraduates, completion of sophomore level by summer 2012 and instructor approval, and if taking it for:
- Diversity Studies Studio: Drawing 1, 2D, 3D, 4D, or the 6 unit Visual Dynamics (in place of 2D/3D), English 1, Foundations in Critical Studies, Intro to the Arts and Intro to the Modern Arts, and Jr. standing
- Graphic Design Studio Elective: Completion of Level 2 co-reqs, and Jr. standing
- Graphic Design Investigative Studio: Completion of Level 2 co-reqs, and Jr. standing
- Advanced Design Studio (GD4 or Type 4 for students from the old degree audit before FA11): Completion of Level 3 co-reqs
Graduates: instructor approval
In addition, all students must be in good academic, conduct, and financial standing for the 2011–12 academic year.
Course Satisfies
For undergraduates, this course satisfies either a Diversity Studies Studio, Studio Elective, Graphic Design Investigative studio, or Advanced Design Studio.
For graduates, this course satisfies a Grad-wide Elective.
Program Fee
$4,450 + $50 summer registration fee
Program fee includes the following:
3 units, housing, breakfast, final dinner, tea ceremonies, garden and museum entrance fees, ground transportation in Japan
Program fee does not include:
Airfare to and from Tokyo, most meals, travel insurance, medical or personal insurance (students must provide their own insurance)
Please make sure you read the related links in full:
Registration
Financial Aid
Passport, Visa, and Insurance
Code of Conduct
In-person registration begins on Thursday, March 1, for all summer study abroad courses. Students should register no later than Friday, March 30.
*Enrollment is limited. Interested students should contact Doug Akagi, right away to start the approval process for registration.
All CCA Summer Study Abroad courses (including the New Mexico and New York Studios) are coordinated by the Office of Special Programs.
Questions
Office of Special Programs
Oakland campus, Ralls 201
Nina Sadek
Dean of Special Programs
510.594.3773
nsadek@cca.edu
Carol Pitts
Assistant to the Dean of Special Programs
510.594.3732
cpitts@cca.edu