Course Description
This course explores the concept of Reciprocity through the lens of traditional Japanese culture, Indigenous Ainu beliefs and practices, and contemporary cultural tourism (which we interchangeably explore as ethnic, academic, and anthropological tourism). By examining these interconnected domains, we will delve into the principles and lived experiences of sustainable and reciprocal societies in ways that challenge conventional western perspectives.
The course begins by examining reciprocity in it sociocultural and ecological domains across historical and contemporary Japan. Then, we explore how cultural tourism can foster meaningful and reciprocal engagement between visitors and host communities. We will then explore the spiritual relationship between the Ainu people and nature, emphasizing their reciprocal way of life. Through a multi-perspective approach, we will analyze reciprocity and its broader implications for sustainability, tourism, and Ainu culture
This course will examine reciprocity through the lens of historical, cross-cultural, and cross-generational contexts. We will explore Koyasan and Kyoto to learn about Japanese spirituality and its connection to reciprocity, We will observe Edo’s (1603 – 1867) ecological lifestyle by visiting Edo Tokyo Museum and the downtown of Tokyo, such as Yanaka, Sendagi, Nezu and Asakusa. In Hokkaido, we will discuss the spiritual interaction between nature and the Ainu people, who lived a reciprocal lifestyle with nature and animals by visiting Sapporo University and Hokkaido University in Sapporo city. Then we will visit Ainu village called Akan Kotan. In Akan, we will learn their world view and their reciprocal lives as well as ethnic tourism.
For more information on the travel portion of the two-semester program, please refer to its Study Abroad page.