Reconnaisance Program

Association for International Education, Japan
Center for International Studies, Obirin University

The purpose of the school of International Studies at Obirin University is a simple one – to produce internationalists – that is, broad-minded men and women who can play a positive role in today's increasingly complex and interconnected world. For such individuuals, specialized training in one of the traditional academic disciplines is no longer sufficient. Meaningful participation in global society requires a sound understanding of other lands and societies, which is what the School of International Studies hopes to provide. In concrete terms, this means educating Japanese students about the outside world and international students about Japan - hence, the Reconnaissance Japan Program. Reconnaissance Japan allows students from other countries to study for either a semeter or a full academic year within the supportive environment of the School of International Studies at Obirin University.

Traditional Course Curricula


Japanese Language II and III, Writing, Kanji This course is designed for those who have already completed two or three semesters of elementary Japanese education. The main objective of the course is improvement of the four language skills. Particular emphasis will be placed on the achievement of proper and fluent speech. In terms of reading and writing, students are expected to achieve a command of approximately 500 kanji.

Modern Japanese History A comprehensive, general survey of Japanese history from the late Tokugawa period up to the postwar years. Interpretative viewpoints include English-language scholarship as well as current Japanese perspectives. The major lines of development in politics, diplomacy, the economy and society will be analyzed and discussed. Prof. Oshiro.

Japanese Cultural Studies This course is designed to acquaint students with the great Japanese traditions reflected in archaeological remains, art literature, politics, and philosophical speculation before the large-scale adoption of Western models in the nineteenth century. When appropriate, classroom work will be supplemented by visits to historical sites and museums. Prof. Kurosawa.

Research and Teaching in Contemporary American Society This course allows Japanese and American students the opportunity for direct analysis and discussion of contemporary American society, allowing the students to clarify common cultural misperceptions each society has about the other. Emphasis is placed on the development of thinking in more global terms for problem-solving strategies. Term paper on a current cultural issue. Prof. Yutaka Morohoshi.

Martial Arts and Practice in Teamsports

Kyudo, Traditional Japanese Archery Study of the philosophy and practice of Kyudo, or traditional Japanese archery. Daily practice at the kyudojo, including completion of testing for shodon, or first degree black belt, ranking with the All Nippon Kyudo Federation.

Kendo, Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship Applied study of the philosophy and practice of Kendo, or traditional Japanese swordsmanship. Daily excercises at the dojo and attendance of local competitions.

Judo Applied practice in the art of Judo. Daily practice at the dojo and lectures on technique and strategy. Prof. Hideaki Akune.

Skiing Personalized instruction in the sport of skiing. Emphasis is placed on technique and implementation. Coursework conducted in Nagano, Japan under Prof. Yasuo Shimizu.

Soccer Team sport, instruction and competition. Technique and daily practice. Focus on team play and strategy. Prof. Yasuo Shimizu.