History Course to Study in Japan

By Samantha Savaglio

Dr. Jeffrey Alexander, Associate Professor and Chair of the History Department, will once again travel with his History 490 class to Japan this summer. The special topics course focuses on "learning to do things the Japanese way." Dr. Alexander comments on how daily activities such as sleeping, bathing, and eating vary from culture to culture.

Dr. Alexander is no stranger to Japan. Throughout his life, he has lived and worked in most of the places participants will visit. "I know them well," he says, "and they form a sort of highlight reel for students."

He also traveled with UW-Parkside students to Japan in 2011. His colleague at Hannan University in south Osaka hosted them. They will be visiting the campus and his colleague's tourism management class again during this trip.  

The trip will highlight a variety of cultural landmarks, cuisines, and activities.

"Historically, the most important site is Hiroshima Peace Park and the A-Bomb Dome, which is not 'exciting,' but rather very sobering."

"Traveling teaches us that ways of life in other countries can be very different to us and yet entirely normal to their local residents," he says. "Our way of doing things is not the only way."

The course is open to all students and community members, with no prerequisites needed. A valid passport, good health, and a deposit paid on time are all that is required for eligibility.  

Cost for the trip is $3,900 plus tuition for enrollment in the class. This includes airfare, medical insurance, hotel, transportation fares, meals, and admission to attractions. This cost is subject to change. A tentative itinerary is available on the university web site.

For more information, contact Dr. Alexander at alexandj@uwp.edu by email or call 262-595-2583.

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Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 12/14/2012

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