The Verdict

Okay, so I have now completed my auditing procedure where I was to sit in on each of the courses that appealed to me prior to submitting my course selection. The only course I attended and did not take was a Japanese language course that I mistakenly sat in on, only to realize that it was far too advanced. It definitely caught me off guard, and I must add, it was an awful experience. It turned out to be the 'beginners course' for people who had already studied some Japanese (though the course description did not make this very clear).

The professor only spoke in Japanese, and began her lesson by asking people to introduce themselves in Japanese. Of course everyone else managed to make it to the right class, so I was the only person who had no clue as to what was going on. After I had sat down and the lesson was underway, I knew I was locked in with no escape. It would be extremely rude to get up and walk out, in spite of having entered the wrong class. So I decided to sit through the hour and a half lesson to experience repeated humiliation when addressed by the professor (in Japanese). I turned beat red, as I tried to read what my friend beside me would jot down. Thinking back, it was rather humourous. The professor would pose a question to the class, and have students answer one by one according to their seat order. Thankfully, I was sitting in second last row, in the back of the room; this gave me just enough time to get my friend beside me to scribble down what I was expected to say. Finally when the professor walked over to me, speaking in Japanese I bashfully explained, "Nihongo wakarimasen" which I think means I do not understand Japanese; Nihongo meaning Japanese, and wakarimasen meaning "I do not understand" (Please note that the grammar may be off). She then responded (in Japanese, later translated for me) by telling me that I was in the wrong class (almost as if I hadn't quite figured that out already). After she caught on that I was clearly in the wrong class she spared me further embarassment by skipping over me, as she tested the other students. Phewf!

Now for a review of classes I will be taking. I am taking 9 classes in total (the minimum is 7) this semester, some more enjoyable than others - but all of them interest me in one way or another. Below you will find the descriptions of my first impressions, and overall rating of the course.

Discovering Culture Through Observation:
This course, as you may have figured, is based on observing Japanese culture. The content of the lessons is primarily to educate students on how to conduct qualitative research/field studies and the aim is for students to conduct a research project in small groups, later to present their findings.

What I think is particularly interesting in Japanese culture, and that stood out to me within my first week of living here, are the many taboos. One example being, talking on the trains. I knew that it was wrong to talk on one's cell phone (there are signs posted in the trains, and announcements that ask passengers to turn off their cell phones; also, turning your cell phone on silent is called "manner mode" as opposed to just "silent" - subtle hint?) haha. Anyway, I did not know that it was taboo to speak on the train. Being the somewhat loud and outgoing girl that I am, I was quick to offend this 'rule'. Excited to be on my first train ride in Japan, I proceeded to speak loudly across the aisle to my friends. Finally, Ryan, who has been here since the beginning of the school year, said "Tory...be quiet for just a second" ...so I paused to take a breath...and there was not one peep out of anyone else. I had literally been the only one talking the entire time. Oooops!

All that to say, it may be interesting to explore the reaction of Japanese people when I try to spark up a conversation (meaning I will have to master some conversation starters in Japanese). A foreigner such as myself, may be inclined to question whether they do not speak because 1. they're tired (leaving for/coming back from work) 2. they aren't with a friend on the train to talk to or 3. because talking can be distruptive or simply annoying in such close quarters. Train etiquette is merely one example, however there are many similar unconscious behaviours and various principles of etiquette within Japanese culture just waiting to be analyzed. Hopefully some answers will surface via this observational study. I will be sure to keep you all informed regarding our revised hypothesis and findings.

This course also has a very fascinating professor who speaks fluently in English (bonus!). She is a middle aged Japanese woman who spent much of her childhood growing up in Afghanistan. With such an interesting background she has developed a genuine appreciation for exploring culture and in particular cultural differences. I am optimistic about this course as a means of adding to my perspective and enhancing my overall experience while living in Japan.
Rating: ****

Japan in the Foreign Imagination:
This is another course that will contribute to my experience of Japan; however, doing so from a rather different angle. The aim of this course is to explore some popular foreign images of Japan, primarily American misconceptions (some of which I may have held upon coming here). The professor is an American, who has lived in England for at least 10 years and specializes in Japanese Education. This class seems as though it will be extremely interesting, and full of useful knowledge that I can share with friends back home who may presently hold these popular misconceptions of Japan. Stereotypes ranging from skewed history textbooks, to conceptions concerning the recent Toyota incident will be covered in this class. There is no doubt that I will finish this course with an entirely refreshed point of view.
Rating: ****

Japanese Buddhism and Social Suffering:
The first thing I noticed about this course was how cool the professor is. John Watts is likely one of the youngest professors I've ever had, who is also currently a practicing Buddhist. Professor Watts does not subscribe to a very faith based version of Buddhism, yet he is committed more to the lifestyle Buddhism pursues. He will be teaching a lot of material regarding contemporary issues within Buddhism which is fascinating (i.e. sexism, discrimination and suicide). He seems like a pretty cool guy, with a good sense of humour and his lectures are quite engaging. On Fridays he invites students to come to the temple he works at for a meditation session - something I look forward to checking out. Oh! and there are field trips involved! :)
This course is has me particularly intrigued, as philosophy major, because I enjoy interpreting the underlying concepts of Buddhism (which have a certain appeal) and comparing them to popular philosophies (i.e. contrasting some ideas of Buddhism's take on suffering, with Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the role of suffering). Okay, I'm a nerd.
Rating: ****

International Human Rights Law:
As they say, "you win some, you lose some". This course...is a loss. Don't get me wrong, I will be taking it - however, I may not successfully refrain from sleeping in class. The professor speaks in a monotonous tone of broken English (in fact, some of the words she uses may not even be English at all). -- I'm sorry, did I say "speaks"? I mean reads. For the most part, the professor stands in front of the class, and briefly introduces the topic which she will proceed to read to you for the remainder of the 1.5 hr period. To make matters worse, what she is reading is essentially the exact photocopy that she gave you a week prior for you to read for that class. Basically, if you weren't bored enough when you read it the first time (because reading legal treaties, contracts and customs etc. is such a thrill), you are sure to be put to sleep when she reads it to you for yet another time.
Last class there was an attempt at having a class discussion, where maybe three or four students (of around 20) voiced their opinion on whether or not human rights are universal. This is right up my alley, unfortunately I don't always understand what is being asked of me. Overall, this course is like watching paint dry...after chugging a bottle of Nyquil - so why am I taking it? For the course content. I want to have at least a basic understanding of international human rights law, which I think everyone should educate themselves on as good general knowledge. So hopefully by reading the tons of photocopies of the Charter, and then listening to it again the following class, I will retain some of this highly useful information.
Rating: ** (that could be generous)

Culture and the Unconscious:
Okay, so this professor is very strict on attendance - he made this clear on day one; this is something I am not really accustomed to - but the course seems like it will be an interesting one. This course will be highly discussion based, thus much of the content will be shaped by the experiences of individuals in this (massive) class. Tons of international students, as well as Japanese natives have decided to take this course, which makes for very interesting discussions. By getting into small groups, and being told by the professor what to talk about, we learn through sharing stories, experiences, ideas and opinions. The main theme of the course revolves around experiencing another culture and then examining the subconscious influence(s) of these experiences. This will be great for me to genuinely reflect and focus on how this exchange has/will have effected me within these next few months (and when I figure it out, I will be sure to let you know).
Rating: ***

Introduction to Japanese Politics:
In short...Snore fest. Slightly less grueling than my Int'l Human Rights Law course, so that's a plus. The professor is rather boring, she lectures quietly, and uses the word "well" way too much (at the start of every sentence, or at least thought). Her background in politics is somewhat philosophy related - focusing mostly on theory which means she scored some brownie points in my books. I am just not sure as to how many more slides on Japanese political history I can handle (Pie charts, years, numbers, percentages etc.). That being said, I still have hope for this class - maybe she is just waiting to build up our anticipation of the day where she will delve into the exciting stuff! (or......not?). Either way I will be sticking with this course in order to transfer this valuable half credit toward my newly declared Politics minor at Queen's University. Since I only decided this past year that I would like to pursue a minor in political science, I need all the credits I can get. For this reason, I think I will be able to handle it.
Rating: **


In Search of new Civic Societies:
This course is on NGOs and NPOs, and will draw a comparison between those of the U.S., China, and Japan. The professor wants to explore the reason behind there being more of these civil societies in some areas (i.e. the U.S.) and far less in Japan. This course seems very interesting and I look forward to learning more about an area that I know virutally nothing about. In addition, this course is also one that I hope to cash in for another half credit toward my minor. The professor seems cool, early on I noticed his entusiasm and that he is very interested in what he is teaching; after taking courses such as Int'l Human Rights Law, and Intro. to Japanese Politics - an energetic teacher is key to a good class.
Rating: ***

Basic Japanese I & Basic Japanese II:
These are two separate, but consecutive classes on Wednesday mornings. On Wednesdays I get up at the crack of dawn to make it to the first of these two classes on time (9:00am). On day one the professor made clear that being even one minute late is unaccpetable; too many lates means not being allowed to sit the final exam. This lady means business. The plus side is that she is an excellent teacher. She is a small Japanese lady, with an Australian accent. I haven't learned a new language in a long time, but I think I am up for the challenge. For this course I was to memorize the 46 basic Hiragana characters and I must say, learning a new (and radically different) alphabet doesn't come easily. Practice. Practice. Practice. Apart from writing in Japanese (Hiragana) we will also learn basic grammar, vocabulary and phrases. Signing up for this course seemed like a good idea considering I will be living in Tokyo for 4 months; I will literally be applying my new knowledge immediately and frequently.
Rating: ****

So that's essentially what I think about all of my courses. While these opinions could be subject to change over the course of this semester, I did my best to capture my first impressions. I am happy to have a set schedule, and a somewhat relaxed one too!

Today I taught another English lesson this morning (which went very well), then I discovered a cheap shoe store and splurged a little and later I will be booking my flight to Okinawa for 'Golden Week' (a week of various holidays conveniently clumped together)! Okinawa is the South West island of Japan, with lovely beaches, palm trees and warm weather. I've only just started class, but I guess it's time for a vacation. My new Australian friend and I plan to spend a few days in the city before heading over to the beaches to soak up the sun. We may even try and hop on a boat (ferry) to check out another island. Stay tuned to hear more about my Okinawa getaway :) !

Much love from Tokyo,
xoxo