CDM Japan 2011: Gaming & AnimationNov 25 (Fri) – Dec 8 (Thu), 2011

Led byNoriko TomuroShiro Akiyoshi

Jose Zagal (Game Advisor)

http://facweb.cs.depaul.edu/japan

Who are going?

22 students– 19 undergraduate + 3 graduate – 12 Gaming major + 10 Animation major– 9 male + 13 female

“Japanese-speaking” members– Both instructors -- native – Some students – basic to intermediate levels

What courses are involved?

Undergraduate– IT 398 (Fall 2011) and ANI 390 (Winter 2012)

Graduate– IT 599 (Fall 2011)

Registration is done by the students The Study Abroad office will notify the course number(s) to the accepted students.

Trip cost ($4,100) + Tuition (8 hrs for UG, 4 hrs for Grad)

How do the courses work?

Course meetings– 3-4 times in each quarter, on Friday afternoons.– Graduate students come one time in Winter 2012.– Attendance is mandatory.

Assignments– 3 pre-trip assignments + 2 post-trip assignments.– No exams, but FINAL PROJECT.– Letter grades (A,B,C etc.) will be given (just like any

other course).

When is the trip? November 25 (Fri, aka “Black Friday”)

– Japan Airlines (JAL) #9 10:20 am Chicago/O’Hare 2:30 pm (next day, Nov 26) Tokyo/Narita

December 8 (Thu)– Japan Airlines (JAL) #3002

8:30 am Osaka/Itami 9:40 am Tokyo/Narita

– Japan Airlines (JAL) #10 11:35 am Tokyo/Narita 8:25 am (same day, Dec 8) Chicago/O’Hare

Where is Japan?

How far is Japan from Chicago?

Chicago

Tokyo

6,300 miles(12-13 hour flight)

Where are we going?

Germany Cities: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

– Tokyo （東京）– Capital of Japan. – Kyoto ( 京都） -- Ancient capital of Japan.– Osaka ( 大阪 ) – 2nd largest city in Japan.

Japan （日本）

How big is Japan? Just about the

size of the state of California.

Population just over 126 million – about a half of the population of America.

How old is Japan? Dates back to Pre-historic days Foundation of Japan established in 660 B.C.

(but it’s a myth). Oldest written records about Japan in 57 A.D. First unified nation “Yamato” emerged around

400 A.D. Timeline of Japanese History:

– http://japan-101.com/history/history_timeline.htm

What are Japan’s Religions? Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto ("the way of the gods")

is the native religion of Japan. Shrines are places to worship Shinto gods (“kami”s).

Buddhism came to Japan through China in the 6th century. Temples are places to worship Buddha.

How is Japan like? (1)

Climate – Mild with a little higher humidity.Somewhat like Washington D.C. or Georgia.

Cities – Busy, crowded. Modern and “systematic” (by automation, social customs).

Streets – Clean. NO garbage cans!! Prices – Expensive. Portions are smaller too. Products – Anything/everything, you name it.

Also “The Land of Gadgets!”

Train Systems in Tokyo

How is Japan like? (2)

Money/Currency – Japanese Yen ( ￥ , 円 )– Exchange rate: around ￥ 80 == $1.– Most places accept credit cards these days, but

Japan is traditionally cash-based.Obtain some yen before you leave Chicago.

Activities & Places to Visit (1) Tokyo

1. Several gaming and animation companies (TBD).2. Akihabara – The electronics/electric town.

Also the Mecca for Anime fans.3. Ghibli Museum – Miyazaki’s museum.4. Other art museums.5. Several cultural/historic sites.

Activities & Places to Visit (2) Kyoto, Osaka

1. A few gaming and/or animation studio (TBD).2. Kyoto Manga Museum3. Many historic sites (!!)4. Some “cultural experience” activities, possibly:

Wearing Kimono Tea ceremony Zen meditation

Trip Cost includes: Airfare Hotels (all breakfast included)

– Twin and triple rooms– Every room is internet-ready.

All ground transportation Admissions to museums and historic sites 2 to 3 Group Dinners

– Karaoke, anyone???

Additional Cost Lunches

– Est. 600-1000 yen per meal Dinners

– Est. 1000-1500 yen per meal Snacks, beverages, drinks

– e.g. A can (330ml) of coke is 120-150 yen Other personal interests & necessities

– Souvenirs

Course Meetings Fall 2011 [IT 398/599]

1. 9/9 (Fri) – Overview & initial matters, Assign #12. 9/30 (Fri) – Various topics on Japanese game/anime3. 10/24 (Fri) – Group paper (Assign #2) presentations4. 11/18 (Fri) – Trip logistics

Winter 2012 [ANI 390]1. TBD – Reflections2. TBD – Final project presentations3. TBD – Final project presentations

Course Assignments

Five assignments:1. [Pre] Research paper (individual)

2. [Pre] Research paper (group)

3. [Pre] Questions to ask at companies (individual)

4. [Post] Trip journal (individual; UG students only)

5. [Post] Final paper/project (group or individual, TBD)