In this course, students will explore the interconnection between spiritual and physical worlds focusing on concepts such as enlightenment, human and environmental deification, syncretism, respect, awareness, and sustainability through an approximately three week, walking pilgrimage experience in Japan. Students will learn basic tenets of Japanese Buddhism, particularly Shingon Buddhism, as well as Shintó, a spiritual belief system unique to Japan. At the same time, students will explore environmental issues directly related to the pilgrimage sites on the island of Shikoku and the prefectures of Tokushima and Wakayama, where students will be trekking. Visits to temples, shrines, and other related historic, natural, architectural, and cultural heritage sites will provide physical context. Scheduled meetings with scholars and key players in the tourism industry as well as coincidental interactions with local religious leaders and fellow pilgrims will help students understand the complex issues that arise when religion, tradition, and tourism meet.
Faculty: Dr. Robert Schalkoff
Cost: $4,200 (includes $400 administrative deposit)