The First Semester
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The MA Japan Studies Year In Japan information meeting will be held on 14 September 2011 from 15.00-17.00 in Huizingha/023b. The meeting will inform all MA students of the application procedures and requirements for their year in Japan. Attendance at the meeting is mandatory for all MA students and will be recorded.
Masterclass and State of the Field Seminar
Classes will start on September 12. Consult the Timetable and Map of Buildings for times and location. Each student must choose ONE State of the Field Seminar and ONE Masterclass. If you are unsure which one to pick, you have an ooportunity toattend all SOF seminars and both Masterclasses during the first week to help you make your definite choice. For detailed description of courses, and general information about the programme see MA Handbook 2011
Placement at a Japanese University
Every year Japan Studies MA students are selected to attend a university in Japan, as part fulfillment of their MA degree. The Japanstudies MA program has agreements with the following Universities: Sophia, Rikkyo, Kyoto, Waseda, Doshisha, TUFS, Ritsumeikan, Kobe, Nagasaki, Yamagata, Tôhoku. The selection process starts in early September when students are asked to write a short (400 word) statement of intent (see attached form) explaining which university they would like to attend and why. The statement of intent should also list second and third preferences for a university placement. A further document is attached (see attached guidelines) to help you write your statement of intent. A meeting will be organized early in the first semester to explain this procedure, but students are strongly encouraged to begin planning their year in Japan before this meeting. Students are encouraged to discuss their plans with potential MA thesis supervisors in Leiden, but a potential supervisor is under no obligation to provide students feedback on their statement of intent. Successful completion of the application process is a prerequisite for the placement at a Japanese university. The assembly of the required documents and submitting them in time is the responsibility of the student. All questions concering the Year in Japan placement should be directed to Dr. L. Black.