For eight hours a day five days a week for three weeks, Daryl Phillipy was immersed in everything Japanese as he participated in the National Faculty Development Institute’s “Incorporating Japanese Studies into the Undergraduate Curriculum.”
“The purpose of the institute was to give strategies to college faculty on how to incorporate Japanese studies into their classrooms,” said Phillipy, assistant professor of theater and acting and directing at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia. “It was an enriching experience.”
Phillipy and 20 other faculty members of all disciplines from across the United States spent time learning the Japanese language and heard lectures about history, music, politics, religion, philosophy, art, theater, and much more.
“On our very first day we heard a series of lectures from members of the English Department at San Diego State University that conducted research in Japanese studies,” said Phillipy.
Those participating in the institute had to create a project they could implement into one of their existing classes.
“I created a proposed syllabus for a new class that would include a more in-depth look at Japanese theater studies,” said Phillipy.
He feels attending the institute was worth his time, and he encourages other professors to apply for the fellowship.
“We had exposure to everything from a formal tea ceremony, origami, and calligraphy,” he said. “It was really great meeting faculty from all over the country in different disciplines.”
