Academics

Students will earn three (3) academic credits upon successful completion of the course over Spring B and Summer semesters. Agreements have already been made with several academic programs at UMB for utilizing this study abroad course in Japan as either and elective or as a substitute for another course in the curriculum. However, if there is not already an agreement in place for your degree program, then it will be necessary to seek approval to utilize this course in your plan of study.

Agreements for elective use or substitution of this course in your plan of study are in place for the following: 

• PhD in Gerontology at UMB and UMBC: Students can utilize this course as elective credit.

• MS in Gerontology at UMB: Students can substitute this course for either Internship in Gerontology course (3 credits) or THAN 609 – Psychosocial Perspectives in Aging (3 credits).

• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Aging and Applied Thanatology at UMB: Students can substitute this course for THAN 609 – Psychosocial Perspectives in Aging (3 credits).

• MS in Palliative Care at UMB: Students can substitute this course for THAN 609 – Psychosocial Perspectives in Aging (3 credits). Students specializing in other areas in Palliative Care need to seek Program Director approval for course substitutions.

• MS in Health Sciences at UMB: Students have several options for course substitutions depending on the area of specialization. Consultation with the program director Dr. Niya Werts is recommended.

• Students enrolled at other UMB schools 

In this course, you will explore aging and adult development within the socio-cultural context of Japanese society. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify cultural values and perceptions of health, illness, and aging in Japanese society.

• Identify concepts, beliefs, and practices regarding cultural aspects of aging and the implications on health in diverse cultures.

• Compare the aging care policies and systems of Japan with that of the United States.

• Demonstrate independence and initiative in learning about the culture, health care system, and aging care system of Japan.

• Explore a variety of socially, culturally, and politically mediated influences that affect aging and related outcomes connected to each influence.

• Understand the ways in which contemporary Japanese society and culture shape individuals’ experiences of growing older, of life-stage transitions, and of intergenerational relations.

• Understand the ways Japanese society and culture are different from the United States in terms of individual aging and population aging.