Course in Memory of Reverend Honda Shôjô
Introduction to Japanese Buddhist Art and Language
           
           Course No:		F-2015-001 
            Classes:		Ten two-hour sessions      
            Start Date:		Begin: September 17; End:  November 19,  2015 
            Day of Class:      	Thursdays
            Time:           		7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Location:		Tsuji Center, Sangha Hall, Ekoji Temple
Instructors:	 	Drs. Sandy and Terry Kita
Assistants:		Yuko Keicho, or others as available.
Facilitator:   		Art Politano,  r2rolp@verizon.net

Dr. Sandy Kita:  Professor and Senior Scholar, Chatham University (Pittsburgh, PA); author of 8 books and more than 12 articles on Japanese art; curator of more than 50 exhibitions of Japanese art including Library of Congress, Walters Gallery of Art, and the Carnegie Museum of Art; recipient Center for Teaching Excellence Award and awarded Phi Beta Sigma for the distinguished teaching of undergraduates

Dr. Terry Kita: Certification Japanese Language and ESL; 10 years experience adult education; 17 years public school teacher; Ph.D. Japanese Anthropology; curator Tokugawa Art Museum (Nagoya, Japan); and author of book and articles on Japanese dolls.

Shiho Horiki and Yuko Keicho: native Japanese speakers will help in small group exercises.

Temple Closing:  If  there is inclement weather and you have any doubts about whether class will be held, please contact the facilitator at  (703) 725-2088.  

TEXTBOOK: None to be used. Handouts will be provided for each lesson.
            
COURSE OBJECTIVE: Class is aimed at providing an introduction to Japanese language while learning about the cultural roots of Japanese Buddhism.  Lectures on Japanese art and culture are combined with practice of basic Japanese conversation for tourist activities in a relaxed, friendly, and welcoming setting.   No previous knowledge of Japanese language, art, or culture is necessary.  This course is not intended as a Shin Buddhist religious course.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: One hour slide lectures followed by one-hour interactive language  session.

CLASS SCHEDULE: Please See Page 2

COURSE FEE:  Registered Members of Ekoji Temple:  	$ 100;      Non-Members:	 $ 200
    Payable to: 	Ekoji Buddhist Temple
                                          		
Schedule of Classes
Class# 1 : 	September 17, 2015
Course Introduction
Lecture:	Grammar as Thought:  Anthologies and Chronologies
Language Instructionand Activity: 
 Important things and how to count (numbers and counters)
(concept of mono) 
Class # 2:       	September 24 
Lecture:            Japan’s first Buddha:  The Dream Hall Kannon and Myths that come True
Language Instruction and Activity: 
Basic Sentences: Where is the Subject?
Pronunciation of Characters; Characteristics of Japanese Grammar
				Kana Writing Practice I, Mnemonics
Class # 3 :	October 1
Lecture:  	7-8th c.  Horyuji:  The Ritually Real Buddha 
Language Instruction and Activity:
Manners Matter: Introductions and exchanging business cards (efficacious rituals)  
Review of Kana Characters;  Kana Writing Practice II, Mnemonics
Class # 4 :     	October 8
Lecture:  	9th c. Todaiji:  the growth of knowledge and the value of mystery
Language Instruction and Activity:
Asking questions, giving answers (prices and money)
(desu, arimasu, imasu) subject verb object
Class # 5 :    	October 15
Lecture: 	10th c. Muroji:  How Buddhism defined Shinto
		Language Instruction and Activity:  
Asking Politely (enryo),  move from declarative to causative
Class # 6 :  	October 22
Lecture:	1053 Phoenix Hall:  Jodo Buddhist Theater and
The Right Reaction
Language Instruction and Activity:
				Getting there:  trains and directions
Class # 7 :      	October 29
Lecture:	Zen space: Landscape Painting and Gardens
Language Instruction and Activity:  Kana and kanji  I Practice
Class # 8:	November 5
Lecture:  	Giving the unformed a form:  Zen figure painting
Language Instruction and Activity :  Kana and kanji II:  calligraphy
Classe # 9:	November 12
Lecture:	Bulls: Why images have the power to move us and the concept and character trait of sunao.
Language Instruction and Activity:	Food and Restaurants
Class # 10:	November 19
Lecture:   	Why Modern Americans instinctively understand Traditional Japan:  the Buddhist concept of ukiyo
Language Instruction and Activity:  Table Manners (Restaurant visit?)