Chanoyu: Traditional Japanese Culture and the Way of Tea

REVISED

Fall 2012, Winter 2013 and Spring 2013 quarters

Faculty

Tomoko Hirai Ulmer , Daryl Morgan

Fields of Study

cultural studies, language studies and visual arts

Prerequisites

Entry in winter and spring quarters requires proficiency in Japanese language or woodworking and design.  Contact faculty for an assessment of proficiency.

Description

This year-long program will examine traditional Japanese culture, aesthetics, and classical architecture through a consideration of Chanoyu , the Way of Tea.  As a part of their study, students will learn to participate in tea preparation and drinking and will construct a tea house.  During spring quarter, as the culminating event of the program, students will hold chakai , a tea gathering, in the tea house they have constructed.

The Japanese tea ceremony was developed during the 15th century and consists simply of tea preparation and drinking in a minimalist setting composed especially for the purpose.  And yet Chanoyu is much more than simple tea drinking.  It is a ritual that embodies many of the most important aspects of Japanese philosophy and aesthetics and employs iconic representations of traditional Japanese art, literature, architecture, and craft.

All students will participate in our core exploration of classical Japanese culture and aesthetics but will also be offered two options for more focused inquiry.  Students may choose either an emphasis on Japanese language or an emphasis on traditional Japanese architecture and building practice.  Separate CRNs are available for each of these emphases.  Fall: 10283 (Language) and 10284 (Wood).  Winter: 20224 (Language) and 20225 (Wood).  Spring: 30201 (Language) and 30202 (Wood).

Academic Website

http://blogs.evergreen.edu/chanoyu

Advertised Schedule

Fall: 7:30-9:30p Mon/Wed; winter and spring: 5:30-9:30p Mon/Wed; plus, in each quarter, students must either attend woodworking on Thursday evenings or language study on Tue/Thu evenings (There is a Mon/Wed option for beginning Japanese in fall quarter.)

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Required Fees

$50 each quarter for materials

Special Expenses

$100 for tools (only for students in the architecture and building emphasis)

Offered During

Evening

Program Revisions