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May Short Course Leadership

JCMU continuously accepts faculty proposals for our May short course programs. May short courses are 2-3 week topics-based programs offered by JCMU, taught by visiting scholars, and open to all JCMU-eligible students.

May Programs Overview

JCMU May short courses are:

  • typically 3-4 credits
  • may include both an undergraduate and graduate option
  • taught in English with no Japanese language prerequisite
  • vary in topic based on the faculty leader's interests
  • open to students from any college or university in the United States and Canada

Past courses have included a variety of fields of study, such as Fine Arts, Religious Studies, International Business, Intercultural Communication, Anthropology, History, and Political Science.

Proposal Process

Applications for May short course leaders should be submitted to the East Lansing office by June 1st of the year prior to the proposed course delivery date (so, applications for May 2023 must be received by the East Lansing office by 1 June 2022). Please review the May Program Proposals Guide for application information.

Program Planning

May short course faculty leaders work with JCMU staff both in the United States and Japan to plan, budget, and implement their programs. As such, faculty leaders are responsible for maintaining communication with both JCMU offices (Hikone and East Lansing), as well teaching the course.

Compensation

May short course leaders receive instructional compensation, direct-billed travel to Japan, a stipend for living expenses, rent-free housing and utilities at the Center in Hikone for their service to JCMU. Required program elements for each program, including group meals, admission to sites or museums, group travel (including a 7-day Japan Rail Pass, if needed) and off-site program housing are also budgeted into every program per the needs of the course itinerary. For questions about program budgeting, please contact the JCMU Fiscal Officer in East Lansing.

Student Admission Procedures

JCMU’s standard application procedures apply. Faculty leaders will be given an opportunity to review completed applications and evaluate the candidates. No preference may be granted to students from a faculty leader’s home institution. For programs offered by partner universities hosted at JCMU, please see the Program Hosting information page.