Sophia Magazine vol.4 / WINTER 2016

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Anne van Bergen➣ UNIVERSITY: Leiden University, the Netherlands ➣ MAJOR: Asia studies: Japan track➣ DEPARTMENT AT SOPHIA: Graduate Program in Global Studies➣ PERIOD OF STUDY AT SOPHIA: From April 2016 to March 2017fter majoring in philosophy for my undergradu-ate study at Utrecht University, I wondered about my future direction. Since I am interested in the relation between thought and language, to learn a completely new language such as Japanese, which is nothing like European languages, seemed an attractive idea. I am also fond of Japanese art, which had a great inuence on European impres-sionists including Van Gogh. Since coming to So-phia, I have gained much practical knowledge of the Japanese language; Japanese classes at So-phia take a comprehensive approach that provides all-around training in speaking, writing, and read-ing all together. At GPGS, one of the courses I take is “Interpretation of Modernity,” which focuses on works of Natsume Soseki, an outstanding novelist in modern Japan. We read his work in Japanese and critique it in English. I also take a course in Japa-nese modern art, to learn more about the way in which Japanese art was presented and received in the world at the end of the 19th century. For my Master’s degree at Leiden, I will be writing a thesis on the relation between the philosophical discipline of aesthetics and ideas of beauty in Meiji Japan. Hopefully, my studies in Japan will form an excellent basis on which to complete my thesis.Afrom “CANADA” to“SOPHIA”Silviu Catalin Rusneac Oblean 2010, after completing my undergraduate degree in Canada, I was given the opportu-nity by the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme to move to Sendai, in the northeastern part of Japan, in order to teach English. During my stay there, I experienced rsthand the disastrous effects of the March 11, 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. To be in the heart of the disaster area was a life-changing experience for me. Throughout the experience, I was able to reafrm the value of interpersonal relationships which carried over into my existing academic interest in the elds of an-thropology and history studies. I eventually received a scholarship to pursue these interests in depth at Tohoku University prior to coming to Sophia Univer-sity. The greatest incentive to move to Sophia was meeting Professor David Slater who led a volunteer and eld-studies project in the affected areas of the Tohoku region in the aftermath of the 3.11 disaster. Professor Sven Saaler is my current advisor. He is a well-known specialist in the eld of modern Japanese history. Under his considerate guidance, I am able to fully pursue my newly-found academic concerns. At present, my research focuses on issues related to contemporary Japanese politics, memory, and mod-ern history and the effects these subjects have on Japan’s transnational and international relations. My studies and personal background allow me to exam-ine these problems through multicultural perspec-tives which I nd most fascinating. I➣ DEPARTMENT: Graduate Program in Global Studies➣ MAJOR: Global StudiesThe Graduate Program in Global Studies builds on Sophia’s traditional strengths in area studies for the study of globalization. The program, with courses taught in English, offers M.A. degrees in Global Studies, International Business and Development Studies, and Japanese Studies, as well as Ph.D.’s in Global Studies and Japanese Studies. The culturally and nationally diverse student body and faculty form a lively intellectual community that enhances teaching, research, and career opportunities.BACKGROUNDStudents gather from all over the world to extend their network to the rest of the globe.Sophia University offers a wide variety of learning opportunities for students from both Japan and abroad.Here are some examples of students who face challenges daily while gaining valuable experiences.Hop! Step! Jump!Students Leaping and Connecting with the Worldfrom “THENETHERLANDS” to“SOPHIA”24Voice

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