eLearnAfrica
Travel Books: History in Europe and Japan
Keio University
  • Start Date: 27 Jun, 2022
  • 3 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Discover how travelling books sparked cultural exchanges between Europe and Japan, and how they live on in the digital era.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility
Enrol Now

Course Description

Unlock the history of travelling books in Europe and Japan


Books are cultural artefacts that are easily transported and translated. As such, they have been important in fostering relationships between countries for hundreds of years.


On this three-week course presented by Keio University and the British Library, you’ll learn more about the history of European and Japanese literature promoting cultural exchange, how this continues in the digital era, and how vital this exchange is.


Delve into the history of travelling books


To start you’ll find out how books moved between Europe and Japan, beginning in the 16th century.


Discover how the books were received, compare printing styles, and find out about the role that Jesuit priests played in these book-sharing interactions.


Explore the rich heritage of travelling books and travel books


In the second and third weeks of the course, you’ll get to appreciate how travelling books influenced individuals, society, and European and Japanese literature.


Besides explaining the importance of rare and illustrated books, the course shows you how to trace physical signs on the pages that show what life was like for readers and collectors in the past.


Finally, you’ll learn about the way travel books led to great cultural exchange by allowing people to learn about places that they would never otherwise have experienced.


Expand your history know-how with leading experts


The course is jointly produced by Japan’s Keio University and the British Library, which are both recognised in their own countries and abroad.


With their rich resources and longtime friendship, these institutions will deepen your understanding and appreciation of European culture, Japanese culture, and how books brought (and bring) them together.


このコースは日本語版もございます


This course is designed for anyone interested in European and Japanese literature, printing and historical books. Those who want to explore the lessons that can be learned by comparing books from different cultures will especially enjoy it.


Acknowledgements


We would like to acknowledge the following experts for providing valuable contributions to this course:



  • Kristian Jensen, Former Head of Collections and Curation, the British Library / Chair of the Consortium of European Research Libraries

  • Karen Limper-Herz, Lead Curator, Incunabula & Sixteenth Century Printed Books, Western Heritage Collections, the British Library

  • Hamish Todd, Head of East Asian Collections, the British Library

  • Alessandro Bianchi, Bodleian Japanese Librarian, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford


Japanese-English translation by Daichi Ishikawa, an English Literature specialist at Keio University.


    • Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

    • Keio University

      Keio University is a private, comprehensive higher education institution located on six campuses spread across the Greater Tokyo area. It offers an environment of academic and research excellence in a wide range of fields, and includes a university hospital. Founded in 1858, it is Japan’s first modern institution of higher learning, and over the last century and a half it has established itself as a leader in Japan through its continued commitment to education, research and medicine.

      Keio has its origins in the school of Western learning established by Yukichi Fukuzawa, a school which soon evolved into a major center of learning. As a highly respected educator and intellectual, Fukuzawa was one of the pioneers of modern Japan. He aspired for Keio to become a model and leader of society, stressing the importance of learning that is based on jitsugaku, or “science”. In today’s changing world, Keio upholds its founder’s spirit of science as it continues to fulfill his aspiration.

       

    • You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
    • COLLABORATION POLICY

      By enrolling in a course on or through eLearnAfrica, you are joining a special worldwide community of learners. The aspiration of eLearnAfrica is to provide anyone with an internet connection access to courses from the best universities and institutions in the world and to provide our learners the best educational experience internet technology enables. You are a part of the community that will help eLearnAfrica achieve this goal. eLearnAfrica depends upon your motivation to learn the material and to do so with honesty and academic integrity. In order to participate in eLearnAfrica, you must agree to the Honor Code below and any additional terms specific to a class.

      ELEARNAFRICA HONOR CODE PLEDGE

      By enrolling in a course, program, or degree hosted on the eLearnAfrica App or Site, I agree that I will:

      • Complete all tests and assignments on my own, unless collaboration on an assignment is explicitly permitted.

      • Maintain only one user account and not let anyone else use my username and/or password.

      • Not engage in any activity that would dishonestly improve my results, or improve or hurt the results of others.

      • Not post answers to problems that are being used to assess student performance.

      • Abide by any and all requirements of the eLearnAfrica Participants as may regard the expectations of civil or academic behavior or of community standards.

      VIOLATIONS

      If you are found in violation of the Terms and Conditions or Honor Code, you may be subject to one or more of the following actions:

      • Receiving a zero or no credit for an assignment;

      • Having any certificate earned in the course withheld or revoked;

      • Being unenrolled from a course, learning program or degree program; or

      • Termination of your use of the App and/or Site.

      • Additional actions may be taken at the sole discretion of eLearnAfrica and eLearnAfrica course providers. 

      No refunds will be issued in the case of any corrective action for such violations.

      Honor code violations will be determined at the sole discretion of eLearnAfrica, the Partners, or Members. You will be notified if a determination has been made that you have violated this honor code and you will be informed of the corresponding action to be taken as a result of the violation.

      CHANGING THE HONOR CODE

      Please note that we review and may make changes to this Honor Code from time to time. Any changes to this Honor Code will be effective immediately upon posting on this page, with an updated effective date. By accessing the App and/or Site after any changes have been made, you signify your agreement on a prospective basis to the modified Honor Code and any changes contained therein. Be sure to return to this page periodically to ensure familiarity with the most current version of this Honor Code.

      Effective Date: September 22, 2016