Summer Intensive in Japan:
The Paralympic Games
Now entering their fifth decade, the Paralympic Games have long represented an opportunity for extraordinarily talented disabled athletes to compete before global audiences. This international competition has grown to include dozens of countries and thousands of elite athletes. But in that time the Paralympics have also come to exemplify changing understandings of disability, worldwide--reflecting emergent cultural expectations about inclusion, new laws, and the dramatic growth of an international disabled rights movement. For Drexel students, attending the games in Tokyo offers a chance to see, first hand, dramatic athletic attainment and also to witness twenty-first century ideas of equity around disability, in action.
The Japan Paralympics ICA is intended for students who have completed either the 1-credit course, “Disability, Sport and the Paralympics” (taught quarterly by History and CNHP faculty during AY 2019-2020), where they will think critically about sports in society in the broadest sense, and about disabled athletics as one among many other cases of “diversity” OR they may take the 4-credit History 341 “Disabilities in History.” They will learn about the historical origins of the Paralympic games, their relationship to the Olympics over time, and the complex geopolitics of this immense undertaking.
Credit/Registration: Students will be registered for HIST T180 Japan Paralympics 1 credit in their summer term course load. Students must leave room for the 1 credit in their credit load when registering for summer term, or will be billed for credits exceeding the 20 credit maximum.
Pre-requisite: Students who have taken HIST 341 Disabilities or HIST T180/HSAD T180 Disability, Sport and the Paralympics
previously or during summer 2020 term are eligible to apply. This pre-requisite may be waived with permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Dr. Scott Knowles, Department Head and Professor of History
Arrival Date: August 24, 2020 (Depart US August 23)
Departure Date: August 31, 2020
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates.
Itinerary Overview
August 24: Arrival Day (Depart US August 23)
August 25: Exploration Day
8:30am Breakfast
9:30am Group Meeting
10:30am Visit to Kamakura (medieval Japanese cultural and political center)
5:00pm Dinner as a Group
August 26: Paralympics
8:30am Breakfast
9:30-11:30am Research Mini-Workshop on the Paralympics in Japan with Kenji Ito
11:30am-1pm Travel to Tokyo by Train
1:00-8:00pm Paralympic Events
8:00pm Return to Sokendai by Train
August 27: Paralympics
8:30am Breakfast
9:30-11:00am Travel to Tokyo by Train
11am-8pm Paralympic Events and Discussions
8:00pm Return to Sokendai by Train
August 28: Paralympics
8:30am Breakfast
9:30-11:00am Travel to Tokyo by Train
11am-8pm Paralympic Events and Discussions
8:00pm Return to Sokendai by Train
August 29: Paralympics
8:30am Breakfast
9:30-11:00am Travel to Tokyo by Train
11am-8pm Paralympic Events and Discussions
8:00pm Return to Sokendai by Train
August 30: Open Day in Tokyo
August 31: Departure Day
Flight: ANA Flight 7028 Departs 4:00pm, Arrives IAD 3:40pm
United Flight 4873 Departs 5:40pm, Arrives PHL 6:45pm
Due April 1, 2020 $500 Advance Payment
Due June 1, 2020 $320 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
- Dormitory style accommodations
- Entry tickets to select Paralympic Games
- Several group meals
- On Call Emergency Assistance Insurance
Not Included in Program Fee:
- Round trip airfare to Japan
- Most meals
- Passport
- Tourist visa (if applicable)
- Spending Money
ICA Financial Aid: Students may request an Adjusted Cost of Attendance by submitting the ICA program fee and estimated out of pocket expenses listed above to Drexel Central (via askdrexel). Doing so could make students’ eligible for additional financial aid.
- Visa: A tourist visa is not required for US citizens. Other nationalities must check visa requirements on the Japan Embassy website.
- A recommended flight itinerary will be provided. Students are responsible for booking their own airfare.
