Name: Hope Anderson
Major/Minor: Art History; Minors in Art, Asian Studies and Global Studies.
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Year at UNL: Senior
Favorite book and why: Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami is my favorite novel because it is a great example of Japanese storytelling. The story follows the main character through the seasons, but puts an emphasis on how some parts of his life will always be frozen in time–in this case, frozen in the cold of winter.
Favorite movie and why: My favorite film is Princess Mononoke, or Mononoke Hime (もののけ姫). This film is one of the most popular films in Japan and is a great example of traditional Japanese concepts, ideas, and culture. I enjoy this film because it combines traditional Japanese culture and folklore with modern techniques and popular culture.
Why Global Studies?: I chose to add Global Studies to my studies at UNL because it is a great way for me to learn about the basic principles of international relations. This complements my Art History major by giving me the tools to understand the economic and political events that have influenced human expression. Some of the most interesting courses I have taken include Japanese Popular Culture, History of the Holocaust, and International Relations. I suggest that all Global Studies majors take courses outside of their main interest! Since I took History of the Holocaust, I have become interested in the presence of Japan during World War II.
Study Abroad Experience: I have studied abroad in Japan twice! The first trip I took was a Summer faculty-led program with Dana Fritz. We studied Japanese culture and photography during our weeks there. I made several new connections and contacts throughout Japan. These are connections that I still maintain today! During our trip we visited art museums, temples, shrines, and art galleries. It was truly amazing to be able to experience the modern with the traditional! This summer trip inspired me to go abroad again. I'm currently in Matsudo, Chiba, a suburb of Tokyo, teaching English at a Junior High School! This experience will only last a semester, so I will have to enjoy every moment I am here!
Post-Graduation Plans: After graduation, I would like to go to graduate school to study Japanese Art History. My current school of choice is the University of Hawaii at Manoa! I am also looking at doctoral programs in Kyoto! I would love to earn my PhD in Art History and teach at the college level! My other interests, career wise, include running operating an art gallery and teaching English in Japan.
More details at: https://go.unl.edu/20vt