THE CONCEPT

Modern technology permeates the learning environment at every corner, distracting us from active participation in favor of passive consumption. In higher education, standardized classes prioritize passive education (lectures, textbooks) over active participation, where students can critically engage with the world beyond academia. UC Santa Cruz was originally designed to be a radical experiment in rethinking higher education, challenging standard approaches to learning and prioritizing a holistic educational experience.

Led by Dr. Alan Christy, the Shikoku Pilgrimage "Super Class" exemplifies UCSC’s vision, forgoing the typical lecture/textbook approach in favor of giving students agency in their own learning. Through this Super Class, students will have an unparalleled opportunity to embed themselves in another culture, not just as observers, but as participants as they travel 1200 kilometers (745 miles) by foot around the perimeter of Shikoku, Japan. As pilgrims (“henro”), 15 undergraduates will conduct the requisite rituals, following in the footsteps of the legendary Kōbō Daishi and in emulation of millions of others who have walked the pilgrimage in faith, hope and, sometimes, desperation.

WHY GIVE?

Donations raised during The Spring Give will be used to cover the travel expenses of video documentarian and UC Santa Cruz alum, Jaxon Chester (Porter College, Class of '24) to capture undergraduates’ transformative experiences on their 10-week journey of hardship and commitment to achieve enlightenment. This hour-long documentary feature film aims to both demonstrate the possibilities of undergraduate education at UC Santa Cruz and serve as a call to action, encouraging others to follow this blueprint in rethinking higher education.

How is learning impacted by physically being in a historical space? What is the purpose of walking a pilgrimage? How will students fare as they overcome adversity? As students and faculty experience this foreign land for the first time with a significant language barrier, we will too. As students and faculty brave the wind, rain, and rough terrain, we will too. As students and faculty bridge personal connections to Shikoku and experience transformative awakenings, we will too. Through the perspectives of UCSC undergraduate students, faculty, and Japanese community members, we as viewers will participate in their journey towards understanding the history of connections of Japan to other parts of the world.