Course Overview

Deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.

Learning Achievement

1) Gain knowledge of the Japanese perspective of society and its value
2) Explain the relationship between the Japanese value and it’s social phenomena (e.g. family, education, generation gaps, technology, communication, etc. )
3) Compare the Japanese social phenomena with those of students’ home countries and explain the differences.

Competence

Communication ability, and Broad perspective and international character

Course prerequisites

None

Grading Philosophy

In-class Quiz 5% class discussion 10% On-line quiz 20%
Presentation about Japanese Cultural Events 10% Comprehensive Midterm Examination 25%
Comprehensive Final Examination 30% Note that grades from A+ to C are to be determined based on the total score.

Course schedule

Introduction of Japanese Culture
Aimai (ambiguity)
Bushid？ (the way of warrior)
D？ spirit
Gambri (Patience and determination)
Giri (Social obligation)
Tea Ceremony
Uchi and soto
Honne to Tatemae (Private vs. Public Stance)
Haragei (Implicit way of communication)
Nemawashi (Groundwork)
Bigaku (Sense of beauty)
Kisetsu (Sense of the season)
Comprehensive quiz and overall feedback
Wabi-sabi (Simplicity and elegance)
Sh？dan Ishiki (Group Consciousness)
Iitokodori (Adapting elements of foreign culture)
Demo presentation of cultural events in Japan
Chinmoku (Silence)
Kenkyo (modesty)
Amae (Dependence)
Otogibanashi (folktales)
Japanese Gardens
Japanese Arts
Students’ Japanese culture events presentations, class discussion, and feedback

Course type

Class Exercises

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Yamamoto Chinami

Other information

The main learning method that will be used in this class will mainly be class discussion. Every student will be expected to read the reading materials before coming to class and be prepared to participate in the discussion. The detailed requirements are announced during the first class.

Site for Inquiry

Link to the syllabus provided by the university