| Course Name | Year | Term | Period | Faculty / Graduate School | All Instructors | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12751:[2025 Spring]IR18‐CA206 Bridge to International Studies II (Cultural Understanding)(RC) | 2025 | Spring | Thu2 | College Of International Relations | MATSUO SCOT | 2 |
Campus
Class Venue
Language
Course Outline and Method
Information for “+R-Jugyo” will be posted on the “Course News” on manaba+R by April 1. Be sure to check the “Course News” on manaba+R.
Exploring different cultural values and lifestyles will give students the chance to learn about international relations and ideas. Looking at one's own culture and how it is woven into the fabric of language; examining different styles of communication brings a deeper understanding of the world we live in. As students enjoy learning about how Japanese culture affects their understanding of international communication at a deeper level, they will be able to understand their own society and paradigms in new ways. The objective of this course is for students to increase in knowledge and awareness of Japanese culture and international cultural issues.
Student Attainment Objectives
Students will leave the class with an in-depth study of their own personal culture.
Students will be able to write about and orally present their ideas on topics related to the field of Japanese culture in English.
Recommended Preparatory Course
Course Schedule
| Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) | Theme |
|---|---|
| Keyword, References and Supplementary Information | |
| 1 | Introduction to class |
explain the class format, grading, important dates
|
|
| 2 | communication styles |
Why do Japanese people sometimes have difficulty communicating with foreigners? Why is Japanese unique and difficult for foreigners to understand? |
|
| 3 | The way of the warrior |
"Bushido" is the way of the warrior. How has the virtues from the Edo Period affect Japanese culture today? |
|
| 4 | Traditions and practices in Japan |
What drives traditions and are they in decline in Japan? Why? |
|
| 5 | Modesty |
Why is humbleness and modesty a virtue in Japanese Culture? |
|
| 6 | Japanese Art |
How has Japanese art styles express what is an important part of Japanese culture. |
|
| 7 | Wearing a mask |
Why is it difficult to say one's true feelings/opinion in Japanese culture? |
|
| 8 | Mid-term exam |
Mid-term exam and reflection on topics covered so far in the semester |
|
| 9 | Expressing ambiguous |
Communicating in Japanese is not detailed but ambiguous. |
|
| 10 | Taking the Best |
How has Japan "Taken the Best" from others and improved on them over the centuries, and how is that part of Japanese society today? |
|
| 11 | Inside and Outside groups. |
Why is the sense of family and inner circle so important in Japan society and how can that be seen shaping relationship and the Japanese mindset? |
|
| 12 | Parenting/Fatherhood and Motherhood in Japan |
How have attitudes and perceptions changed of what are parental roles in Japan. |
|
| 13 | Final Presentations |
Final Presentations by students and information about the Final Exam will be discussed |
|
| 14 | Final Exam |
Final Exam and reflection |
Class Format
Recommendations for Private Study
Be prepared to discuss in class.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/?fbclid=IwAR15XzY1uzBLG5Vl763beE2hyL23-hKpySEzgcNDxbRM7eepIGXGcKfMHTI
Visit the BBP (Beyond Borders Plaza)
Grade Evaluation Method
| Kind | Percentage | Grading Criteria etc. |
|---|---|---|
| Final Examination (Written) | ||
| Report Examination (A report to be submitted by the unified deadline) |
||
| Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment (Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class) |
100 | 20% In class participation
|
Grade Evaluation Method （Note）
Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods
Textbooks
Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）
Reference Books
Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）
Web Pages for Reference
How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)
Other Comments
URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/