Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
12763:[2025 Spring]IR18‐CA301 Bridge to International Studies IV (R) 2025 Spring Thu3 College　Of　International　Relations SAEKI CHIZURU 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

MEIGAKUKAN　MG002

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

【+R-Jugyo】
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.

This course examines Western perceptions of Japanese culture and tradition. In other words, we analyze how westerners have seen and imagined Japanese society and its unique cultural traditions compared with western culture. The class explores concepts such as cultural assimilation and identity. As course materials, we use English fiction, film, and articles.

Student Attainment Objectives

Students will acquire
1:Reading and Writing skills
2:Expand vocabulary
3 English conversation/discussion skills, including listening and speaking
4: Critical thinking

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1

Introduction

Introduction
overview of the course
Introduction to Asian Culture and Society

2

Ambiguity and the Japanese
The Concept of Japanese Dependence

chapter 2 Osborne/ pp.7-23 Davies

3

Descent from Heaven
The Japanese Sense of Beauty
Basho

chapter 3 Osborne/pp.23-41 Davies

4

The Way of the Warrior
Silence in Japanese Communication

Chapter 4 Osborne/pp.41-61 Davies

5

Male and Female relationship in Japan
Do Spirit of Japan

Chapter 5 Osborne/ pp.61-83 Davies

6

Japanese Patience and Determination
Japanese Social Obligations
Life of Basho

chapter 6 Osborne/pp.83-103 Davies

7

An Implicit Way of Communicating
Japanese Personal Space

chapter 7 Osborne/pp. 103-115 Davies

8

Private VS Personal Stance
Ie system

chapter 8 Osborne/pp.115-127 Davies

9

Adopting Elements of Foreign Culture
Child-rearing Practice

chapter 9 Osborne/pp.127-143 Davies

10

The Japanese Virtue of Modesty
The Japanese Sense of Seasons
Zen

What is Zen? article/pp. 143-159 Davies

11

Laying the Groundwork
Arranged Marriage
Tea

Tea article/pp.159-171 Davies

12

Folktales in Japan
The Social Expectations of Women

pp. 171-187 Davies

13

Seniority Rules in Japanese Relations
Japanese group Consciousness

pp.187-201 Davies
research paper proposal

14

Japanese Group Consciousness
Dual Meanings in Human Relations
Simplicity and Elegance in Japanese Beauty

pp. 195-233 Davies
research paper writings

Class Format

All classes are to be conducted face to face; however, in the case of an emergency, the instructor may elect to provide online (live-streamed) classes. Please note that the maximum number of online classes must be less than 1/2 of the total number of classes for the specified course. If an instructor does conduct a live-streamed class, then the link will be posted on Manaba+R.




Recommendations for Private Study

Students are required to do research and prepare for their presentations on the weekly assigned topics.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written) 0

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)		 0

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

research paper 30%
research proposal 20%
presentation 30%
Participation 20%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
Dragon of the Red Dawn Mary Pope Osborne Random House 978-0-375-83728-9
The Japanese Mind' Understanding Contemporry Japanese Culture Roger J. Davis ^ Osamu Ikeno Tuttle Publishing ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 4805310219

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

We will use the textbook every time. Other reading materials (articles) will be provided in the class

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)

Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students

Other Comments

【科目ナンバリング・カリキュラムマップはこちらから/Click here to see the Curriculum-Map and Course-Numbering】
URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/