Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
16846:[2025 Spring]Cross-cultural Encounters 1 (GB) § 16847:Special Lecture (1B) § 16848:Cross-cultural Encounters (GB) 2025 Spring Tue2 College　Of　Law,College　Of　Social　Sciences,College　Of　International　Relations,College　Of　Letters KAWANO MAKO 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

IGAKUKAN　IG406

Language

Japanese and English

Course Outline and Method

In this course students will exchange opinions (have discussions) about the diverse values of different cultures using topics that occur in student life and in everyday life. Through these discussions, students will compare their own perceptions of common-sense and their ways of thinking with that of others, and learn the basics of intercultural communication skills, understanding themselves and understanding others. Both Japanese and English (in some classes Chinese) will be used. Active participation in group activities is required.

Student Attainment Objectives

Students’ enjoyment of exchanging opinions with students with different cultural backgrounds and their sense of motivation will be enhanced. Students’ interest in intercultural communication will be strengthened, and they will acquire the basic skills of understanding themselves and others.

Recommended Preparatory Course

This course will be conducted in both Japanese and English and there is no language proficiency requirement to take this course. Please remember the following points to make the course beneficial to all the participants: (1) Try to use the language that you are learning, (2) Try to use your mother tongue in a understandable way, and (3) Try to be active and collaborative in learning process.

Course Schedule

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

Introduction

Course introduction, Icebreaking - Let’s get to know each other
【+R-Jugyo】For the details, go to "Reference Video" below

2

What is culture?

Basic concepts around cultures

3

Communication

Nonverbal communication, Active listening, Effective group discussion

4

Diversity in a culture

Problematizing stereotypes, prejudice and essentialism

5

Gender and culture

Gender, Gender role, Gender identity

6

Race and ethnicity

Race, ethnicity

7

Relativizing your own culture

Japanese culture as a case

8

Reflection on the first half of the course / For an effective presentation

Revisiting learning in the first half of the course, Grouping and setting topics

9

Preparing for group presentation - 1

Preparation for the final presentation in groups

10

Preparing for group presentation - 2

Preparation for the final presentation in groups

11

Group presentation 1

Presentation, Q&A, discussion, and peer-feedback

12

Group presentation 2

Presentation, Q&A, discussion, and peer-feedback

13

Group presentation 3

Presentation, Q&A, discussion, and peer-feedback

14

Reflection on the group project / Looking ahead to the next steps

Reflection based on peer-evaluation, reflection on the learning process in this course, and the next steps

Class Format

Face-to-face session in the classroom

Recommendations for Private Study

Students will need to work together in group outside the class hours during the group project. Students are expected to take responsibility as part of a group and cooperate with their group members.

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

Participation 15%, Weekly reflections 35%, Group presentation 20%, Group project report 20% Course reflection 10%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

- Policy on attendance/participation
Students must attend/take part in at least 10 out of 14 classes to obtain credit for this course.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

- Use the language(s) you are learning
 You will have plenty of opportunities to work in group in this course, such as group discussion and group presentation. The keys to get the most out of this course would be: 1) Try not to worry about your language level (whether it is in English or Japanese), 2) Try to use the language you are learning, and 3) Try to enjoy the interactions and learn from each other. It is recommended that the students attend the class weekly with a small objective of their own about practicing languages and /or about the communication.

- Be a proactive participant
Attendance and active participation in group work and discussion are the key for your success in this course. You may use any tools available if that helps effective communication with classmates. If you encounter any issues or difficulties, consult the tutor at early stage. (You can find the tutor's email address on manaba+R.)

- Ongoing reflective practice matters
It is important for students to explore their ideas further and articulate them in words through weekly reflection sheet. Also, preparation assignments are designed to prepare students to effectively participate in the following class. Students are expected to work on the assignments so they can share their ideas and exchange their opinions with their peers with confidence in the class.

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Materials will be provided in class or through the Learning Management System

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 (Separate instructions will be provided)

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/