Welcome to Cross-Cultural Encounters 1

-Introduction: What does this course offer you?
-Course design, contents, course policy, class organization, reading requirements and presentation assignments.
-Who is the instructor?
-In this course, ot is important for both Japanese and international students to learn from each other and deepen their understanding through diverse perspectives.
-【+R-Jugyo】For the details, go to "Reference Video" below

Cross-Cultural Communication 1

-Syllabus Quiz (5%)
-What are language barriers? What are some ways to overcome them using means other than a common language?
-Differences in non-verbal communication (gestures, eye contact, etc.)
-Practical training in intercultural environments

Cross-Cultural Communication 2

-Differences in cultural etiquette (honorifics, greetings, concepts of time, etc.)
-"Tardiness Simulation" → Act out being 5 minutes late and 30 minutes late, then analyze the cultural differences involved.

Media and Cross-Cultural Communication 1

-Understanding the cultural images and stereotypes created by the media
-Analyzing the representation of different cultures in films, anime, and dramas, and considering the gap between these portrayals and reality
-What cultural images are being depicted?
-How closely do these representations align with actual culture? Are there exaggerations or misconceptions?

Media and Cross-Cultural Communication 2

-Discussing the impact of social media on international exchange, understanding both the positive and negative aspects
-Discussion: "Does social media help with intercultural understanding?"
-"The cultural differences between what I saw on social media about [Country] and what I experienced when I visited."

Exploring Traditional Culture in the Age of Globalization 1

-In this session, we will explore the impact of globalization on traditional cultures, analyzing examples of Japan’s cultural export and the reception of foreign cultures.
-The students will discuss the balance between the loss, transformation, and development of culture while debating the pros and cons of globalization.
-Globalization of Culture: Loss vs. Development

Exploring Traditional Culture in the Age of Globalization 2

-The Global Dissemination and Reception of Japanese Culture
-Discussion: "Can Japanese culture, when altered abroad, still be considered authentic Japanese culture?"
-The Reception of Foreign Cultures in Japan
-Discussion: "Preserving Tradition vs. Embracing Change"

Midterm Exam/Group Work: First Meeting and Preparation

-Midterm Exam (20% Multiple Choice Questions and SHort Essey)
-The students will engage in a group activity that provides a comprehensive review of the course content, including topics such as intercultural understanding, media and culture, and the globalization of traditional cultures. The activity of group work will focus on exploring the challenges and opportunities that arise in intercultural interactions.

Group Work: Planning

Our group's work topic: "Intercultural Understanding and Challenges at Ritsumeikan University International Dormitory"
-Our class of 35 students will be divided into 6 groups, with approximately 6 students per group. Each group will research different aspects of the intercultural experience at BKC International Dormitory, focusing on identifying both positive elements and challenges that arise when students from various cultural backgrounds live together.
Each group will:
-Conduct research on your assigned aspect of dormitory life
-Collect data through interviews, surveys, or other appropriate methods
-Analyze your findings
-Prepare and deliver a presentation to the class

Group Work : Research Implementation 1

Group A: Communication Style Differences
Research direct/indirect expression styles, non-verbal communication, and conflict resolution methods across different countries and regions. Conduct interviews with dormitory residents and collect case studies to identify situations where misunderstandings commonly occur.

Group B: Daily Lifestyle Differences
Investigate differences in "normal" daily habits across cultures, including daily rhythms, food preferences, cleanliness standards, noise tolerance, and use of shared spaces. Analyze why these differences can become sources of friction among residents.

Group C: Interaction Promotion and Barriers
Examine scenarios where natural interaction occurs among residents and identify factors that inhibit social exchange. Research how language barriers, tendency to group with fellow nationals, and different time management approaches may influence interaction patterns.

Group D: University Support Systems and Their Effectiveness
Evaluate current intercultural understanding programs and support systems offered at the dormitory. Assess how orientations, cultural exchange events, and university support mechanisms affect students' adaptation to multicultural living environments.

Group E: Role and Impact of Resident Mentors (RMs)
Investigate the essential role of RMs in promoting intercultural understanding in mixed-nationality dormitories. Conduct interviews with RMs to understand their perspectives on their roles, possibilities, and challenges they face.

Group F: Comparative Analysis of Mixed-Nationality Dormitories
Research successful and unsuccessful examples of mixed-nationality dormitories in Japan and abroad. Develop recommendations for making Ritsumeikan University's International Dormitory more attractive and culturally enriching.

Group Work : Research Implementation 2

Group A: Communication Style Differences
Research direct/indirect expression styles, non-verbal communication, and conflict resolution methods across different countries and regions. Conduct interviews with dormitory residents and collect case studies to identify situations where misunderstandings commonly occur.

Group B: Daily Lifestyle Differences
Investigate differences in "normal" daily habits across cultures, including daily rhythms, food preferences, cleanliness standards, noise tolerance, and use of shared spaces. Analyze why these differences can become sources of friction among residents.

Group C: Interaction Promotion and Barriers
Examine scenarios where natural interaction occurs among residents and identify factors that inhibit social exchange. Research how language barriers, tendency to group with fellow nationals, and different time management approaches may influence interaction patterns.

Group D: University Support Systems and Their Effectiveness
Evaluate current intercultural understanding programs and support systems offered at the dormitory. Assess how orientations, cultural exchange events, and university support mechanisms affect students' adaptation to multicultural living environments.

Group E: Role and Impact of Resident Mentors (RMs)
Investigate the essential role of RMs in promoting intercultural understanding in mixed-nationality dormitories. Conduct interviews with RMs to understand their perspectives on their roles, possibilities, and challenges they face.

Group F: Comparative Analysis of Mixed-Nationality Dormitories
Research successful and unsuccessful examples of mixed-nationality dormitories in Japan and abroad. Develop recommendations for making Ritsumeikan University's BKC International Dormitory more attractive and culturally enriching.

Presentation 1

Group Presentation Guidelines
Each group will create and deliver an oral presentation on their assigned research topic, accompanied by video, PowerPoint slides, or other visual materials (30%).

Presentation Format:
Presentation time: 30 minutes
Q&A session: 15 minutes

All groups must be prepared to present their findings comprehensively within the allocated time and respond to questions from classmates and instructors during the discussion period.

Presentation 2

Group Presentation Guidelines
Each group will create and deliver an oral presentation on their assigned research topic, accompanied by video, PowerPoint slides, or other visual materials (30%).

Presentation Format:
Presentation time: 30 minutes
Q&A session: 15 minutes

All groups must be prepared to present their findings comprehensively within the allocated time and respond to questions from classmates and instructors during the discussion period.

Presentation 3

Group Presentation Guidelines
Each group will create and deliver an oral presentation on their assigned research topic, accompanied by video, PowerPoint slides, or other visual materials (30%).

Presentation Format:
Presentation time: 30 minutes
Q&A session: 15 minutes

All groups must be prepared to present their findings comprehensively within the allocated time and respond to questions from classmates and instructors during the discussion period.

• Class Participation and Contribution: 30%
• Syllabus Quiz: 5%
• Midterm Exam: 20%
• Group Presentation: 30%
• Lecture and Group Work Reflection: 15%