Introduction to Japanese Society

Introduction to Japanese Society 2/3/4

• Level: 2, 3 and 4

• Language of Instruction: Japanese

• Quota: max. 10 students

• Class: once a week (90 mins x 15 weeks)

• Equivalent to 2 KUIS credits

• Instructor: Rie Wakatsuki

This course is aimed for students at the beginner and pre-intermediate level of Japanese who wish to deepen their knowledge about Japan and Japanese society. Topics to be covered are related to life in Japan including geography and natural disasters. Students will also learn about Japanese society and culture through researches and projects. Taking into consideration students' personal interests, students will understand various opinions and thoughts through presentations and group discussions.

Course Contents

• Week 1

Guidance, ice break, Deciding communication tool etc.

• Weeks 2-4

Information session (geography of Japan, living information in Japan)

Gain knowledge about life in Japan.

• Weeks 5-14

Research & Presentation Project

* 2-3 themes will be covered.

・ Research themes will be discussed and decided in class.

・ Research what students are interested in or want to know according to the theme. Interview and survey KUIS students.

・ Students will present what they have learned through the research.

・ For the presentation, students will take a video by themselves and share it in the class. We plan to have guest audiences (KUIS students) as well.

・ listen to the presentations of your classmates and make comments.

• Week 15

Review

*International students may have the opportunity to introduce their country and culture to KUIS students.

Teaching materials / reference materials

Teaching materials will be distributed and introduced in the class.

Evaluation criteria

• Class contribution (participation in discussions, comments and opinions)

• Presentation (submitting videos and scripts)

• Submitted assignments such as reflection and feedback

• Quiz

Introduction to Japanese Society 5/6/7

• Level: 5, 6 and 7

• Language of Instruction: Japanese

• Quota: max. 10 students

• Class: once a week (90 mins x 15 weeks)

• Equivalent to 2 KUIS credits

• Instructor: Masako Manabe

This course is aimed at students at the pre-advanced level of Japanese language study. In this course, students will study Japanese customs/behavioral patterns, cultural/social phenomena in modern Japan. Students will develop their understanding of Japanese culture and society through discussions and interactions. Through interactions with others, students are expected to recognize different values and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and society. Each student will choose a topic on Japanese culture/society and will present the result of the survey and write a paper.

Class Objectives

• Be able to explain terms and ideas related to different cultures handled in class.

• Be able to explain the relationship between language and culture / society, and organize and state your thoughts.

• Be able to understand and cope with problems that arise in different cultures.

• Be able to ask questions about cultural and social topics and seek answers through dialogue.

Course structure

• One theme is handled every one or two class(es).

• Understand basic terms and concepts about different cultures through class work (1-3).

• Think about language and culture (4-5), the relationship between art and culture (6-9), and multicultural society (10-11).

• Students Ask and present their own questions about cultural and social themes, and discuss these questions in class (keyword presentation, 12-14).

• At the end of each topic, students review their learning and summarize their opinions.

Teaching materials / reference materials

Teaching materials will be distributed and introduced in the class.

Evaluation criteria

• Quiz 10%

Students are given a quiz to confirm the understanding of words and ideas related to different cultures handled in class.

• Assignments 60%

Homework (20%): There are assignments before and after class. Write on the designated sheet and submit.

Keyword presentation (40%): Contents and their submissions (PPT, worksheet)

• Review 30%

Students write and submit their opinions about what you have learned.

Precautions for taking courses

• The quiz does not have a make-up.

• If submission is delayed, evaluation will be deducted. (Minus 50%). Make sure to submit assignments before the deadline.

• Evaluation is not based on Japanese ability.

• This is a discussion-based class, active participation is required.