Instructors in this course will guide students through various aspects of the international community that are easily overlooked in the age of globalization. Specifically, they will focus on the 7 countries (and regions) of Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Czech, Mexico and Brazil, providing an overview of the ethnic characteristics, history, traditions, and society of each country's culture. Seven lecturers conducting specialized research on respective regions will cover these 7 regions in omnibus format, each from a unique dimension.
The aim of this course is to promote cross-cultural understanding and cultivate global awareness. Knowledge acquired through this series of lectures will definitely be valuable to students who will one day live in a global environment of people with a variety of cultural origins.
Students will acquire the following skills from taking this course.
1) Understand that all cultures are equal and human, and that each has unique characteristics.
2) Think about their own country's culture from a global perspective.
3) Understand the various problems of global society in a multifaceted way.
fostering international awareness, area studies, international community, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Czech, Mexico, Brazil
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
After the course introduction, the 7 instructors will lecture on the 7 countries in omnibus format. Students will submit a reaction paper in each class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | German culture (Koichiro Wakamatsu) | To be announced during the class. |
Class 2 | Brazilian culture (Eunice Suenaga) | |
Class 3 | German society (Koichiro Wakamatsu) | |
Class 4 | Brazilian society (Eunice Suenaga) | |
Class 5 | Russian culture (Kumiko Tsuchida) | |
Class 6 | Mexican culture (Takeshi Fushimi) | |
Class 7 | Russian society (Kumiko Tsuchida) | |
Class 8 | Mexican society (Takeshi Fushimi) | |
Class 9 | Czech culture (Atsushi Miyazaki) | |
Class 10 | French culture (Yu Kajita) | |
Class 11 | Czech society (Atsushi Miyazaki) | |
Class 12 | French society (Yu Kajita) | |
Class 13 | Italian culture (Ewa Kawamura) | |
Class 14 | Italian society (Ewa Kawamura) |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
none required
Course materials are provided in class.
Students will be assessed on their commitment to the class (by response cards) (40%) and a final essay (60%).
none required