07s-07
APPROACHES TO UNDERSTANDING CULTURES

Tomoko ARIKAWA (International Student Center)

Objective
  This course studies “culture,” focusing on culture and learning from the relevant field of anthropology and psychology. This course aims to help broaden the understanding of “culture” and help students become better prepared for interacting with people of different backgrounds. Each class will be conducted through lectures and discussion.

Teaching Schedule
Week 1 Introduction

I. Study on main aspects of culture and learning
Week 2 Review relevant theories on culture and learning from anthropology
Week 3 Examine theories of psychology related to culture and learning

II. Examine culture and learning in various contexts
Week4 Home/family
Week5 Education: schools
Week6 Education: outside schools
Week7 Community
Week8 Society

III. Study on intercultural interactions
Week 9 Verbal and nonverbal communication
Week 10 Stereotype, Prejudice
Week 11 Discrimination, Ethnocentrism

IV. Evaluate and propose approaches in intercultural relationships
Week 12 Examine the problems in intercultural interactions
Week 13 Evaluate the problems of intercultural interactions in relation to culture and learning
Week 14 Propose concrete approaches in intercultural interactions
Week 15 Evaluate the proposed approaches in intercultural relationships

Textbook
  1. Schultz, E. A. & Lavenda, R. H., (2005), Cultural Anthropology: A perspective on the human condition, Oxford University Press.
  2. Matsumoto, David, (2000), Culture and Psychology: People around the world (2nd ed.), Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

Grading
  30% will be based on Participation (2% for each class). Student is expected to participate actively in discussions of each class. Student writes a brief reflection note about group discussions and turns it in at the end of each class.

  20% will be based on Essay 1. Student writes a one to two page short essay (typed) about the chosen topic related to culture and learning, discussing his/her own ideas about selected issues from the readings. Student turns it in by the end of Week 8.

  40% will be based on Essay 2. Student (1) synthesizes the past studies on culture and learning in relation to intercultural relationships using specific examples, and (2) proposes concrete approaches desirable and/or needed in intercultural interactions and in relating with those others whose backgrounds are different. Student turns it in by the end of Week 15.

  10% will be based on oral presentation. Student does a brief oral presentation about his/her Essay 2 in the Weeks 14 and 15.