Approaches to Understanding Cultures

Tomoko ARIKAWA (International Student Center)

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

Textbook
   1. Schultz, E. A. & Lavenda, R. H., (2005), Cultural Anthropology: A perspective on the human condition, Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press.
   2. Matsumoto, David, (2000), Culture and Psychology: People around the world (2nd ed.), Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
   3. Reading lists for each class will be provided on the first day of the class.

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
   Week4 Culture and verbal and nonverbal communication
  
   II. Examine culture and learning in various contexts
   Week5 Culture and learning
   Week6 Learning in community
   Week7 Learning in schools (1)
   Week8 Learning in schools (2)
  
   III. Study on intercultural interactions
   Week 9 Minority, ethnicity
   Week 10 Discrimination, Ethnocentrism
   Week 11 Globalization, migration
   Week 12 Intercultural experiences and learning
   Week 13 Intercultural interactions in relation to culture and learning
  
   IV. Evaluate and propose approaches in intercultural relationships
   Week 14 Propose concrete approaches in intercultural interactions
   Week 15 Evaluate the proposed approaches in intercultural relationships

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