Approaches to Understanding Cultures

Arikawa, Tomoko (Center for International Education and Exchange)

Course Objective
   This is a two-credit course on the study of culture, mainly from the approaches of Educational Anthropology and relevant fields on culture and education. After studying theories and concepts on culture and related fields, this course analyzes issues and problems using cases of education and multicultural issues in Japan in comparison with those in other countries. The students will come to propose concrete approaches on multicultural issues and education.

Learning Goals
   Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: I. Explain theories and concepts on culture and related fields. II. Analyze issues and problems using cases of multicultural issues and education. III. Apply theories and concepts on multicultural issues and education. IV. Propose concrete approaches on multicultural issues and education.

Class Plan

	Theme	Content
Week 1	I. Explain theories and concepts on culture and related fields	Introduction, start thinking about culture
Week 2	I. Explain theories and concepts on culture and related fields	Definitions of culture
Week 3	I. Explain theories and concepts on culture and related fields	Concepts and theories related to multicultural issues
Week 4	I. Explain theories and concepts on culture and related fields	Culture, verbal and nonverbal communication
Week 5	II. Analyze issues and problems using cases on multicultural issues and education	Culture, multicultural Japan
Week 6	II. Analyze issues and problems using cases on multicultural issues and education	Explore culture and diversity (1)
Week 7	II. Analyze issues and problems using cases on multicultural issues and education	Culture, minority, and ethnicity
Week 8	II. Analyze issues and problems using cases on multicultural issues and education	Explore culture and diversity (2)
Week 9	II. Analyze issues and problems using cases on multicultural issues and education	Multiculturalism and education
Week 10	II. Analyze issues and problems using cases on multicultural issues and education	Culture, diversity and unity in education
Week 11	II. Analyze issues and problems using cases on multicultural issues and education	Culture and education (1) groups and individuals
Week 12	II. Analyze issues and problems using cases on multicultural issues and education	Culture and education (2) ijime problems
Week 13	III. Apply theories and concepts on multicultural issues and education. IV. Propose concrete approaches on multicultural issues and education.	Group Presentation (1)
Week 14	III. Apply theories and concepts on multicultural issues and education. IV. Propose concrete approaches on multicultural issues and education.	Group Presentation (2)
Week 15	III. Apply theories and concepts on multicultural issues and education. IV. Propose concrete approaches on multicultural issues and education.	Group Presentation (3), Feedback and Reflection

Independent Study Outside of Class
   The students are expected to read the assigned reading before the class and work on the assignments and the group projects.

Textbooks
   To be announced in the first class of the course with the reading lists for this course.

Grading Policy
   A: 15% will be based on participation in class. B: 15% will be based on three worksheets. C: 30% will be based on Essay. D: 40% will be based on Group Project and Group Presentation. The details will be announced in the first class in the syllabus.