Japanese / English

Subject Name	Japanese Level
MC500: Upper-intermediate Seminar on Japanese Culture (International co-learning classes) 　Multi-cultural Communication 5	Level 5 (Upper-intermediate)
Class Goals and Outline
With the increase in the number of long-term foreign residents in Japan, Japanese people have more chances for direct contact with people of different languages and cultures in local communities, schools, and businesses.  Given Japan's low birthrate and aging population, debates are underway regarding the progress of women in the workforce, foreign laborers, and immigration policies. Defining "multiculturalism" and "diversity" in a broad sense, this class will conduct thought experiments on the themes of gender, nationality, identity, and immigration control from both the perspectives of the "host/majority" and "guest/minority." Together with the Japanese students, we will explore the meaning of being a useful individual, family member, and working adult in a symbiotic multicultural society.
Eligibility
B1 level in the CEFR/JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education (N2 in the JLPT)
Learning Objectives
(1) Learn basic knowledge on key topics in multicultural societies (2) Internalize knowledge in the form of experiences through class activities (3) Learn to perform thought experiments in changing one's position and considering matters from a different point of view (4) Metacognition and verbalization of changes in one's emotions during activities (5) Foster ability to arbitrate, sympathize with, and tolerate differences
Number of Classes (per week)
Fall/spring terms: once/week (1 period/week), 15 classes total
Course Content
Rather than learning about class themes, the themes will be the basis for activities.
-Orientation and multiculturalism class rules -Identity, individuals and groups, language as lingua franca, gender, religion etc. (tentative), role-playing as foreign settlers (guests) and Japanese (hosts) -Visual presentations by groups composed of diverse members
Textbook
To be assigned in class.
Evaluation Method
Attendance 30%, submission of weekly comments 30%, participation -e.g. commenting during class 10%, Final report 30%
Subject to change.