An Introductory Course in Cross-cultural Studies

Course Information

College	Toyama College	Year	2022
Course Title	An Introductory Course in Cross-cultural Studies
Course Code	0169	Course Category	Specialized / Elective
Class Format	Lecture	Credits	Academic Credit: 2
Department	Department of International Business	Student Grade	5th
Term	First Semester	Classes per Week	2
Textbook and/or Teaching Materials	Class handouts given by the instructor
Instructor	Nishihara Masahiro

Course Objectives

1. To understand accurately the concepts concerning cross-cultural studies and to be able to explain
clearly orally and in written form.
2. To understand our own cultural spontaneous experiences by using the concepts learned.
3. To be able to articulate its understanding logically and clearly in written form.

Rubric

	Ideal Level	Standard Level	Unacceptable Level
Undestanding relevant concepts	Students are able to understand accurately the concepts concerning cross-cultural studies and to be able to explain clearly orally and in written form.	Students are able to understand the concepts concerning cross-cultural studies and to be able to explain orally and in written form.	Students are unable to understand the concepts concerning cross-cultural studies and to be able to explain orally or in written form.
Giving appropriate meanings to cultural experiences	Students are able to understand our own cultural spontaneous experiences by using the concepts learned.	Students are more or less able to understand our own cultural spontaneous experiences by using the concepts learned.	Students are unable to understand our own cultural spontaneous experiences by using the concepts learned.
Articulating in written form	Students are able to articulate its understanding logically and clearly in written form.	Studenta are able to articulate its understanding somewhat logically and clearly in written form.	Students are unable to articulate its understanding in written form.

Teaching Method

Outline:

Information, concepts, and theories regarding cross-cultural understanding, views of English, English culture will be provided. Students are encouraged to make meaningful connections between their own cultural experiences and the concepts as such and, thus, are expected to learn to build constructive relationships with people around them.

Style:

Students are encouraged to participate in group work, discussions, and spontaneous performances in class. Several reports will be the assignments for final assessment

Notice:

Over 60 points will be the criteria for obtaining credits. Otherwise, students are allowed to take a make-up test on request

Characteristics of Class / Division in Learning

Active Learning

Course Plan

			Theme	Goals
1st Semester
	1st Quarter
		1st	Introduction—the need for cross-cultural studies—	Understanding the need for cross-cultural studies
		2nd	father-hood principles and mother-hood principles	Understanding father-hood principles and mother-hood principles
		3rd	A view of a child and child rearing—a comparison between U.S. and Japan	Understanding the diffferent view of a child and child rearing
		4th	Rationalism—the theory of Fudo—	Understanding western rationalism through the theory of Fudo
		5th	Different cultures in communication	Understanding the different cultures in communication
		6th	Code Theory	Understanding the limitations of Code Theory of communication
		7th	The cooperative principles and Relevant Theory	Understanding the cooperative principles and Relevant Theory
		8th	The view of English (1) —'Cinderella' and 'a kidnapped child'—	Understanding the view of English as 'Cinderella' and 'a kidnapped child'
	2nd Quarter
		9th	The view of English (2) —'Godzilla'—	Understanding the view of 'World Englishes' and English Imperialism
		10th	Linguistic distance	Understanding the linguistic distance between English and Japanese
		11th	Multilingualism and plurilingualism	Understanding the strengths of Multilingualism and Plurilingualism
		12th	Demonstrating our learning (1)	Group-setting and group activities
		13th	Demonstrating our learning (2)	Group activities
		14th	Demonstrating our learning (3)	Group presentations
		15th	End-of term examinations	Submitting written reports
		16th	Reflections and considerations	Reflecting on our learning

Evaluation Method and Weight (%)

	Examination	Presentation	Mutual Evaluations between students	Behavior	Portfolio	Other	Total
Subtotal	0	100	0	0	0	0	100
Basic Proficiency	0	50	0	0	0	0	50
Specialized Proficiency	0	50	0	0	0	0	50
Cross Area Proficiency	0	0	0	0	0	0	0