International Studies
Cross-Cultural Education
Studying Abroad and International Cultural Exchange
Introduction to Visual Culture and Representational Culture of Japan
Introduction to the History of Film
Religion and Philosophy
Japanese-German Comparative Culture
Language and Culture
Cultural History of Fashion
Comparative Culture
Africa and Japan
Immigration Policy Studies
Latin American Studies
Film Studies
Applied Linguistics
English Linguistics
- "Cross-Cultural Education A" Professor YOKOTA Masahiro
- Initially, we will study theories of understanding cultures. This is then followed by case studies of cross-cultural adjustment, relationships with friends of different cultures, international marriage, and the search for identity by foreign people of Japanese descent. In addition, we will examine problems caused by stereotypes and prejudices. In the latter half of the year, we will focus on students studying abroad. This will include a variety of issues such as policies on students studying abroad as well as support and exchanges with international students. Through this class, students will develop the necessary skills to communicate with international students on campus.
- "Cross-Cultural Education B" Professor YOKOTA Masahiro
- The study of cross-cultural education does not simply mean knowing the other party. How one feels and acts in a cross-cultural situation depend not only on the culture of the other party but also on one’s own culture and characteristics. To benefit fully when engaging in a cross-cultural situation, knowing oneself is essential. In this class, we will focus on learning more about ourselves, using psychological tests, cross-cultural simulation games, case studies, group work, and discussions.
- "Studying Abroad and International Cultural Exchange" Specially Appointed Professor KOBAYASHI Akira
- The aim of this class is to deepen the individual’s sensitivity to different cultures. Today is a time of increasing contact with people of different cultures. Recognizing that studying abroad is a means of establishing relations with people from various cultural backgrounds, we will study the meaning and roles of international educational exchange.
- "Introduction to Visual Culture and Representational Culture of Japan"Professor TAKAYAMA Hiroshi
- Why do people feel that they are important when they look down from an elevated place? On the other hand, why is God always in the sky and why do we look up? Why do we think we understand when we see a cross-section? The world changes depending on how people look at it. In the Introduction to Visual Culture class (first year), we will examine the history of the desire for and technology of watching as cultural history. Then we will focus on visual culture in Japan in the second-year class, Representational Culture of Japan. During the third and fourth year, this analysis and discussion will continue.
- "Introduction to the History of Film A & B" Professor SEGAWA Yuji
- Since the invention of the movie at the end of the 19th century, movies have become an art or medium with a history of just over 100 years. It is essential, however, to understand this development when we consider today’s cutting-edge movie culture. In this class, we will take a chronological overview of the development of movies, using examples of representative movies. In addition, we will consider the kinds of movies made in different parts of the world and their social context.
- "Religion and Philosophy A & B" Professor MINOBE Hitoshi
- In this class, we will learn from past great thinkers and inquire the meaning and value of things from the biginning once more. To do so involves asking the absolute in which philosophy and religion overlap. We will examine these processes through examples in Christian and Buddhist traditions.
- "Japanese-German Comparative Culture A & B" Lecturer HAGIWARA Ken
- Germany and Japan have similar geographic and historical profiles, and the two have often been compared. In this class, we will study the society and culture of contemporary Germany, comparing them with that of Japan in section A. In section B, we will then focus on the works of artists who were active in both countries from the beginning of the 20th century to World War II. This will further illustrate the cultural exchange between Japan and Germany.
- "Language and Culture A & B" Associate Professor OSUKA Naoko
- The aim of the class, Language and Culture, section A, is to compare and contrast Japanese and English so as to deepen an understanding of the two language cultures through translation. By focusing on the “gap” between the original and its translation, we can notice many things about language and culture. The aim of section B is develop an understanding of how a language is related to society and culture. We will consider how factors such as gender, age, social class, ethnicity, race, and situation are reflected in language.
- "Cultural History of Fashion A & B" Specially Appointed Professor NAKANO Kaori
- Fashion shapes particular periods that are created by politics, the economy, and society. In section A, we will review the history of Western fashion from ancient times to the 19th century. This will illustrate how fashion as a cultural phenomenon represents each era. Through this process, we will examine the social context such as the concept of beauty, human psychology, and the expression of sexuality in each era, as related to clothes, manners, and style. In section B, we will study an overview of fashion in the 20th century and today in relation to the social context.
- "Comparative Culture A & B" Professor CHO Kyo
- The class is designed to provide a deeper understanding of comparative cultures. We will examine ways to understand various phenomena that occur in cross-cultural situations. Using case studies, we will also study cultural influence, conflicts, and fusion in different historical periods, in addition to issues facing contemporary society. These issues include cultural crossing, culture clashes, and the future of globalization and ethnic cultures. This will enable us to understand and discuss different cultures, as well as deepen an understanding of our own culture.
- "Africa and Japan" Lecturer MIZOBE Yasuo
- To learn about the relationship between Africa and Japan, it is essential to have a thorough knowledge of Africa, in this case, sub-Saharan Africa. In this class, we will initially study the nature, history, culture, politics, and economics of Africa. This will provide a basis for examining the current situation from the standpoint of the local people. Throughout the class, we will use a variety of sources, including programs and news produced by broadcasting stations in Africa, the U.K., and the U.S.
- "Immigration Policy Studies" Professor YAMAWAKI Keizo
- With the progress of globalization, cross-border movements of people are increasing. One of the major concerns for advanced nations in the 21st century is integrating migrants from abroad in a wide variety of areas, from expert and technical positions to unskilled labor. In Japan, with the rapid aging of society and falling birthrates, the formation of a comprehensive immigration policy is a top priority. In this class, we will review the process of integrating migrants in Japan and compare it with that of other nations. We will also discuss the current situation and future issues of immigration, and integration policies.
- "Latin American Studies A & B" Professor DAN Keisuke
- This class provides a background to the cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean. We will focus on their historical relationship with the U.S. and the effects of slavery. Current news topics, as well as contemporary culture such as movies and music, will be used to provide an understanding of the topics. Each student is expected to choose a topic to study independently, present it to the class in the second half of the year, and complete a research paper by the end of the year. The class will be conducted in English with occasional use of resources in Japanese.
- "Film Studies A & B " Professor SEGAWA Yuji
- To have meaning, a movie can exist only in relation to other movies. When studying movies, it is important to analyze the works of a specific filmmaker in detail and consider his/her artistic and technical skills, as well as the role he/she has in the movie industry as a whole. In this class, we will focus on one filmmaker each term and study his/her movies so as to understand the nature of movie culture.
- "Applied Linguistics A & B" Professor OZEKI Naoko
- We will study the theory of second language acquisition. This theory deals with a variety of issues such as ways to be a more effective learner of English, effective teaching methods, teaching English in Japanese elementary schools, and the relationship between language learning and personality traits. This course will explore the dynamic mechanism of language acquisition.
- "English Linguistics"Professor ALLEN O'Brien Kathleen .
- Linguistics is the study of human language as a system of communication.
This course provides an introduction to the forms and functions of language, that is, how language is put together and the ways it is used. Beginning with a study of the composition of sounds, the course then focuses on the ways sounds combine into meaningful units to form words. The next stage is to examine how people use sounds and words to communicate, both orally and in the written form. This analysis of the uses of language will also show how language is continually changing. The final stage of the course brings together the different aspects of language by examining the ways children learn to speak and understand their native language, thus emphasizing that human language is a unique form of communication.
