This course is designed for students with an elementary-level and an early intermediate background in Japanese (TJ3 or above). The goal for this semester is to provide the basic knowledge of Japanese culture and society. Through the course, students will incorporate their experience and awareness of and knowledge about Japanese culture and their own culture. This course is conducted mainly in Japanese.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand Japanese culture and society in depth from comparative point of view.
2. Speak and write about Japanese culture from comparative point of view
2. Obtain a greater understanding of Japanese culture and society.

Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: Unit1-1　What kind of country is Japan?
Week 3: Unit1-2　What kind of country is Japan?
Week 4: Unit2-1　City life and, country life
Week 5: Unit2-2　City life and, country life
Week 6: Unit4-1 Japanese food
Week 7: Unit4-2 Japanese food
Week 8: Presentation (1)
Week 9: Presentation (2)
Week 10: Unit5-1 Events for enjoying the season
Week 11: Unit5-2 Events for enjoying the season
Week 12: Unit6-1 Highlights of Japanese history you should know
Week 13: Unit6-2 Highlights of Japanese history you should know
Week 14: Unit7-1 Experiencing traditional culture
Week 15: Final Exam & Feedback
* This schedule is subject to change.
* Weekly schedule will be distributed in the classroom.

This class is designed for intermediate-level class students. Classes are basically conducted in Japanese. Students are expected to participate in class activities on their own initiatives not only for engaging themselves in their subjects but also for working jointly with others through dialogues.

Before class, students are expected (120 min) :　
1) to read the handouts for the next class provided in advance.　2) to tackle with the themes of each class without fail.
After class, students are expected(120 min) :　
1) to review the themes studied in class.　2) to complete the home assignment as instructed.

Class Performance: 30％
Assignments: 10％
Quizzes: 10%
Mid-term Exam: 25%
Final Exam: 25％
Grading conforms to Toyo university's grading standard.

This class is designed for those students who will acquire intermediate-level Japanese ability after finishing elementary-level studies.

JAPAN UP CLOSE 15 Lessons on Society and Culture in Japanese, the japan times (2500yen + tax)　ISBN：978-4-7890-1653-7

-