This course is designed for students with no or some background in Japanese. The goal for this semester is to explore ways of understanding Japanese culture and society through discussions and short presentations. This course is conducted in English with some Japanese key words.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand Japanese culture and people more deeply.
2. Pick up keywords related to Japanese culture and redifine them in your own words.
3. Experience some aspects of Japanese culture and share it in class.

Week 1: Orientation
Week 2-5: "Past～History" prepare our timeline.
Japan's oldest story, "Taketori monogatari".
Historical periods and writing system.
Week 6-10: "Present" reflect on your current situation:
What motivated you to study in Japan?
What are your plans during your stay in Japan?
What is your favorite part of Japanese culture/annual events?
Week 11-14: "Future" imagine your future:
Education system in Japan and international students' countries.
Exchange program at Toyo.
Toyo students' job hunting experience.
Week 15: Final discussion and Reflection of the class

*Weekly schedule will be distributed in the classroom.
*This schedule is subject to change.

Various activities are conducted to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
Students are encouraged to practice “autonomous learning” to achieve their personal goals.
In the class, students are expected to actively participate in class activities．
The necessary materials are distributed on Course Contents, Toyo Net-ACE.

Before class (60 min):
Students are expected to 1) read references and learn necessary expressions and 2) complete homework assignments.
After class (60 min):
Students are expected to 1) review the contents learned in class and 2) complete the home assignment as instructed.

Participation: 30%
Tasks: 40%
Presentation: 30%
【Grading Criteria】
Grading conforms to Toyo university’s grading standard.

Students are required to attend the first class/orientation to confirm the detailed schedule.

Handouts will be distributed during class when necessary.

『四訂版　話そう考えよう初級日本事情』,スリーエーネットワーク, ISBN:9784883199365

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Students who will actively participate in preparation and research outside of class are welcomed.
In addition, as a prerequisite for learning about Japanese culture and society, students who are punctual and polite are welcomed.