EPOK - Exchange Program Okayama International Center
Okayama University
Japan

EPOK SYLLABUS
2012 – 2013

Table of Contents
1. Academic Calendar-

Spring Semester

3-

Fall Semester

4

2. Timetable of Courses-

Spring Semester

5-

Fall Semester6

3. Offered Courses-

Spring Semester

7-

Fall Semester

8

4. General Information-

Attendance-Time Management-

Credits-

Grading System

5. Course Syllabuses--

9

Spring Semester

11・ Intercultural CommunicationⅠ*

12

・ A Guide to Modern Biology*

13・ Study of Japan

14

・ Expanding Cross-Cultural Language and Communicative SkillsⅠ*

15・ Introduction to Life Science

16

・ Political Economy of Modern Japan*

17・ Materialism in Japan and the West*

18

・ English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant

19

・ English Business Presentation

20

Fall Semester

21

・ Frontiers of Chemistry*

22・ Intercultural CommunicationⅡ*23

・ War and Peace*

24

・ The Cutting Edge of Agricultural Sciences*

25

・ Study of Japan

26

・ Expanding Cross-Cultural Language and Communicative SkillsⅡ*

27

・ English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant

28

・ English Business Presentation

29

・ Japanese Business Culture

・ An introduction to philosophy 1 –Inquiry on Reality
・ Introduction to Japanese Society 2・ Materialism in the West & Japan・ People crossing borders and Japan・ Studies of Japanese Companies in Organizational Change (Human resource
management)
・ Seeking the Sustainable Co-existence between People and Nature in Japan・ Visit and Study Japan’s Modernization & Wars

NB All students enrolled at Okayama University are welcome to EPOK courses with a few
qualifications. The courses marked * are officially open to undergraduate students at Okayama
whose command of the English language is adequate, and offer credits to such students.

For further information please contact:
International Center
Hideki OGAWA, ogawa-h@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Yoshiko NAKANO, nakano-y@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp

EPOK Timetable of Courses 2012 Spring
Monday1
8.40-10.10

2
10.25-11.55

3
12.45-2.15

4
2.30-4.00

5
4.15-5.45

Tuesday

as of 2012Mar.

Wednesday-IJB*-Beginners Japanese 2-Advanced Japanese1-IJB-Beginners Japanese 1-Intro. to Intermediate Jpn.
-Intermediate Jpn. 2-IJB-Beginners Japanese 2-Advanced Japanese1-IJB-Beginners Japanese 1-Intro. to Intermediate Jpn.
-Intermediate Jpn. 2-Intermediate Jpn. 1-Intercultural Communication
Ⅰ-Intermediate Jpn. 1-Badminton-English Business Presentation-Kanji for Beginners 1-Advanced Japanese2(Writing A)-Golf, Basketball, Futsal,
Bowling- Advanced Japanese2(Reading A)-Table Tennis, Badminton-Introduction to JapaneseSociety-Study of Japan-Office Hours (Ookubo)-Office Hours (Uchimaru)-Office Hours (Banno)

Thursday-IJB-Beginners Japanese 2-Advanced Japanese1-IJB-Beginners Japanese 1-Intro. to Intermediate Jpn.
-Intermediate Jpn. 2-A Guide to Modern Biology-Advanced Japanese2(Listening A)-Study of Japan★Location: see each syllabus. -English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant (tba)

Friday-IJB-Beginners Japanese 2-Advanced Japanese1-IJB-Intro. to Intermediate Jpn.
-Intermediate Jpn. 2-Study of Okayama
Project Work-IJB CAI-Intermediate Jpn. 1-Advanced Japanese 2(Speaking A)-Expanding cross-cultural language
and communicative skills I-Badminton-Kanji for Beginners 2-Political Economy of Modern
Japan-Introduction to Life Science(15.00～16.30)-Softball, Volleyball, Soccer,
Badminton-Office Hours (Morioka)-Intermediate Jpn. 1-Independent Study (tba)-IJB-Beginners Japanese 1

EPOK Timetable of Courses 2012 Fall1
8.40-10.10

2
10.25-11.55

3
12.45-2.15

4
2.30-4.00

5
4.15-5.45

MondayTuesday-Intensive Japanese-Beginners Japanese 2-Advanced Japanese1- Intensive Japanese-Beginners Japanese 2-Advanced Japanese1- Intensive Japanese-Intro. to Intermediate Jpn.
-Intermediate Jpn. 2-Frontiers of Chemistry-Intercultural CommunicationⅡ-Introduction to the Japanese
Economy-Intermediate Jpn. 1-Basketball, Futsal, Bowling-Seeking the Sustainable
Co-existence between People
and Nature in Japan- Kanji for Beginners 1- Advanced Japanese 2(Writing B)-Japanese Business Culture-Second Language Acquisition- Intensive Japanese-Beginners Japanese 1-Intro. to Intermediate Jpn.
-Intermediate Jpn. 2-War and Peace( Japan and World)-An introduction to philosophy1
Inquiry on Reality-Social linguistics

WednesdayThursdayFriday- Intensive Japanese-Beginners Japanese 2-The Cutting Edge ofAgricultural Sciences-Advanced Japanese1- Intensive Japanese-Beginners Japanese 1-Intro. to Intermediate Jpn.
-Intermediate Jpn. 2-Golf- Intensive Japanese-Advanced Japanese1-Beginners Japanese 2- Intensive Japanese-Beginners Japanese 1-Intro. to Intermediate Jpn.
-Intermediate Jpn. 2- Intensive Japanese-Beginners Japanese 1-Intermediate Jpn. 1-English Business Presentation-Advanced Japanese2(Listening B)-Study of Japan-Futsal, Basketball-Intermediate Jpn. 1-Advanced Japanese2 (Reading B)-Introduction to Japanese Society2-Study of Japan-Intermediate Jpn. 1-Advanced Japanese2 (Speaking B)-Expanding cross-cultural language
and communicative skills Ⅱ-Tennis-Kanji for Beginners 2-Volleyball, Softball, Badminton,
Body Exercise-Materialism in the West & Japan-People crossing borders and Japan-Studies of Japanese Companies in
Organizational Change (Human
resource management)※ highlighted part are Japanese Language Course※ Location: see each syllabus.

-English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant (tba) -Independent Study (tba)-

As of 2012 Oct.

Offered Courses 2012-2013
Spring Semester

Courses Offered in English- Intercultural CommunicationⅠ- A Guide to Modern Biology- Introduction to Life Science- Expanding Cross-Cultural Language and Communicative Skills I- Political Economy and Modern Japan- Materialism in Japan and the West- English Business Presentation-Introduction to Japanese Society

Japanese Language Courses

Others- Beginners Japanese 1- Beginners Japanese 2- Intensive Japanese Language Course for Beginners- Introduction to Intermediate Japanese- Intermediate Japanese 1- Intermediate Japanese 2- Kanji for Beginners 1- Kanji for Beginners 2- Advanced Japanese 1- Advanced Japanese 2(Reading A)- Advanced Japanese 2( Listening A)- Advanced Japanese 2(Writing A)- Advanced Japanese 2(Speaking A)- Study of Okayama- Study of Japan- English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant- Sports Practice* (Golf, Basketball, Futsal, Bowling,
Badminton, Table Tennis, Softball, Volleyball, Soccer)(- Independent Study*)

Fall Semester

Courses Offered in English- Frontiers of Chemistry- Intercultural CommunicationⅡ- War and Peace (Japan and World)- The Cutting Edge of Agricultural Sciences- Expanding Cross-Cultural Language and Communicative Skill II- English Business Presentation- An Introduction to philosophy-Introduction to Japanese Society 2-Japanese Business Culture-Materialism in the West & Japan-People crossing borders and Japan-Studies of Japanese Companies in Organizational Change-Seeking the Sustainable Co-existence between People andNature in Japan-Visit and study Japan’s Modernization & Wars
-Introduction to the Japanese Economy-Second Language Acquisition-Social Linguistics

Japanese Language Courses- Beginners Japanese 1- Beginners Japanese 2- Intensive Japanese Language Course for Beginners- Introduction to Intermediate Japanese- Intermediate Japanese 1- Intermediate Japanese 2- Kanji for Beginners 1- Kanji for Beginners 2- Advanced Japanese 1- Advanced Japanese 2(Reading B)- Advanced Japanese 2(Listening B)- Advanced Japanese 2(Writing B)- Advanced Japanese 2(Speaking B)

Others- Study of Japan- English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant- Sports Practice (Basketball, Futsal, Bowling, Golf,
Volleyball, Softball, Badminton, Body Exercise)(- Independent Study*)

NB Independent Study is to conduct/participate in a research project on a specific theme or to study a
specific subject/topic, related to a student’s major field of study. Students individually pursue this course
under the supervision of a particular professor of Okayama University in both cases. Please note, however,that there is a chance that an applicant is not able to pursue the particular theme due to the limited humanresources of the university. In such cases, those students may need to either change their theme or
decide not to take Independent Study.
Applicants are also not able to take Independent Study when thestudents do not have adequate knowledge on the theme that they wish to study.

General Information
 Attendance
You are expected to attend all classes as attendance is a course requirement.
If you do not attend a class due to some reason, you should inform the course
coordinator and a lecturer of each course about it.
If you do not attend one third of classes of each course overall, you will not beallowed to sit for an exam or hand in your coursework, and have to withdraw
the course.

 Time Management
You are expected to arrive at classes on time since both lecturers and fellow
students find late-comers disruptive.
You are also expected to hand in your coursework on time.

 Credits
According to the type of the course, credits are prescribed as follows:
Category
Lecture/Seminar
Laboratory

Credit2
1

Final exam is held in the 16th week.

Week
15 weeks
15 weeks

Frequency
once in a week
once in a week

Credits of Japanese language courses are calculated as follows:
Credit Week
2
15Frequency
once in a week815

4 times in a week20

15

10 times in a week

CourseKanji for Beginners 1
Kanji for Beginners 2
Advanced Japanese 2(Reading A,B)
Advanced Japanese 2(Listening A,B)
Advanced Japanese 2(Writing A,B)
Advanced Japanese 2(Speaking A,B)
Study of Okayama
Beginners Japanese 1
Beginners Japanese 2Introduction to Intermediate JapaneseIntermediate Japanese 1
Intermediate Japanese 2Advanced Japanese 1
Intensive Japanese Language Coursefor Beginners

Final exam is held in the 16th week.
For further information, please see 2012-2013Japanese Course Catalog.
Grading System
Grade Classification

GP

Mark (%)

Pass/FailA+

4

90 – 100 %

Pass

A

3

80 – 100 %

Pass

B

2

70 – 79 %

Pass

C

1

60 – 69 %

Pass

F

0

0 – 59 %FailCourse Syllabuses
Spring SemesterTitleIntercultural Communication I
John RUCYNSKI (Associate Professor, Language Education Center)

Coordinator

TEL:086-251-7273

E-mail: rucyns-j@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: By appointment
Lecturer(s)John RUCYNSKI

Duration of Course

Spring semester(16 weeks)Timetable

Monday12:45-2:15

C32

Credits

2 credits

Location

Outline of Course

This course provides an overview of the study of culture and communication inorder to be able to understand and interact with people from other cultures. Students
will be expected to incorporate the basic concepts of intercultural communication
theory into their understanding of daily social life in a foreign country. Sharing
experiences and practicing techniques to enhance intercultural communication willbe the focus.

Aims

After completing this course, students should be able to:- explain basic concepts and terms of intercultural communication studies.
- manage more effectively their own intercultural interactions outside of theclassroom.
- use English appropriately as an international language.
- explain key aspects that define Japanese culture.

Content

In this course, Japanese and non-Japanese students will interact in an effort todeepen their understanding of their respective cultures. Class topics will partly be
determined by student interests, but will include a range of topics related to bothmodern and traditional Japan. Additionally, non-Japanese students will be asked toshare information about their own cultures. Class activities will focus on discussions
and presentations. Materials will be a mix of both student and teacher-selected
readings and multimedia.

Textbook

No textbook.

Reading/Handbook

The teacher will supply a range of readings and students will carry out their own
research.

Means of Assessment

Grades will be decided by active participation in class activities, quality ofpresentations, and reflective essays.

Comments

TitleEnglish Business Presentation
Shinsaku SUGIYAMA

Coordinator

TEL: 086－251－7312

E-mail: samsugi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: 9:00~17:00 Tuesday to Thursday (Room D412)
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course

Shinsaku SUGIYAMA
Spring semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Tuesday
12:45-14:15

B24

Credits

2 credits

To ensure that students will understand key social issues around the world and beable to present their cases in English and participate in discussions.

Aims

1.
2.
3.
4.

To be aware of key social issues
To be able to present them in English
To analyse them and present their observations in English
To participate in discussion in English

Content

No. 1: Objective of this course
No. 2: Nuclear Power Generation
No. 3: Global Warming
No. 4: Bio-Diversity
No. 5: Virtual Water
No. 6: Hike in consumption Tax
No. 7: Special Lecture
No. 8: Food Self-Sufficiency
No. 9: Aging Society
No.10: TPP
No.11: EEZ
No. 12: Micro-finance
No. 13: Socially Responsible Marketing
No. 14: CSR
No. 15: Summary and Test

Textbook

Hand out resume,

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment

Comments

Attendance, Contribution to the class, Presentation, Examination
To read Nikkei, Financial Times and Wall Street Journal.
To read leading business magazines such as The Economist, Business Week andthe like

Introduction to Japanese Society 2

Title

Masato YABE (Associate Professor, International Center)
Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of
CourseLocation
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks

TEL: 086-251-7000

E-mail: m_yabe @cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thurday 11-12, and by appointment
Masato YABE
Fall semester (16weeks)Timetable Tuesday
PM 2:30 – 4:00
C21
2 credits
Credits
This course will provide students an opportunity to learn about Japaneseculture: brief history; society; annual events/ceremonies, and other topics.
Students need to present a chapter from our textbook(s) while actively
participate in class discussions (in class and online).
Students should be familiar with the idea of ASK, and be able to apply theconcept:
Attitude: To learn how to interpret different cultures and values: Pursue any
further interest in Japanese (or any) culture, society, or history; pursue any
further interest in Japanese language/linguistics, or inter/cross-culturalcommunication.
Skills: To do a small research on Japanese Society and Culture: Apply what
you’ve learned in this class to your own academic interests; use some basic
Japanese phrases and expressions to communicate with them.
Knowledge: To acquire some knowledge of Japanese society/culture:understand how Japanese society and culture have developed through historicalevents.
The followings are the some of the topics to be covered in class:Images of Japan/Japanese you have
Geography and Population
Brief History of Japan
Government and Economy
Education and Home Life
National Holidays
Employment, Women’s Issues, Pollution
Japanese Language and Literature
Traditional Dramas and Entertainments, Japanese Religion
Japanese Customs, Manners and Pastimes
Currnet issues in Japan

Sugimoto, Y. (2002). An Introduction to Japanese Society. Cambridge Univ.
Kanagy, R. (2004). Living Abroad in Japan. Avalon Travel.
Sosnoski, D. (1996). Introduction to Japanese Culture. Tutle.

Reading/Handbook Selected reading materials (in English/Japanese) will be provided.
1. Attendance, Class Participation15%
2. Homework, Writing assignment
25%
Means of
3. Presentation
25%
Assessment
4. Midterm exam
15%
5. Final Exam
20%
Depending on students’ previous knowledge on Japanese culture, and/or students’ interests
Comments
on a particular aspect of the Japanese culture, content of the course may change.

A Guide to Modern Biology

Title

Shizuo NARIMATSU (Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
TEL: 086-251-7942
Coordinator

Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

E-mail: shizuo@pharm.okayama-u.ac.jp“Office Hours” are not fixed, but if necessary, please make an appointment witheach lecturer via e-mail using a handle name following the lecturer’s name in eachparenthesis in the Contents. Following each handle name, add“@pharm.okayama-u.ac.jp” for the lecturers of No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 15 and16, and “@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp” for those of No. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14.
S. NARITMATSU, K. OKAMOTO, H. OMOTE, T. NEGISHI, H. MOTOSE,
T. TAKAHASHI, T. YOSHII, T. ABO, H. NAKAYASU, T. AIBA,
S. ARIMOTO, H. S. KIM
Spring semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Wednesday
10.25-11.55

C26

Credits

2 credits

The fundamental knowledge of life science in the following areas will be lectured:
microbiology, infection, antibiotics, drug metabolism, genetics, gene expression,
mutation, carcinogen, plants, biological clock, brain, membrane transporter and soon. After the lectures on the fundamental knowledge, the latest topics on biology
will be introduced.

Aims

1. To obtain basic knowledge in biology to understand modern biology.
2. To survey recent progress in different frontiers in biological sciences.

Content１）Introduction to modern biology (S. NARIMATSU, shizuo)
２）The role of drug-metabolizing enzymes (S. NARIMATSU, shizuo)３）Bacterial diseases mechanisms (K. OKAMOTO, okamoto)４）Role of toxins in the bacterial infection (K. OKAMOTO, okamoto)５）Mechanism of membrane transporters (H. OMOTE, omote)６）Biology of mutation (T. NEGISHI, isaka)
７）Structure and function of plant cell (H. MOTOSE, motose)
８）Developmental genetics of flowering plants (T. TAKAHASHI, perfect)９）Biological clock and sleep (T. YOSHII, yoshii)10）Molecular mechanism of translation(T. ABO, tabo)11）Inside brain (H. NAKAYASU, nakayasu)
12）Pharmaceutical literacy on infection treatment (T. AIBA, taiba)
13）Environmental mutagen and carcinogen (S. ARIMOTO, arimoto)14）Control of infectious diseases (H. S. Kim, hskim)15）Adverse effects of drugs-1 (S. NARIMATSU, shizuo)
16）Adverse effects of drugs-2 (S. NARIMATSU, shizuo)

Textbook
Reading/Handbook

Suggested in each class.

Means of Assessment

Attendance 50 % and Reports 50 %Comments

Active students are welcomed to the class.

TitleStudy of Japan
Masumi OKA (Professor, International Center)

Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-7270

E-mail: moka@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: By Appointment
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbook

Masumi OKA
Spring semester
Timetable See below
See below
1 credits
Credits
This course is designed to enable students to learn more about various
aspects of Japanese culture and society. The course includes a visit toHiroshima, and Bizen, famous for its pottery. Students will also be given
an opportunity to visit Japanese schools.
1. Observing local culture and customs.
2. Experiencing some Japanese culture.
3. Interacting with the locals.
Session 1: Orientation (Wednesday from 12.45, at C24)
Sessions covered in this course are as follows:
Visiting Bizen
Field Trip to Kotohira
Appreciating the Tea Ceremony
Visiting Okayama Minami Senior High School
Visiting an Okayama suburb
Appreciating and Practicing Japanese Calligraphy*Homestay (Optional Session)
NB A detailed explanation of course content and schedule will be
distributed at the beginning of the course.
Handouts will be provided in each class when necessary.

Reading/Handbook

Means of Assessment

Comments

Attendance: 70 %, Three short reports: 30 %NB Due to the nature of the course, lateness and absences are strongly
discouraged. When you cannot come to class, notify the instructors inadvance if at all possible, by sending an e-mail or leaving a message in
his office.

Expanding cross-cultural language andcommunicative SkillsⅠ

Title

John RUCYNSKI (Associate Professor,
Coordinator

TEL:086-251-7273

Language Education Center)

E-mail: rucyns-j@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: By appointment
Lecturer(s)John RUCYNSKI

Duration of Course

Spring semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Thursdays
12:45-14:15

C32

Credits

2 credits

Location

This course is designed to promote communication and understanding between
Outline of Course

EPOK students and Japanese students. The content of the course is about Japaneseand foreign culture. Selected scenes from movies and relevant readings will be
used to facilitate discussions on aspects of both traditional and modern culture.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:-explain key aspects of Japanese and their own culture, including a deeper

Aims

understanding of how cultural beliefs evolve.
-understand the core differences between Japanese and other cultures.
-discuss with classmates and give short presentations about the topic in English.
In this course, Japanese and non-Japanese students will interact in an effort todeepen their understanding of their respective cultures. Class topics will partly be
determined by student interests, but will include a range of topics related to bothContent

modern and traditional Japan. Additionally, non-Japanese students will be asked toshare information about their own cultures. Class activities will focus on discussions
and presentations. Materials will be a mix of both student and teacher-selected
readings and multimedia.

Textbook

No required textbook. The teacher will supply a range of readings and students will
carry out their own research. When possible, DVD clips will also be employed.

Reading/Handbook

The teacher will supply a range of readings and students will carry out their own
research.

Means of Assessment

Grades will be decided by active participation in class activities, quality ofpresentations, and reflective essays.

Comments

Introduction to Life Science

Title

Kohji TAKEI (Professor of Department of Neuroscience, Division of Biochemistry,
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Coordinator

TEL: 086-235-7120

E-mail: kohji@md.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Anytime, making an appointment by phone or by e-mail is preferred
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Aims

Kohji Takei, Yoshifumi Ninomiya, Gentaro Iribe, Toshihiko Matsuo, Hideki Matsui,
Seishi Matsumura, Omar Rodis, Hiroshi Morimatsu, Yoshizo Matsuka
Spring semester(16weeks)
Graduate School Seminar Room,
Basic Research Building (Kiso-Kenkyu-Toh) 1F,
Shikata Campus

Timetable

Thursday
15:00 - 16:30

Credits

2 credits

A small class-course focused on life science. The introductory lectures deal with several
topics from basic research to clinical subjects. The course includes not only lectures, butalso demonstrations at research laboratories and tours of the latest clinical facilities.
1. To understand basic structures and mechanisms of the human body and the cells
2. To understand how life science is studied
3. To understand medical services provided at Okayama University
1-2

Introduction of the course
Cell Biology-Cell membrane-Demonstration at the laboratory (Kohji Takei, Dept. Neuroscience)

3-4

Cardiovascular Physiology(Gentaro Iribe, Dept. Mechanobiology & Cardiovascular Physiology)

5-6

Molecular Biology: Introduction to the human body
-Circulation system,-Fighting cancer by attacking its blood supply-Demonstration at the laboratory(Yoshihumi Ninomiya, Dept. Molecular Biology)

7-8

Ophthalmology(Toshihiko Matsuo, Dept. Ophthalmology)-The process to develop trehalose eye drops- Retinal diseases and retinal prosthesis

9

Protein Therapy (Hideki Matsui, Dept. Cellular Physiology)

10-11

Anesthesiology: Operation room(Hiroshi Morimatsu, Dept. of Anesthesiology

Content

12-13

Pediatric dentistry(Seishi Matsumura, Omar Rodis, Dept. Behavioral Pediatric Dentistry)
14-15 Management of orofacial pain
Animal pain behavior test
(Yoshizo Matsuka, Dept. Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine)
Textbook
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

The human Body; An Illustrated Guide to its Structure, Function, and Disorders (Ed.
Charles Clayman, Dorling Kindersley). The textbook will be rented out.
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Ed. Bruce Alberts, et al., Garland Science)
Evaluated by each lecturer on the basis of participation, performance and/or examination

TitlePolitical Economy of Modern Japan
Yoko HIROTA (Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics)

Coordinator

Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

TEL: 086-251-7550

E-mail: yokoh@e.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Thursday 15:00-17:00
Hiroko Okudaira,Toshiro Matsumoto, Youichiro Higashi, Hisashi Sawaki, Akira
OkamotoThursdaySpring semester
Timetable(16weeks)
14：30-16：00
Graduate School of
Humanities andそうえんSocial Sciences 総演(6)Credits

2 credits

Outline of Course

The class is held in English, and is for both international and Japanese students. It
offers elementary knowledge concerning the Japanese social economy, and discusses
some relevant themes among participants. The number of attendees is limited totwenty.

Aims

1. To discuss the problems of politics and/or economy in Japan between each lecturer
and participants in this course.
2. To learn the structure of Japanese society through discussions in this course.
1 Hiroko Okudaira Introduction to Japanese Labor Market I (Experiment)
2 Hiroko Okudaira Introduction to Japanese Labor Market II(Male-Female Wage Differentials)
3 Hiroko Okudaira Introduction to Japanese Labor Market III(Program Evaluation and Spurious Correlation)
4 Toshiro Matsumoto, Western Impact and Meiji Revolution I
5 Toshiro Matsumoto, Western Impact and Meiji Revolution II
6 Toshiro Matsumoto, Western Impact and Meiji Revolution III

Content

7 Youichiro Higashi, Applications of Game theory to Economic andSocial Problems in Japan I
8 Youichiro Higashi, Applications of Game theory to Economic andSocial Problems in Japan II
9 Youichiro Higashi, Applications of Game theory to Economic andSocial Problems in Japan III
10 Hisashi Sawaki, Japan and the World Economy I
11 Hisashi Sawaki, Japan and the World Economy II
12 Hisashi Sawaki, Japan and the World Economy III
13 Akira Okamoto, Tax Policy for Aging Societies: Lessons from Japan I
14 Akira Okamoto, Tax Policy for Aging Societies: Lessons from Japan II
15 Akira Okamoto, Tax Policy for Aging Societies: Lessons from Japan III
16 ReviewTextbook

Handouts will be provided in each class.

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

Attendance, participation, and essays

Materialism in Japan and the West

Title

Michitaka SUZUKI (Professor, Faculty of Letter)
Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-7399

E-mail: mich_s@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: On Thursday in the afternoon. The student should make contact
through email in advance.
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Michitaka SUZUKI
Spring semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Thursday
14:30-16:00

C31

Credits

2 credits

Outline of Course

The ideas toward material culture and life in different cultures and its changes
through Judaism and Christianity through materialism in modernity

Aims

To notice that our Japanese idea of materiality is not a matter of fact in thecontemporary world.

Content

The article written by Michitaka Suzuki and published in 2011:Hibutsu(Hidden
Buddha)-Living Images in Japan and the Orthodox Icons, in The idea ofRepresentation and Culture in Modern Asia, 2011.will be discussed in details in afollowing way.
①materiality in Egypt②materiality in Judea③materiality in Christianity④materiality in Japan and China
The study of material icons entails the study of inspirited idols in comparison
with the dead material icons. Then the idols around us in our daily life will turn tobe precious field for our study. This study begins with the discipline of Art
History, but encompasses other disciplines of Ethnography, Anthropology,
Mythology and Religious Studies.

Textbook

Hibutsu(Hidden Buddha)-Living Images in Japan and the Orthodox Icons, in The
idea of Representation and Culture in Modern Asia, 2011, pp. 5-24. It will be
prepared for the students in xerox copy in the lecture.

Reading/Handbook

There are many publications these years for the topic of materiality and idols.
They will be indicated in the lecture.

Means of Assessment

According to the reports in the end of(and perhaps during) the semester whichshow the interest of the students for this lecture.

Comments

English Language Assistant andCultural Informant

Title

Ian NAKAMURA (Professor, Language Education Center)
Coordinator

TEL:086-251-8529

E-mail: iannaka@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Make appointment by e-mail or after class.
Lecturer(s)Ian NAKAMURA

Duration of Course

Spring semester(16 weeks)Timetable

To be decided

Classroom and office (C403)

Credits

1 credit

Location

Outline of Course

This course will offer the assistant-informant a unique and valuable opportunity
to help, observe, and understand how an English class is organized and taught ina Japanese university. The assistant-informant will participate in social
interactions with the students in order to promote language learning, international
understanding and intercultural communication. The assistant-informant will be
expected to make consistent efforts to help create and maintain a goodatmosphere for learning culture and language and ultimately communication.

Aims

1. To give the assistant-informant practical experience in creating interesting
and useful learning opportunities for students.
2. To allow the assistant-informant to develop intercultural communicativeskills through regular class participation and contact with the students.
3. To deepen the assistant-informant’s interest in learning more about Japaneseculture and language through the experience of collaborating with both thelearners and teacher.
Note: This course is especially suitable for EPOK students who are planning towork in international settings in education or business.

Content

Session 1: Self-introduction and getting to know the students.
Sessions 2-8: Assist the teacher by participation in class and talking to as many
students as possible.
Session 9: Help students with rehearsal for midterm presentations.
Session 10: Be a good audience for the students and ask questions.
Sessions 11-12: Assist the teacher by participation in class and talking to as many
students as possible.
Session 13: Help students with rehearsal for final presentations.
Session 14: Be a good audience for the students and ask questions.
Session 15: Give a final word of encouragement to each student.

Textbook

No required materials.

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment

Regular attendance (including notifying when absent), consistent performance inclass, positive-sociable attitude, ongoing discussions with the instructor, and one
written report.

Comments

Please contact the instructor in advance to meet and discuss hopes andexpectations and to make sure this experience will be helpful to the student.

Course Syllabuses
Fall Semester

Frontiers of Chemistry

Title

Akira KISHIMOTO (Professor, Faculty of Engineering)
Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-8069

E-mail: kishim-a@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Weekday morning, appointment required.
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

H. Okamoto, J. Futami, T. Ema, T. Katagiri,
K. Takai, T. Okihara,K. Imamura,A. Osaka,T. Ohtsuki,
K. Koga, T. Suzuki, K. Satake
Fall semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Monday 10.25-11.55

E22

Credits

2 credits

This course provides some important and useful concepts on fundamental
and applied chemistry, which are necessary to understand latest topics in theareas of material science and life science. The selected topics cover fromchemistry of familiar goods of everyday use to that of the cutting-edge
technology.
1.

Aims

2.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Content

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

To provide students with basic introduction to the current topics onpure and applied chemistry by using familiar examples.
To provide students with some useful concepts to understand the basisof the cutting-edge chemical technology.
Guidance（A. Kishimoto）
Recent analytical chemistry in environmental science
Structures of organic molecules (H. Okamoto)Utilization of Carbon Dioxide as a Carbon Resource (T. Ema)
Recent Development of Organic Synthesis (K. Takai)
Half-boiled egg is good for digestion (J. Futami)Intermolecular forces: An introduction to supramolecular chemistry (T.
Katagiri)
Advanced polymer science (T. Okihara)
Adsorption phenomena of proteins onto the solid substrate (K.
Nakanishi)
Frontiers of materials for biomedical applications (A. Osaka)
Expansion of biochemical system (T. Ohtsuki)
Second law of thermodynamics (K. Koga)
Coordination chemistry: Some current research topics (T. Suzuki)
Aromaticity of mono- and polucyclic systems (K. Satake)
Report (A. Kishimoto)Textbook
Reading/Handbook

Directed in each class.

Means of Assessment

Attendance and evaluation in each classComments

Intercultural Communication II

Title

Ian NAKAMURA (Professor, Language Education Center)
Coordinator

TEL:086-251-8529

E-mail: iannaka@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: By appointment
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Ian NAKAMURA
Fall semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Monday: Period 4
14:30-16:00

B33

Credits

2 credits

Outline of Course

This course will first examine the kind of information which is essential to
be aware of in intercultural settings. Besides using students' own
experiences, weekly scenes from a film which will be analyzed for insights
into problems encountered and solutions discovered.
This course is designed so EPOK students will have a chance to study
together with Japanese students and students from other countries. The focusof study will be on learning how to see and explain social situations in termsof descriptions and then interpretations.

AimsStudents by the end of the course should be able to:-consider what information is essential to be aware of in order to haveeffective intercultural communication.
-explain not only Japanese culture, but also other cultures (including theirown) in an objective manner.
-give short presentations and participate in discussions on interesting andsubtle aspects of culture and communication not usually noticed.

Content

Textbook

Tentative outline (subject to adjustments and changes)
Session 1: Orientation
Session 2: What is culture?
Session 3: Images of Japan
Sessions 4-5: Images of other countries
Sessions 6-7: Description of social problems in local contexts
Sessions 7-8: Solutions in local contexts and beyond
Sessions 9-13: Student presentations and follow-up discussions
Session 14-15: Reflections on intercultural communication: What have youlearned in this course?
Contents and schedule of activities and topics will be adjusted to fit theinterests and needs of the students.
Scenes from a particular film will be especially selected for thinking about
the topics above and other topics which emerge during the course.
No required textbook.

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment

Grades will be decided by attitude, effort, and regular participation in classand signs of progress in demonstrating greater awareness and understandingof how to communicate effectively.

Comments

In addition to the work described above, each student will systematicallydevelop and write a research report under the supervision of the instructor
on a topic of interest in intercultural communication.

Japanese Business Culture

Title

Masato YABE (Associate Professor, International Center)
Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of
CourseLocation
Outline of Course

Aims

TEL: 086-251-8355

E-mail: yabe_masato @cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thurday 11-12, and by appointment
Masato YABE
Fall semester (15 weeks)Timetable Monday
14:30 – 16:00
A31
2 credits
Credits
This course will provide students an opportunity to learn about JapaneseBusiness Culture.

1. Review grammars (Elementary and Intermediate level), and study ‘keigo’(honorific, humble, and polite expressions) for their proper application tobusiness situations.
2. Enhance/build vocabulary (in katakana, and in kanji) for business situation.
3. Develop team working skills (do not simply divide tasks among members):
think how you can communicate effectively in a team.
4. Prepare yourself for the business world.

Tentative Schedule: Overview of the course
Working in a company, your career objectives
Hiragana and Katakana quiz, Katakana words in Business settings
Using the Internet to find information
Writing your resume in JapaneseContent
Human relations in organizational settings
Design your businesscard (presenting and receiving businesscards)
Sales strategy: Making phonecalls, visiting offices,
Rapid reading: business documents; kanji words in businessJapanese numbers
Case studies: Group presentations
Azuma, S., and Sambongi, R. (2001). Business Japanese. Washington, D. C.:
Georgetown Univ. Press.
Nihon Eizou Kyouiku Sha. (2004). Japanese Language for Business (Text 2,
for new employees). Tokyo: Bonjinsha.
Textbooks
Shinada, J., Sakano, S. and Hirakoba, S. (2002). Informative and UsefulJapanese Conversation: Working in Japan. Tokyo: ASK Co.
Banno, E., et al. (1999). Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
2. Tokyo: The Japan Times, Ltd. (selected pages)
Reading/Handbook Selected reading materials (in English/Japanese) will be provided.
1. Attendance, Class Participation15%
2. Homework, Writing assignment
25%
Means of
3. Presentation
25%
Assessment
4. Midterm exam
15%
5. Final Exam
20%
Check the following websites beforehand:
http://career.biglobe.ne.jp/movie/
Comments
http://www.asahi.com/ad/clients/freshman/manner.htm(Examples of what Japanese new employees are expected to know/behave in abusiness world)

War and Peace (Japan & World)

Title

OGAWA Hideki (Professor, International Centre)
Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-8516

Lecturer(s)Office Hours: Monday 12:45-14:15
H. OGAWA

Duration of Course
Location

E-mail: ogawa-h@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Fall semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Monday 16:15-17.45
Subject to change

C11

Credits

2 credits

Outline of Course

An introduction to war & peace of Japan after Meiji Restoration andinternational conflicts during post cold war period.
This course starts with Japan’s wars with China & Russia, followed by WW
I & WW II. Then moves on to various case studies of several regional civil
wars during post cold war period.

Aims

The class is designed to serve the needs of students who;
1) Desire to understand wars involving Japan;
2) Desire to be more familiar with current world political affairs, withparticular emphasis on Asia or Africa.

Content

1. Self-introduction of participants and Aims and Contents of the Course
2. The Era of Edo and Meiji Restoration
3. Japan’s war with China & Russia
4. End of cold war and the Gulf war
5. From WW I to WW II
6. End of war & Occupation by MacArthur
7. Korean war & SDF
8. Civil wars in the World: Palestine
9. Civil wars in the World :Gulf war & War in Iraq
10. Civil wars in the World :Cambodia
11. Civil wars in the World :Kosovo
12. Civil wars in the World :East Timor
13. Civil wars in the World :Afghanistan
14. Civil wars in the World :Rwanda
15. General Analysis and conclusion

Textbook

Suggested in each class.

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

One presentation, Two essays (more than 900 words) and a report (morethan 1,800 words)

English Business Presentation

Title

Shinsaku SUGIYAMA
Coordinator

TEL: 086－251－7312

E-mail: samsugi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: 9:00~17:00 Tuesday to Thursday (Room D412)
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Shinsaku SUGIYAMA
Fall semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Tuesday
12:45-14:15

B24

Credits

2 credits

To analyse major Japanese and Global companies and present them in English
To understand key analytical frameworks such as SWOT, 3C, PEST and thelikeTo get familiar with Power Point presentation in English

Aims

1. To learn how to analyse a company
2. To learn how to present a company analysis in English

Content

No.1: October 6, 2011: Explanation of the course objective and grouping
No.2: October 13, 2011: Kao
No.3: October 20, 2011: P&G
No.4: October 27, 2011: Shiseido
No.5: November 10, 2011: L’OREAL
No.6: November 17, 2011: Panasonic
No.7: November, 24, 2011: Samsung
No.8: December 1, 2011: Ajinomoto
No.9: December 8, 2011: UnileverNo.10: December 15, 2011: Special Lecture (Guest Speaker)
No.11: December 22, 2011: Nestle
No.12: January12, 2011: Toyota
No.13: January 19, 2011: Ford
No.14: January 26, 2011: Imperial Hotel
No.15: February 2, 2011: Marriott Hotel
No.16: February 9, 2011: Summary & Examination

Textbook

Hand out resume,

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment

Comments

Attendance, Contribution to the class, Presentation, Examination
To read Nikkei, Financial Times and Wall Street Journal.
To read leading business magazines such as The Economist, Business Week
and the like

Introduction to Japanese Society 2

Title

Masato YABE (Associate Professor, International Center)
Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of
CourseLocation
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks

TEL: 086-251-7000

E-mail: m_yabe @cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thurday 11-12, and by appointment
Masato YABE
Fall semester (16weeks)Timetable Tuesday
PM 2:30 – 4:00
C21
2 credits
Credits
This course will provide students an opportunity to learn about Japaneseculture: brief history; society; annual events/ceremonies, and other topics.
Students need to present a chapter from our textbook(s) while actively
participate in class discussions (in class and online).
Students should be familiar with the idea of ASK, and be able to apply theconcept:
Attitude: To learn how to interpret different cultures and values: Pursue any
further interest in Japanese (or any) culture, society, or history; pursue any
further interest in Japanese language/linguistics, or inter/cross-culturalcommunication.
Skills: To do a small research on Japanese Society and Culture: Apply what
you’ve learned in this class to your own academic interests; use some basic
Japanese phrases and expressions to communicate with them.
Knowledge: To acquire some knowledge of Japanese society/culture:understand how Japanese society and culture have developed through historicalevents.
The followings are the some of the topics to be covered in class:Images of Japan/Japanese you have
Geography and Population
Brief History of Japan
Government and Economy
Education and Home Life
National Holidays
Employment, Women’s Issues, Pollution
Japanese Language and Literature
Traditional Dramas and Entertainments, Japanese Religion
Japanese Customs, Manners and Pastimes
Currnet issues in Japan

Sugimoto, Y. (2002). An Introduction to Japanese Society. Cambridge Univ.
Kanagy, R. (2004). Living Abroad in Japan. Avalon Travel.
Sosnoski, D. (1996). Introduction to Japanese Culture. Tutle.

Reading/Handbook Selected reading materials (in English/Japanese) will be provided.
1. Attendance, Class Participation15%
2. Homework, Writing assignment
25%
Means of
3. Presentation
25%
Assessment
4. Midterm exam
15%
5. Final Exam
20%
Depending on students’ previous knowledge on Japanese culture, and/or students’ interests
Comments
on a particular aspect of the Japanese culture, content of the course may change.

TitleThe Cutting Edge of Agricultural Sciences
Dr. Yuki ICHINOSE (Professor, Faculty of Agriculture)

Coordinator

Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

TEL: 086-251-8308

E-mail: yuki@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Every day, Require appointment
Y. Ichinose, Y. Hirai, Y. Yoshida, T. Acosta Ayala. M. Hirobe, T. Tamura, K.
Sakamoto, Y. Kubo, T. Satoh, K. Inagaki, N. Nishino, M. Tahara, M. Izumi,
T. Kunieda, H. Funahashi
Fall semester
Timetable Wednesday 8.40-10.10(15 weeks)
E22
Credits
2 credits
The study of molecular biology about plants and animals in Japan has beenvery influential in the increase of agricultural production. The course will
provide recent progress in biology of plants and animals and related topics.
Students will learn about Japanese agricultural sciences and foods.
1. To provide students with knowledge of Japanese Agriculture.
2. To let students know the Agricultural Politics in Japan.
3. To let students know the research aims in the Faculty of Agriculture in
Japanese Universities.
Lecture 1: Orientation, Plant Pathology and Genetic Engineering(Prof. ICHINOSE)
Lecture 2: Mechanism of Fruit Ripening and Its Regulation (Prof. KUBO)
Lecture 3: Rice Cultivation in Japan (Assoc. Prof. HIRAI)
Lecture 4: Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology in Domestic
Animals (Assoc. Prof. ACOSTA AYALA)
Lecture 5: Nitrogen Cycling in Forest Ecosystems (Assoc. Prof. HIROBE)
Lecture 6: Protein ---- It's a tiny, tiny mechanical device (Assoc. Prof.
TAMURA)
Lecture 7: Journey of Spermatozoa (Prof. FUNAHASHI)
Lecture 8: Ecological Conservation of Forests (Prof. SAKAMOTO)
Lecture 9: Strawberry Production (Prof. YOSHIDA)
Lecture 10: Topics in Food Biochemistry (Assoc. Prof. NAKAMURA)
Lecture 11: Problems on Agricultural Land Resource's Management In A
Mountain Rural Area (Prof. SATOH)
Lecture 12: Animal Production and Biomass Recycling (Assoc. Prof.
NISHINO)
Lecture 13: Introduction to Glycobiology and Glycoengineering(Assoc. Prof. IZUMI)
Lecture 14: Agricultural Politics for Technological Development in Japan(Prof. TAHARA)
Lecture 15: Genetics of Mammals and Its Application (Prof. KUNIEDA)

Textbook
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

Provided in each class
Attendance 50 %, a short report (ca. 500 words) for each class 50%

TitleStudy of Japan
Masumi OKA (Professor, International Center)

Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-7270

E-mail: moka@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: By Appointment
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Masumi OKA
Fall semester
Timetable See below(16weeks)
See below
1 credits
Credits
This course is designed to enable students to learn more about various
aspects of Japanese culture and society. The course includes a visit toHiroshima, and Bizen, famous for its pottery. Students will also be given
an opportunity to visit Japanese schools.
1. Observing local culture and customs.
2. Experiencing some Japanese culture.
3. Interacting with the locals.
Session 1: Orientation (Wednesday from 12.45, at A35)
Sessions covered in this course are as follows:
Visiting Bizen
Field Trip to Kotohira
Appreciating the Tea Ceremony
Visiting Okayama Minami Senior High School
Visiting an Okayama suburb
Appreciating and Practicing Japanese Calligraphy*Homestay (Optional Session)
NB A detailed explanation of course content and schedule will be
distributed at the beginning of the course.

Textbook

Handouts will be provided in each class when necessary.

Reading/Handbook

Means of Assessment

Comments

Attendance: 70 %, Three short reports: 30 %NB Due to the nature of the course, lateness and absences are strongly
discouraged. When you cannot come to class, notify the instructors inadvance if at all possible, by sending an e-mail or leaving a message in
his office.

Expanding cross-cultural language andcommunicative skills II

Title

Ian NAKAMURA (Professor, Language Education Center)
Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-8529

E-mail: iannaka@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: By appointment.
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Ian NAKAMURA
Fall semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Thursday: Period 3
12:45-14:15

B33

Credits

2 credits

This course will first examine the kind of language skills which are essential
for expanding communicative skills. Besides using students' own
experiences, weekly scenes from a film which will be analyzed.
This course is designed so EPOK students will have a chance to interact andstudy with Japanese students and students from other countries. The focus
will be on learning how to effectively speak, listen, and communicate withpeople from other countries, languages, and cultures.

Aims

Students by the end of the course should be able to:-engage others in effective communication.
-adjust and adapt their ways of using language in order to accommodate.
-contribute to our evolving understanding of using language to enhancecommunication.

Content

Tentative outline (subject to adjustments and changes)
Session 1: Orientation
Session 2: What is language and communication?
Session 3: Comparison of types of English
Sessions 4-5: Comparison with other languages
Sessions 6-7: Description of interactional problems in local contexts
Sessions 7-8: Possible solutions in local contexts and beyond
Sessions 9-13: Small group discussions
Session 14-15: Reflections on using language for communication
Contents/schedule of activities/topics will be adjusted to fit theinterests and needs of the students.

Textbook

There is no required textbook.

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment

Grades will be decided by attitude, effort, and regular participation in classand signs of progress in demonstrating greater awareness and understandingof how to communicate effectively.

Comments

In addition to the work described above, each student will systematicallydevelop and write a research report under the supervision of the instructor
on a topic of interest in language for communication.

Materialism in Japan and the West

Title

Michitaka SUZUKI (Professor, Faculty of Letter)
Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-7399

E-mail: mich_s@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: On Thursday in the afternoon. The student should make contact
through email in advance.
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Michitaka SUZUKI
Spring semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Thursday
14:30-16:00

C31

Credits

2 credits

Outline of Course

The ideas toward material culture and life in different cultures and its changes
through Judaism and Christianity through materialism in modernity

Aims

To notice that our Japanese idea of materiality is not a matter of fact in thecontemporary world.

Content

The article written by Michitaka Suzuki and published in 2011:Hibutsu(Hidden
Buddha)-Living Images in Japan and the Orthodox Icons, in The idea ofRepresentation and Culture in Modern Asia, 2011.will be discussed in details in afollowing way.
①materiality in Egypt②materiality in Judea③materiality in Christianity④materiality in Japan and China
The study of material icons entails the study of inspirited idols in comparison
with the dead material icons. Then the idols around us in our daily life will turn tobe precious field for our study. This study begins with the discipline of Art
History, but encompasses other disciplines of Ethnography, Anthropology,
Mythology and Religious Studies.

Textbook

Hibutsu(Hidden Buddha)-Living Images in Japan and the Orthodox Icons, in The
idea of Representation and Culture in Modern Asia, 2011, pp. 5-24. It will be
prepared for the students in xerox copy in the lecture.

Reading/Handbook

There are many publications these years for the topic of materiality and idols.
They will be indicated in the lecture.

Means of Assessment

According to the reports in the end of(and perhaps during) the semester whichshow the interest of the students for this lecture.

Comments

English Language Assistant andCultural Informant

Title

Ian NAKAMURA (Professor, Language Education Center)
Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-8529

E-mail: iannaka@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Make appointment by e-mail or after class.
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Ian NAKAMURA
Fall semester(16 weeks)Timetable

To be decided

Classroom and office (C403)

Credits

1 credit

Outline of Course

This course will offer the assistant-informant a unique and valuable
opportunity to help, observe, and understand how an English class isorganized and taught in a Japanese university. The assistant-informant will
participate in social interactions with the students in order to promote
language learning, international understanding and interculturalcommunication. The assistant-informant will be expected to make consistentefforts to help create and maintain a good atmosphere for learning culture
and language and ultimately communication.

Aims

1. To give the assistant-informant practical experience in creatinginteresting and useful learning opportunities for students.
2. To allow the assistant-informant to develop intercultural communicativeskills through regular class participation and contact with the students.
3. To deepen the assistant-informant’s interest in learning more about
Japanese culture and language through the experience of collaboratingwith both the learners and teacher.
Note: This course is especially suitable for EPOK students who are planningto work in international settings in education or business.

Content

Session 1: Self-introduction and getting to know the students.
Sessions 2-8: Assist the teacher by participation in class and talking to as
many students as possible.
Session 9: Help students with rehearsal for midterm presentations.
Session 10: Be a good audience for the students and ask questions.
Sessions 11-12: Assist the teacher by participation in class and talking to as
many students as possible.
Session 13: Help students with rehearsal for final presentations.
Session 14: Be a good audience for the students and ask questions.
Session 15: Give a final word of encouragement to each student.

Textbook

No required materials.

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment

Regular attendance (including notifying when absent), consistent
performance in class, positive-sociable attitude, ongoing discussions with
the instructor, and one written report.

Comments

Please contact the instructor in advance to meet and discuss hopes andexpectations and to make sure this experience will be helpful to the student.

People crossing borders and Japan

Title

Hiromi YOSHIDA (Assistant Professor, International Center)
Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of
CourseLocation

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

TEL: 251-8934

E-mail: hiromi-yoshida@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Tuesday 12:00-15:00
Hiromi YOSHIDA
Fall semester (16weeks)

Make appointment by e-mailThursdayPM 14:30-16:00
A35
2 credits
Credits
From pre-war Japanese immigrans to transnatinal Japanese footballers inrecent years, this course will examine topics related to Japanese migrants andthose who migrated to Japan. By focusing on the change and/or theTimetable

maintenance of identities, ethnicity, langauge, and culture, the course
provides students with better understanding of migration and social
phenomenon related to them. Not only learning from readings, but also
students will deepen their understanding of migration by watching films,
talking with guest speakers, and doing fieldworks.
1. To have multiple perspectives on migration as well as gain various
knowledge about migration.
2. To use everyday examples to explain migration.
3. With understanding and respect for other people’s ideas.
Session1: Orientation “People crossing borders and Me”
Session2:Brief history of Japanese migration
Session3-5: Japanese in Hawaii and North America ① ② ③ Identities andlanguages: You are what you speak?
Session6 :Culture in change: Dancing “BonDance” with J-POP
Session7:Guest Speaker
Session 8-9: Japanese in South America①②“Japonês garantido” and “Dekasegi”
Session10-11: People crossing borders and modern Japanese society①②
Session12:Guest Speaker
Session13: People crossing borders and modern Japanese society③
Session 14-15: From being a foreigner to being a neighbor

Textbooks
No required textbook.
Reading/Handbook
Means ofAttitude, effort and regular participation in class 30%, three essays 35%,
Assessment
presentations 35%
Course schedule is subject to adjustments and changes
Comments

Title"Seeking the Sustainable Co-existence between People andNature in Japan "Kazuhisa SHIMADA

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of
CourseLocation

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

TEL: 086-251-8447

E-mail: kazuhisa.shimada@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Tuesday 16:00-17:30 at room E-403
Kazuhisa SHIMADA
Fall semester (16weeks)Timetable

Tuesday
12.45-14.15
C23
2 credits
Credits
This course provides you with a historical analysis of the people’s attitude
towards nature in Japan. Furthermore, the course gives you some insight into
how Japanese will overcome the confused situation after Fukushima nuclear
diaster followed by the gigantic earthquake in 2011.
To understand the traditional Japanese attitude towards nature.
To develop the view on the future direction of Japanese attitude towards nature
after Fukushima nuclear diaster.
Quite a few disasters have hit Japan - earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods,
typhoons etc. Because of this, Japanese had traditionally been in awe for nature.
However, at the same time, Japanese had respected nature, which gave us food,materials, energy sources etc. In this regard, the people in Japan had sought tocoexist with nature.
However, industrialisaion after the WWII changed the Japanese attitude.
Industrialisaion gave rise to environmental pollution over Japan in 1960s, and it
also heighted the energy demand. Oil shocks in 1970s seriously affected Japan,
which heavily depended on the imported oil for its energy source.
Although the Japanese government took the initiative on the clean energy
development and the energy efficient technologies, these technologies were notable to replace the conventional energy industry at that stage. Rather, a numberof nuclear power plants had been built all over Japan.
The nuclear disaster in Fukushima created the people’s argument over theJapanese attitudes towards nature. This course discusses the future direction ofJapan based on the traditional Japanese attitude towards nature.

Textbooks
No textbook required.
Reading/Handbook TBA
Means ofAttendance 40%, Participation 30%, Final report 30%
Assessment
Comments

TitleVisit and study Japan’s Modernization & Wars
OGAWA Hideki

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of
CourseLocation

Outline of Course

Aims

TEL: 086-251-8516

E-mail: ogawahidekiogawa@gmail.com

Office Hours: Monday, 3rd period
Other lecturers’ participation expected (TBA)
Intensive course during March 18-22 Timetable Depending on the program of the(1week)day
TBA
2 credits
Credits
This is an intensive and visiting five day study program to be carried out during
spring vacation.
This course is a combination of class lecrture (one and a half days) and various
site visits for the remaining three and a half days.
In order for the participants to be familiar with Japan’s modernization, i.e., Meiji
Restoration, primarily led by Chohshuh (present day Yamaguchi Pref.) and alsowith Japan’s wars and peace, both by visiting and studying related historicalsites located in Okayama, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi(Setouchi area).
This course is composed with one and a half day lectures in class and three and ahalf day site visits. Those site visits may include;

Content

Ohkunoshima(大久野島), Hiroshima (Poison Gas island)Kure(呉), Hiroshima (The most important naval base)
Hiroshima City(広島), Hiroshima (from Capital of Military to Capital of Peace)
Ohtsushima(大津島), Yamaguchi (man- driven torpedo base)Shimonoseki(下関), Yamaguchi (several war- related historical sites)
Hagi(萩), Yamaguchi (Birth place of political leaders who led Meiji Restoration)
Also coupled with a half day site visit to a birth place of Okayama-born Dr.
Nishina, Japanese “Oppenheimer” and one of founding fathers of current day
Okayama University

No textbook. Handouts will be prepared each time as necessary.
Textbooks
Reading/Handbook Same as above
Means ofAttendance 50%, final report 30%, participation attitude 20%
Assessment
Comments

TitleIntroduction to the Japanese Economy
Michiyo HASHIGUCHI

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of
CourseLocation

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks

TEL:086-251-8557

E-mail: hashig@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours: Friday 12:00-15:00
Michiyo HASHIGUCHI
Fall semester (16weeks)Timetable

Monday10:25-11:55
C32
2 credits
Credits
This course considers the Japanese economy since the end of WWII, and pays
attention to the economic development of postwar Japan. By examing the above
points, we understand contemporary problems and prospects of Japanese
economy.
To understand factors of the postwar economic development in Japan.
To learn about the Japanese economy and its impact on overseas.
1. Introduction
2. Outline of the postwar economic development in Japan
3. Population
4. Primary sector
5. Secondary sector and tertiary sector
6. Information and technology
7. Employment
8. Labor
9. Finace and trade
10. People’s living
11. Prospects for Japanese economy

No textbook. Photocopy of powerpoint materials will be provided.

Reading/Handbook
Means ofAttendance 30%, Examination 70%
Assessment
Comments