EPOK - Exchange Program Okayama International Center
Okayama University
Japan

EPOK SYLLABUS
2013-2014

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

9

5. Course Syllabuses-

Spring Semester

11・ English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant

12・ Skill formation and work life challenges 1

13・ Intercultural CommunicationⅠ*

14・ Japan’s War and Peace

15

・ Energy and Global Environmental Issues for Japan

16・ Introduction to Sociolinguistics

17

・ Japanese Linguistics (Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics)

18

・ A Guide to Modern Biology*

19・ Asia in the world: towards a strategic partner

20

・ Study of Japan

21

・ Introduction to Life Science

22・ Political Economy of Modern Japan*

23

・ Expanding Cross-Cultural Language and Communicative SkillsⅠ*

24

・ Studies of Japanese Companies in Organizational Change(Human resource management)

Ⅰ
25

-

Fall Semester

26

・ English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant

27

・ Frontiers of Chemistry*

28

・ Intercultural CommunicationⅡ*

29

・ World Conflicts and Peace*30

・ Politics and Economy in Southeast Asia

31・ Introduction to Japanese Society

32 cancelled

・ Japanese and Nature

33

・ People crossing borders and Japan

34

・ The Cutting Edge of Agricultural Sciences*

35

・ Study of Japan

36

・ Materialism in the West & Japan

37

・ Expanding Cross-Cultural Language and Communicative SkillsⅡ*38

・ Studies of Japanese Companies in Organizational Change Ⅱ(Human resource management)

39

The following classes added from 2013 Fall semester
・ Public speaking
・ Introduction to Japanese Culture 1
・ Japanese Studies

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
Hiromi YOSHIDA (Assistant Prof. ) hiromi-yoshida@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Kazuhisa SHIMADA (Associate Prof.)
Hideki OGAWA (Professor)
Yoshiko NAKANO,

kazuhisa.shimada@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

ogawa-h@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

nakano-y@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp

EPOK Timetable of Courses 2013Spring
Monday1Reading and Writing1
Intermediate Grammar
and Vocabulary 2






Japanese 1A
Japanese3
Japanese5
Skill formation and work
life challenges1
Sport(badminton)
Japanese through Films1

8.40-10.10

2
10.25-11.5
5

Tuesday

as of 2013April.

WednesdayThursdayFriday









Conversation for Beginners
Japanese2
Japanese4
Japanese6
Japanese 1A
Japanese3
Japanese5

Reading and Writing1
Japanese4
Japanese6Japanese2
Japanese4
Japanese6Japanese2
Japanese4
Japanese6Japanese 1A
Japanese2
Japanese5Japanese3
Japanese5Japanese1A
Japanese3Extensive ReadingJapanese 7 (Listening A)
Study of JapanJapanese through films2
Asia in the world: towards
a strategic partner

Expandingcross-cultural language
and communicative
Skills I
Japanese Studies

-Study of Japan

Political Economy of ModernJapanese 7 (Reading A)
Energy and Global
Environmental Issues for Japan
Introduction to SociolinguisticsJapanese Linguistics(Phonology,

3
12.45-2.15








Reading and Writing2
Japanese 7 (Writing A)

4
2.30-4.00

Japan



Introduction to Life
Science (15.00～16.30)



Japanese 7 (Speaking A)
Studies of Japanesecompanies in
Organizational ChangeⅠ

Morphology, Syntax, Semantics)

54.15-5.45

Intercultural
Communication I
Japan’s War and Peace★Location: see each syllabus.
●Japanese Language Course

A Guide to Modern Biology-English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant (tba)■general academic subjects etc-Independent Study (tba)EPOK Timetable of Courses 2013 Fall
Monday

Reading and Writing1
Intermediate Grammer
and Vocabulary1







Japanese 1A/1B
Japanese3
Japanese5
Frontiers of ChemistrySport(badminton)
Japanese through ProjectWork
 Intercultural
Communication Ⅱ Reading and Writing2-Japanese 7 (Writing B)

18.40-10.10

2
10.25-11.5
53
12.45-2.15

4
2.30-4.00

Tuesday








Wednesday










Conversation for Beginners
Japanese2
Japanese4
Japanese6
Politics and Economy inSoutheast Asia
Japanese 1A/1B
Japanese3
Japanese5







ThursdayJapanese2
Japanese4
Japanese6Japanese2
Japanese4
Japanese6

Reading and Writ
ing1
Japanese4
Japanese6
The Cutting Edge ofAgricultural Sciences
Japanese 1A/1B
Japanese2
Japanese5Japanese 1A
Japanese3
Japanese5Japanese Culture and SocietyJapanese 7 (Listening B)
Study of Japan



Japanese through Newsand Magazine Articles

Japanese 1B
Japanese3
Expanding cross-cultural
language andcommunicative skills Ⅱ
Japanese studies

Japanese 7 (Reading B)
Public Speaking

Study of JapanMedia Literacy
Materialism in Japan andthe West
Introduction to Japanese
Culture1
Japanese 7 (Speaking B)
Studies of Japanesecompanies in
Organizational ChangeⅡ

People crossing borders and JapanWorld Conflicts and Peace

Japanese and Nature

5
4.15-5.45★Location: see each syllabus.
●Japanese Language Course-English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant (tba)■

Fridaygeneral academic subjects etc-Independent Study (tba)Offered Courses 2013-2014
Spring Semester

Japanese Language Courses- Japanese 1A- Japanese 2- Japanese3- Japanese4- Japanese5- Japanese 6- Japanese 7- Conversation for Beginners- Intermediate Grammar and Vocabulary 2- Reading and Writing1- Reading and Writing2- Japanese through Films1, 2- Extensive Reading

Courses Offered in English- Skill formation and work life challenges 1- Intercultural CommunicationⅠ- Japan’s War and Peace- Energy and Global Environmental Issues for Japan- Introduction to Sociolinguistics- Japanese Linguistics(Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics)- A Guide to Modern Biology- Asia in the world: towards a strategic partner- Political Economy and Modern Japan- Introduction to Life Science-◎Studies of Japanese companies in Organizational ChangeⅡ(◎offered inJapanese)- Expanding Cross-Cultural Language and Communicative Skills I

Others- Study of Japan- English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant- Sports Practice- Independent Study*

Fall Semester

Japanese Language Courses

Courses Offered in English

Others- Japanese 1A/1B- Japanese 2- Japanese3- Japanese4- Japanese5- Japanese 6- Japanese 7- Conversation for Beginners- Intermediate Grammar and Vocabulary 1- Reading and Writing1- Reading and Writing2- Japanese through Project Work- Japanese Culture and Society- Japanese through News and Magazine Articles- Media Literacy- Frontiers of Chemistry- Intercultural CommunicationⅡ- World Conflicts and Peace- Politics and Economy in Southeast Asia
- Japanese and Nature- People crossing borders and Japan- The Cutting Edge of Agricultural Sciences- Materialism in the Japan and the West
- Expanding Cross-Cultural Language and Communicative Skill II- ◎Studies of Japanese companies in Organizational ChangeⅡ(◎offeredin Japanese)- Public Speaking- Introduction to Japanese Culture1-Japanese studies- Study of Japan- English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant- Sports Practice- 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 particulartheme due to the limited human resources of the university. In such cases, those students may needto either change their theme or decide not to take Independent Study.
Applicants are also not able
to take Independent Study when the students do not have adequate knowledge on the theme that theywish 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

8

15

15

Frequency

once in a week

4 times in a week

Course- Conversation for Beginners- Intermediate Grammar and Vocabulary 1- Intermediate Grammar and Vocabulary 2- Reading and Writing1- Reading and Writing2- Japanese through Films1- Extensive Reading- Conversation for Beginners- Intermediate Grammar and Vocabulary 1- Intermediate Grammar and Vocabulary 2- Reading and Writing1- Reading and Writing2- Japanese through Films1- Extensive Reading- Japanese through Project Work- Japanese Culture and Society- Japanese through News and Magazine
Articles- Media Literacy- Japanese 1A- Japanese 1B- Japanese 2- Japanese3- Japanese4- Japanese5- Japanese 6- Japanese 7

Final exam is held in the 16th week.
For further information, please see 2013-2014Japanese 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

English Language Assistant andCultural Informant

Title

Ian NAKAMURA (Professor, Language Education Center)
CoordinatorE-mail: iannaka@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: appointment by e-mail or after class.

Lecturer(s)Ian NAKAMURA

Duration of Course

Spring semester(16 weeks)Timetable

To be decided

Classroom TBA 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 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 help create and maintain agood atmosphere for learning.

Aims

1. To give the assistant-informant practical experience in creating interesting and usefullearning opportunities for students.
2. To allow the assistant-informant to develop intercultural communicative skills
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 collaborating.
Note: This course is especially suitable for EPOK students who are planning to work ininternational 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.
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.
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.
Session 16: Reflective report and interview on what you learned.

Textbook

No required materials.

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment

Comments

Regular attendance (including notifying when absent), consistent performance in class,positive-sociable attitude, ongoing discussions with the instructor, displays of leadership,
and one written report with interview.
Please contact the instructor in advance to discuss hopes and expectations.

TitleSkill formation and work life challenges 1
Michiyo HASHIGUCHI (Assistant Professor, International Center)

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

TEL:086-251-8557

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

Office Hours: Friday 12:00-15:00, appointment required.
Michiyo HASHIGUCHI
Spring semester
Timetable Monday(16weeks)
10:25-11:55
TBA
2 credits
Credits
This course introduces how to analyze skill formation systems throughdifferent industries in three Asian countries in the 1980s.
On the course students learn:
1. How workers are trained
2. How their skills are evaluated
3. How these skills are allocated and mobilized in the workplace
1. Introduction
2. Theory of Skill Formation Systems
3. Skill Transfer and Economic Organization
4. The Transferability of Japaneese Systems
5. The Cement Industry (1)6. The Cement Industry (2)7. The Car Battery Manufacturing Industry (1)8. The Car Battery Manufacturing Industry (2)9. The Machine Tool Industry (1)10. The Machine Tool Industry (2)11. Banking (1)12. Banking (2)13. Summary of Findings
14. Social Education and Vocational Training in Japan
15. Social Education and Vocational Training in Malaysia and Thailand
Koike, K., and Inoki, T. eds. (1990), Skill formation in Japan and Southeast
Asia, Tokyo: University of Tokyo Press.

Attendance 30%, Examination 70%

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(15 weeks)Timetable

Monday4:15-5:45

C21

Credits2

Locationcredits

Outline of Course

This course provides an overview of the study of culture and communication in order tobe 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 andpracticing techniques to enhance intercultural communication will be 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 the classroom.
- use English appropriately as an international language.
- explain key aspects that define Japanese culture and/or their own culture.

Content

In this course, Japanese and non-Japanese students will interact in an effort to deepen
their understanding of their respective cultures. Class topics will partly be determined by
student interests, but will include a range of topics related to both modern and traditional
Japan. Additionally, non-Japanese students will be asked to share information about theirown 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 of presentations,and reflective essays. Students will need excellent attendance in order to get credit for thiscourse.

Comments

Japan’s War and Peace

Title

OGAWA Hideki (Professor, International Centre)
Coordinator

Tel: 251-8516

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

Office Hours: Mon &Wed 2nd Period
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Reading/Textbook
Means of Assessment

H. OGAWA
Spring semester (16 weeks)Timetable

Monday 16:15-17.45
Subject to change
2 credits

C24
Credits
An introduction to war & peace in Japan.
This course starts with the wars with China and Russia. Then, moves onto the issues of
WWI & WWII, followed by SDF’s post-war development and recent overseas activities& cooperation with the US.
The class is designed to serve the needs of students;
1) Desiring a general understanding of was involving Japan,
2) Desiring to be more familiarized with Japan’s current political affairs,
particularly involving SDF.
1. Self-introduction of participants and Aims and Contents of the Lecture
2. Meiji Restoration and thereafter
3. Japan’s war with China
4. Japan’s war with Russia
5. What did Japan do during WWI?
6. War in China
7. War in the Pacific
8. End of war: Hiroshima & Nagasaki
9. Occupation & MacArthur
10. Japan’s losing war & peaceful constitution
11. Korean War and SDF
12. SDF’s development and overseas activities
13. SDF’s future with the US
14. Field trip
15. Field trip
Suggested in each class.
One presentation, Two essays (less than 3 pages) and a report (less than 2 pages)

TitleEnergy and Global Environmental Issues for Japan
Kazuhisa SHIMADA

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

TEL: 086-251-8447

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

Office Hours: 16:15-17:45 on Mon. and Thurs. at room E-403 (Appointment is needed.)
Kazuhisa SHIMADA
Spring semester (16 weeks)Timetable Tuesday
14.30-16.00
C23
2 credits
Credits
This course gives you the insight of Japan’s role to address the energy andglobal environment issues in the international community by use of thehistorical and political analysis. The course will be run by the discusstion
style.
To learn Japan’s role to address the energy and the global environment issues
in the international community.
1. Guidance & Introduction
2. Modernisation and energy issues in Japan (I)3. Modernisation and energy issues in Japan (II)
4. Group presentation (I)5. Japan’s energy policy in the post War era
6. Rapid economic growth, Oil crises and pollution issues in Japan
7. International cooperaion over the energy issues
8. Japan’s environmental and energy policies in 1980s
9. Group presentation (II)10. Earth Summit and international consensus on global environmental
issues
11. Global environmental and energy issues (I)
12. Global environmental and energy issues (II)13. Japan’s future role on the global environmental issues and the energy
issues
14. Group presentaion (III)
15. Round-up

No text book is needed. Handout will be provided.
Participation 30%, Presentation 30%, Essay 40%

Introduction to Sociolinguistics

Title

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

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of
Assessment
Comments

TEL: 251-8934

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

Office Hours: Tuesday 3rd and 4th period and by appointment
Hiromi Yoshida
Spring semester (16weeks)Timetable Tuesday
14:30-16:00
C11
2 credits
Credits
Sociolinguistics is a study of relationship between language and society and theway people use language in different social situations. This class is open for bothInternational
andJapanese
students.
By
comparingdifferent
communities/countries, especially focusing on Japanese society, students willlearn language variation, practice, policies, values through discussions andfieldwork.
To have a general understanding of Sociolinguistics and be able to explain sometiopics related to their own lives.
To gain different perspectives on Sociolinguistic issues and be critical towards
language discrimination.
1. Introduction: What do you know about your language(s)?
2.&3. Basic Issues, Concepts, and Approaches
4. Regional Dialectology: How long did it take to master Okayama-dialect?
5. Social Dialectology: “Yabakunai?” Wait, are you in trouble or are you fine?
6.&7. Language and Culture: Field work and Presentation
8. Language and Identity: You are what you speak?
9. Language Death in Japan: Ainu Language and Ryukyuan language
10. Kokugo and Japanese: who needs to learn Japanese?
11. Critical Sociolinguistics: How old is“Iitoshi” ?
12. & 13. Preparation for class debate
14. Class debate on language planning and policy in Japan (tentative topic)
15. Wrap up
16. Final Presentation
Not required.
Provided during class. Handbook: Mesthire, R., Swann, J., Deumert. A., & Leap, L. W. (2000),
Introductin Sociolinguistics, John Benjamins Publishing Company, Philadelphia.

Preparation and Participation (30%), Paper(30%), Presentation (40%)
This course does not require any linguistic knowledge, however you need to prepare well to
discuss your opinions. You may be able to use Japanese in the class.

TitleJapanese Linguisitcs (Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics)
Masato YABE (Associate Professor, International Center)

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course
Aims

Content

TEL: 086-251-8533

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

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday: 10:25 -11:55, and by appointment
Masato YABE
Spring semester (16weeks)Timetable Tuesday
14:30 – 16:00
A43
2 credits
Credits
We will cover Phonology , Morphology, Syntax, and Semantics. Other areas to becovered will be Psycholinguistics, and Sociolinguistics related studies.
Aims are to learn about some important aspects of the Japanese language. We
will cover basic concepts, approaches, and methodologies in the Japanese
linguistics field.

Phonology (Phonetics and Phonemic inventory of Japanese)Morphology (Lexical categories)
Syntax (Syntactic structure)
Semantics (Tense and aspect; Numerals and counters)
Language Variations (Dialects, and Styles)
Psycolinguisitcs (application to Sapir Whof Hypothesis)
Conversation/Discourse Analysis (Data treatment)

Textbook
Reading/Handbook

Means of Assessment

Comments

Natsuko Tsujimura (1996), An Introduction to Japanese Linguistics: Blackwell
Publishers Ltd.
Other reading materials (in English/Japanese) will be provided.
1. Attendance, Class Participation15%
2. Homework, Writing assignment
25%
3. Presentation
25%
4. Midterm exam
15%
5. Final Exam
20%
This class is not a language class. This class is for juniors and seniors. The course number
will be JPN 400 – 500 levels.

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 with eachlecturer via e-mail using a handle name following the lecturer’s name in each parenthesisin the Contents. Following each handle name, add “@pharm.okayama-u.ac.jp” for thelecturers of No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 15 and 16, and “@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp” for thoseof 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

Tuesday
16:15-17:45

C23

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 so on.
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.

TitleAsia in the world: towards a strategic partner
Kazuhisa SHIMADA

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

TEL: 086-251-8447

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

Office Hours: 16:15-17:45 on Mon. and Thurs. at room E-403 (Appointment is needed.)
Kazuhisa SHIMADA
Spring semester (16 weeks)Timetable Wednesday
16.15-17.45
C21
2 credits
Credits
This course elucidates Asia in the world based on diplomatic history between
Asia and the other countries.This course also gives you the insight of theimportance of mutual understanding in different culture. The course will be
run by the discusstion style.
To learn the importance of mutual understanding by analysing the diplomatic
history between Asia and the other countries.
16. Guidance & Introduction
17. Asia in the colonial period
18. The end of the WWII and decolonisation
19. Asia in the Cold War – between dependence and sovereignty (I)20. Asia in the Cold War – between dependence and sovereignty (II)21. Group discussion (I)22. Japan’s develolpment model, dependence and sovereignty
23. “East Asian Miracle” and human rights issues (I)
24. “East Asian Miracle” and human rights issues (II)25. Group discussion (II)26. The antagonism between Asia and the West over human rights issues (I)
27. The antagonism between Asia and the West over human rights issues (II)28. Asian monetary crisis, China’s economic growth and Asia as a strategic
partner
29. Group discussion (III)
30. Round-up

No text book is needed. Handout will be provided.
Participation 30%, Presentation 30%, Essay 40%

Study of Japan

Title

Hiromi Yoshida (Assistant Professor, International Center)
Coordinator

TEL: 251-8934

Lecturer(s)Office Hours: Tuesday 2nd and 3rd periods
Hiromi Yoshida (Assistant Professor, International Cener), Masumi Oka (Professor,
International Center)
Spring semester (16weeks)Timetable See below

Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

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

C24
1 credits
Credits
This course is designed to enable students to learn more about various aspectsof Japanese culture and society through their first hand experience. Students
will go to Bizen-city where is well known for its pottery and make own pottery
by themselves. Also, students will have a chance to visit Kotohira in Kagawa
Prefecture. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to visit Japanese schools
and meet local students. .
1. To be familiar with local clutlre and customs.
2. To Interacting with local people.
3. Studnets will broaden their horizons
Session 1 : Orietntaion (Wednesday from 12:45 at C24)
Session covered in theis course are as follows:
Visiting Bizen
Appreciating the Tea Ceremony
Visiting Okayama Minami Senior High School
Visiting Kotohira
Appreciating and Pracicing Japanese Caligraphy
Visiting Akaiwa-city in Okayama and visit elementory schools*Homestay (Optional
NB
A detailed explanation of course content and schedule witll be
distributed at the beginning of the course.

Handouts will be provided in each class when necessary.
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 in advanceif at all possible, by sending an e-mail or leaving a message in her office.

Political Economy of Modern Japan

Title

Yoko HIROTA (Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics)
Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbook
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

TEL:

-

-7550

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

Office Hours: Tuseday 14:30-17:00
Masao Tsuri,Youichiro Higashi, Hisashi Sawaki, Daiji Fujii, Jun Fukushi
Spring semester
ThursdayTimetable(16weeks)
14：30-16：00
2 credits
Graduate School of Humanities and Social
そうえん
Credits
Sciences

総演(3)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 somerelevant themes among participants. The number of attendees is limited to twenty.
1. To discuss the problems of politics and/or economy in Japan between each lecturer andparticipants in this course.
2. To learn the structure of Japanese society through discussions in this course.
1 Masao Tsuri, Japanese Economy and Economic Policy I
2 Masao Tsuri, Japanese Economy and Economic Policy II
3 Masao Tsuri, Japanese Economy and Economic Policy III
4 Youichiro Higashi, Applications of Game theory to Economic and Social Problems inJapan I
5 Youichiro Higashi, Applications of Game theory to Economic and Social Problems inJapan II
6 Youichiro Higashi, Applications of Game theory to Economic and Social Problems inJapan III
7 Hisashi Sawaki, Japan and the World Economy I
8 Hisashi Sawaki, Japan and the World Economy II
9 Hisashi Sawaki, Japan and the World Economy III
10 Daiji Fujii, Variety of Management practices in Japanese firms I
11 Daiji Fujii, Variety of Management practices in Japanese firms II
12 Daiji Fujii, Variety of Management practices in Japanese firms III
13 Jun Fukushi, Economic Development of Japan since the Late Nineteenth Century I
14 Jun Fukushi, Economic Development of Japan since the Late Nineteenth Century II
15 Jun Fukushi, Economic Development of Japan since the Late Nineteenth Century III
16 Review
Handouts will be provided in each class.
Attendance, participation, and essays

Introduction to Life Science

Title

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

Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Aims

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
Kohji Takei, Yoshifumi Ninomiya, Ken Takahashi, Gentaro Iribe, Toshihiko Matsuo,
Hideki Matsui, Kentaro Akiyama, Michiyo Nakano, Hiroshi Morimatsu
Spring semester
ThursdayTimetable(16weeks)
15:00 - 16:30
Graduate School Seminar Room,
Basic Research Building (Kiso-Kenkyu-Toh) 1F,
Credits
2 credits
Shikata Campus
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 Hospital
1-2

Content

Textbook
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

Introduction of the course, Cell Biology (Kohji Takei, Dept. Neuroscience)-Cell membrane and Vesicular traffic in the cell
-Demonstration at the laboratory
3-4 Cardiovascular Physiology (Ken Takahash & Gentaro Iribe,
Dept. Mechanobiology & Cardiovascular Physiology)-Sensory Physiology: How do we sense the world-Nerve Physiology: How are the senses conveyed
5-6 Molecular Biology (Yoshihumi Ninomiya, Dept. Molecular Biology)-Introduction to the human body
-Circulation system: Fighting cancer by attacking its blood supply-Demonstration at the laboratory
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 (Hiroshi Morimatsu, Dept. of Anesthesiology)-Operation room
-Intensive Care Unit
12-13 Pediatric dentistry (Michiyo Nakano, Dept. Pediatric Dentistry)-General and Pediatric Dentistry: Treatment and prevention in primary dentition-Molecular Microbiology: Oral bacteria
14-15 Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine(Kentaro Akiyama, Dept. Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine)-Mesenchymal stem cell biology: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell and
Dental stem cell
-Clinical application of MSC: From bench to clinic
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

TitleStudies of Japanese Companies in Organizational
Change(Human resource management)Ⅰ
Yoichi MATUSDA (Professor, Faculty of Economics)

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbook

Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

TEL: 086－251－7557 E-mail:matsud-y@cc.okayama-u.a.cjp
Office Hours
Yoichi MATSUDA
Fall semester (16weeks)Timetable

19 番講義室(Graduate School of

Credits(Day)Thursday(Period) 16:15-17:45
2credits

Humanities and Social Sciences）

This course is able to study human resource management (HRM) theory in businessadministrative by lecture(involved guest speaker), discussion and seeing video etc.
As learning outcomes, students will be able to (1) understand (basic and classical)
HRM theory, (2) explain about HRM phenomenon and , theoretically and practically,(3)apply theoretical and practical HRM methods and present solution ideas about its
problems.
And so, this course covers many issues (job design, personnel rating system,
professional system, wage system, welfare plan etc). We expect students tounderstand HRM theory and practice, then, apply and present them.
The aim of this course is to provide students with theoretical frameworks andpractical insights about HRM (in business administrative).
And so, we expect them to understand and apply on HRM theory and practice.
Such knowledge and understanding of HRM is important for students in order toanalyze, diagnose their organizations.
This course’s plan is following:
1. guidance
2. business administrative and HRM
3. motivation leadership and commitment
4. organizational structure and job
5. HR grading system
6. Employment management
7. Career development
8. Personnel rating system
9. Professional system
10. Wage system
11. Welfare plan
12. Contingent workers
13. Guest speaker
14. Assignment in organization change
15. Case study2(Panasonic)
Yoichi,M(2011), Soshikihenkaku no management, Tokyo: Chuokeizaisha.
(松田陽一(２０１１)「組織変革のマネジメント」中央経済社。)※Work book:Download from Faculty HP.([course guide] →「course material」→[Studies of Japanese Companies in Organizational Chnage Ⅰ2013]
Presentation in class
Examination (60%), Resort/Class contribution (40%)
noneExpanding Cross-Cultural Language andCommunicative SkillsⅠ

Title

John RUCYNSKI (Associate Professor,
Coordinator

TEL:086-251-7273
Office Hours:

Language Education Center)

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

By appointment

Lecturer(s)John RUCYNSKI

Duration of Course

Spring semester(15weeks)

Timetable

Fridays
12:45-14:15

B21

Credits

2 credits

Location

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

students and Japanese students. The content of the course is about Japanese and foreignculture. 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 understanding

Aimsof 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 to deepen theirunderstanding of their respective cultures. Class topics will partly be determined by student

Content

interests, but will include a range of topics related to both modern and traditional Japan.
Additionally, non-Japanese students will be asked to share 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 of presentations,and reflective essays. Excellent attendance will also be required.

Comments

Course Syllabuses
Fall Semester

English Language Assistant andCultural Informant

Title

Ian NAKAMURA (Professor, Language Education Center)
CoordinatorE-mail: iannaka@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 TBA 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 is organized and taught in a Japanese
university. The assistant-informant will participate in social interactions with the students inorder to promote language learning, international understanding and interculturalcommunication. The assistant-informant will be expected to help create and maintain agood atmosphere for learning.

Aims

1. To give the assistant-informant practical experience in creating interesting and usefullearning opportunities for students.
2. To allow the assistant-informant to develop intercultural communicative skills throughregular 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 collaborating.
Note: This course is especially suitable for EPOK students who are planning to work ininternational 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.
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.
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.
Session 16: Reflective report and interview about what you learned.

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, displays of leadership,
and one written report with an interview.

Comments

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

Frontiers of Chemistry

Title

Takashi KANETA (Professor, Faculty of Science)
Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-7847

E-mail: kaneta@okayama-u.ac.jp

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

Outline of Course

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

Timetable

Monday 10.25-11.55

C11

Credits

2 credits

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

Aims

Content

2.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

To provide students with basic introduction to the current topics on pure and appliedchemistry by using familiar examples.
To provide students with some useful concepts to understand the basis of the
cutting-edge chemical technology.

Guidance（T. Kaneta）
To be announced(A. Kishimoto)
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 (T. Kaneta)

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)
CoordinatorE-mail: iannaka@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: By appointment

Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Ian NAKAMURA
Fall semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Monday: Period 3
12:45-14:15

B24

Credits

2 credits

Outline of Course

This course will first examine the kind of information which is essential to be aware of inintercultural 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 withJapanese students and students from other countries. The focus of study will be on learning
how to see and explain social situations in terms of 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 have effective interculturalcommunication.
-explain not only Japanese culture, but also other cultures (including their own) in an
objective manner.
-give short presentations and participate in discussions on interesting and subtle aspects ofculture and communication not usually noticed.

Content

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 you learned in thiscourse?
Contents and schedule of activities and topics will be adjusted to fit the interests and needsof 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.

Textbook
Reading/Handbook

No required textbook.

Means of Assessment

Grades will be decided by attitude, effort, and regular participation in class and signs ofprogress in demonstrating greater awareness and understanding of how to communicate
effectively.

Comments

In addition to the work described above, each student will systematically develop and writea research report under the supervision of the instructor on a topic of interest in interculturalcommunication.

World Conflicts and Peace

Title
Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Reading/Textbook
Means of Assessment
Office Hours

OGAWA Hideki (Professor, International Centre)
Tel: 251-8516
E-mail: ogawa-h@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Mon&Wed 2nd Period
H. OGAWA
Monday 16:15-17.45
Subject to change
C11
2 credits
Credits
An introduction to international conflicts during post cold war period.
This course starts with the Palestine problem as a conduit to various pre- and post cold
war conflicts. Main body of the course includes case studies on several regional conflicts.
The class is designed to serve the needs of students;
3) Desiring a general understanding of war and conflict during post cold war period,4) Desiring to be more familiarized with current world political affairs.
1. Self-introduction of participants and Aims and Contents of the Lecture
2. Long lasting conflict: Palestine
3. Cold war period: What happened in, e.g., Hungary, Cuba, or Vietnam?
4. End of cold war and the Gulf war
5. Case study: Yugoslavia
6. Somalia
7. Rwanda
8.South Africa
9. Cambodia
10. Angola and Mozambique
11.Kosovo
12.East Timor
13.Afghanistan
14.Sudan
15.General Analysis and conclusion
Suggested in each class.
One presentation, Two essays (less than 3 pages) and a report (less than 2 pages)
Monday 10:25-11:55, Wednsday 10:25-11:55

Fall semester (16 weeks)Timetable

TitlePolitics and Economy in Southeast Asia
Kazuhisa SHIMADA

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

TEL: 086-251-8447

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

Office Hours: 16:15-17:45 on Mon. and Wed. at room E-403 (Appointment is needed.)
Kazuhisa SHIMADA
Fall semester (16 weeks)Timetable Tuesday
8.40-10.10
C23
2 credits
Credits
Countries in Southeast Asia, except for Thailand, became independent only
after the WWII. However, These countries are now in the centre of the world
economic growth. This course analyses the leader’s role in Southeast Asian
countries. It also elucidates the importance of regional cooperation in Southeast
Asia. Then, the course gives you the insight about the future role of Southeast
Asia in the world. The course will be run by the discussiton style.
To acquire the analytic view on the Southeast Asian countries vis-a-vis national
development, and to learn the importance of regional cooperation. In addition,
to have a view on the future role of Southeast Asia in the international
community.
31. Guidance & Introduction
32. The end of WWII, decolonisation and nation-building
33. Southeast Asia in the Cold War period
34. Nation-building and leadership
35. Group presentaion (I)36. The impact of Japan’s national development on Southeast Asia
37. Developmentalism and democracy
38. Group presentaion (II)39. The role of ASEAN regional cooperaion (I)40. The role of ASEAN regional cooperaion (II)41. Growing China and Southeast Asia
42. The Western countries and Southeast Asia
43. The future role of Southeast Asia
44. Group presentaion (III)
45. Round-up

No text book is needed. Handout will be provided.
Participation 30%, Presentation 30%, Essay 40%

TitleIntroduction to Japanese Society

cancelled

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

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook

Means of Assessment

Comments

TEL: 086-251-7000

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

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday: 10:25 -11:55, and by appointment
Masato YABE
Fall semester (16weeks)Timetable Tuesday
PM 2:30 – 4:00
A43
2 credits
Credits
This course will provide students an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture: brief
history; society; annual events/ceremonies, and other topics. Students need to present achapter from our textbook(s) while actively participate in class discussions (in class andonline).
Students should be familiar with the idea of ASK, and be able to apply the concept:
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 inJapanese language/linguistics, or inter/cross-cultural communication.
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 Japanesephrases and expressions to communicate with them.
Knowledge: To acquire some knowledge of Japanese society/culture: understand how
Japanese society and culture have developed through historical events.
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.
Selected reading materials (in English/Japanese) will be provided.
1. Attendance, Class Participation15%
2. Homework, Writing assignment
25%
3. Presentation
25%
4. Midterm exam
15%
5. Final Exam
20%
Depending on students’ previous knowledge on Japanese culture, and/or students’ interests
on a particular aspect of the Japanese culture, content of the course may change.

Japanese and Nature

Title
Kazuhisa SHIMADA
Coordinator

TEL: 086-251-8447

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

Office Hours: Mon and Wed 16:15-17:45 at room E-403 (Appointment is needed.)
Lecturer(s)Duration of Course
Location
Outline of Course
Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

Kazuhisa SHIMADA
Fall semester (16 weeks)

Tuesday
16:15-17:45
C23
2 credits
Credits
This course elucidates the Japanese attitude towards nature based on the historical analysis.
Furthermore, the course gives you some insight into how Japan will cope with the confusedsituation after the earthquake in 2011. The course will be run by the discussion style.
To understand the traditional Japanese attitude towards nature. To develop your view on
Japan’s future direction in terms of the sustainable co-existence between people and nature.
1. Guidance and Introduction
2. Japanese and nature – history, culture, climate and geography (I)3. Japanese and nature – history, culture, climate and geography (II)
4. Japanese and natural disasters
5. Mountains and Japanese
6. Group presentation (I)7. Modernisation and environment in Japan (I)8. Modernisation and environment in Japan (II)9. Development and natural conservation in Japan
10. Group presentation (II)11. Globalisasion and environmental issues – the role of Japan (I)12. Globalisasion and environmental issues – the role of Japan (II)13. Japan’s future direction
14. Group presentation (III)
15. Round-up
No textbook required. Hand out will be provided.
TBA
Participation 30%, Presentation 30%, Essay 40%
The course deals with broad issues related to nature and Japanese including religion,
culture, natural science, politics and economy. Your broad interest is welcomed.
Timetable

People crossing borders and Japan

Title

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

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

TEL: 251-8934

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

Office Hours: Tuesday 3rd and 4th period and by appointment
Hiromi YOSHIDA
Fall semester (16weeks)Timetable Thursday
PM 14:30-16:00
C11
2 credits
Credits
From pre-war Japanese immigrants to transnational 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 the

maintenance of identities, ethnicity, language, 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 watchingfilms, 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
Session3-4: Japanese in Hawaii and North America①②
Session5: Film
Session6 :Culture in change: Dancing “BonDance” with J-POP
Session7: Identities and languages: You are what you speak?
Session 8-9: Japanese in South America ① ② “Japonês garantido” and“Dekasegi”
Session10-11: People crossing borders and modern Japanese society①②
Session12-13 Kobe Field Trip
Session 14-15: From being a foreigner to being a neighbour

No required textbook.
Attitude, effort and regular participation in class 30%, three essays 35%,
presentations 35%
Course schedule is subject to adjustments and changes

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

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

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, I. Yokomizo, K. Inagaki, N. Nishino, M. Tahara, M. Izumi, T. Kunieda, H.
Funahashi
Fall semester
Timetable Wednesday 8.40-10.10(15 weeks)A43
Credits
2 credits
The study of molecular biology about plants and animals in Japan has been very influential
in the increase of agricultural production. The course will provide recent progress inbiology 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: Characteristics of Livestock Farms in Japan (Prof. YOKOMIZO)
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)
Provided in each class
Attendance 50 %, a short report (ca. 500 words) for each class 50%

Study of Japan

Title

Hiromi Yoshida (Assistant Professor, International Center)
Coordinator

TEL: 251-8934

Lecturer(s)Office Hours: Tuesday 2nd and 3rd periods
Hiromi Yoshida (Assistant Professor, International Cener), Masumi Oka (Professor,
International Center)
Fall semester (16weeks)Timetable See below

Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

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

A43
1 credits
Credits
This course is designed to enable students to learn more about various aspectsof Japanese culture and society through their first hand experience. Students
will go to Bizen-city where is well known for its pottery and make own pottery
by themselves. Also, students will have a chance to visit Kotohira in Kagawa
Prefecture. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to visit Japanese schools
and meet local students. .
1. To be familiar with local clutlre and customs.
2. To Interacting with local people.
3. Studnets will broaden their horizons
Session 1 : Orietntaion (Wednesday from 12:45) at Room A43
Session covered in theis course are as follows:
Visiting Bizen
Appreciating the Tea Ceremony
Visiting Okayama Minami Senior High School
Visiting Kotohira
Appreciating and Pracicing Japanese Caligraphy
Visiting Akaiwa-city in Okayama and visit elementory schools*Homestay (Optional
NB
A detailed explanation of course content and schedule witll be
distributed at the beginning of the course.

Handouts will be provided in each class when necessary.
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 in advanceif at all possible, by sending an e-mail or leaving a message in her office.

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

C12

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

TitleStudies of Japanese Companies in
Organizational Change (Human resource management)ⅡYoichi MATSUDA (Professor, Faculty of Economics)

Coordinator
Lecturer(s)Duration of
CourseLocation

TEL:086-251-7557

E-mail: matsud-y@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Office Hours:
Yoichi MATSUDA
Autumn semester (16weeks)Timetable

26 番教室(Graduate School of Humanities andCredits

Thursday16:15-17:45
2 credits

Social Sciences）

This course is able to study human resource management (HRM) theory inbusiness administrative by lecture (involved guest speaker), discussion andseeing video etc.
As learning outcomes, students will be able to (1)understand (basic andclassical) HRM theory, (2)explain about HRM phenomenon and , theoretically
Outline of Courseand practically, (3) apply theoretical and practical HRM methods and present
solution ideas about its problems.
And so, this course covers many issues (job design, personnel rating system,
professional system, wage system, welfare plan etc). We expect students tounderstand HRM theory and practice, then, apply and present them.
The aim of this course is to provide students with theoretical frameworks andpractical insights about HRM (in business administrative).
Aims
And so, we expect them to understand and apply on HRM theory and practice.
Such knowledge and understanding of HRM is important for students in order toanalyze, diagnose their organizations.
This course’s plan is following:
1. Guidance
2. Business andministrative and HRM
3. Motivation leadership and commitment
4. Organizational structure and job
5. HR grading system
6. Employment management
7. Career development
Content
8. Personnel rating system
9. Professional system
10. Wage system
11. Welfare plan
12. Contingent workers
13. Guest speaker
14. Female workers
15. R & Dengineers
Koji, O., Noriko, K., Mitsutoshi, H., eds (2010) Nyumon Jinteki Shigenkanri 2nded, Tokyo:Chuo Keizaisha(奥林康司・上林憲雄・平野光俊編(2010)『入門人的資源管理第２版』中央経済社)
Textbooks※Work book:Download from Faculty HP. (「course guide」→「course material」→「Studies of Japanese Companies in Organizational Change Ⅱ 2012」
Reading/Handbook Presentation in class
Means of
Examination (60%), Report, class contribution (40%)
Assessment
none
Comments

TitleExpanding cross-cultural language and communicativeskills II
Ian NAKAMURA (Professor, Language Education Center)

CoordinatorE-mail: iannaka@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: By appointment.

Lecturer(s)Duration of
CourseLocation

Outline of Course

Ian NAKAMURA
Fall semester(16weeks)

Timetable

Friday: Period 2
10:25-11:55

B21

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 and study
with Japanese students and students from other countries. The focus will be onlearning how to effectively speak, listen, and communicate with people from othercountries, 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 the interests
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 class and signsof progress in demonstrating greater awareness and understanding of how tocommunicate effectively.

Comments

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

Public Speaking

Title

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

Aims

Content

TEL: 086-251-8533

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

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday: 10:25 -11:55, and by appointment
Masato YABE
Fall semester (16weeks)Timetable Tuesday 4th period
14:30-16:00
A31
2 credits
Credits
We will practice (or perform) various types of speeches in class. Participants need toevaluate classmates’ speeches, at the same time their own. Also, we will cover some
important terminologies in communication and rhetoric.
Aims are to practice speeches both in Japanese and in English; to be able todeliver appropriately with confidence; and to accurately evaluate others’
speeches as well as their own speeches.
Introduction of the Course
Dinner Table Speech (J-J、E-E)
Comparing and Contrasting (J-J、E-E)
Presentation with Data, Q and A (J-E、E-J)
Group Presentation
Ad-Lib (J-E、E-J)
Final Presentation (J-E、E-J)

Textbook
TBA
Reading/Handbook Other reading materials (in English/Japanese) will be provided.
1. Class Participation, Peer Evaluation
40%
Means of
2. Midterm exam (written exam)
10%
Assessment
3. Presentations and Self Evaluation
30%
4. Final Presentation
20%
Japanese students will give speeches in Japanese; and International students in English. Lateron, Japanese students need to give speeches in English; and International students in
Comments
Japanese. Peer evaluation is critical for this course, so students’ attendance is very importantin this class.

TitleIntroduction to Modern Japanese Culture 1

Coordinator

Masumi FUJIMOTO TEL: 086-251-7416 E-mail: mfujimoto@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: 10:25-11:55 on Mon. and 16:15-17:45 on Thurs. at room E 102(Appointment is needed.)

Lecturer(s)Masumi FUJIMOTO

Duration of Course
Location

Outline of Course

Aims

Content

Textbooks
Reading/Handbook
Means of Assessment
Comments

Fall semester (16 weeks)
A-31

Timetable
Credits

Thursday 14.30-16.00
2 credits

This course is a study of a wide variety of modern Japanese pop culture including
anime, manga, local characters (Yuru Chara), local grummet (B-class grummet), andunique café styles. How the society and social norms helped shaping modern
Japanese culture and vice versa are examined.
It used to be Ukiyoe, Samurai, or Kimono as examples of worldly viewed typicalJapanese culture while Karaoke, One Piece, or Maid Cafe has more widely recognizedas Japan’s culture recently. This course aims at gaining the deep knowledge of Japanand its modern culture through better understanding the way in which gender, class,sexuality, age, and social group shape modern culture in Japan.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.

Study of Japanese animation and its history
Analysis of animation, “One Piece” and “Naruto”
Introduction of different theme Cafés
Exploration of Okayama local Characters and B-class Grummet
Examination on unique social phenomena
Research Paper and Presentation

It will be announced in the class.
It is not required but recommended to read some Japanese Anime books.
Attendance 30%, Participation 30%, Research Paper and Presentation 40%

TitleJapanese Studies
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: 16:15-17:45 on Mon. and Wed. at room E-403 (Appointment is needed.)
Hideki OGAWA, Kazuhisa SHIMADA, Hiromi YOSHIDA, Masumi FUJIMOTO
Fall semester (16 weeks)Timetable Friday
12.45-14.15
D23
2 credits
Credits
This course elucidates Japan based on various angles, such as history, politics,
natural environment, linguistics, pop culture. The course is taught in easy
Japanese, and you might be required to write or speak in easy Japanese.
To learn Japan, and to learn academic Japanese.
46. Guidance & Introduction
47. Japanese modern history and politics (I)48. Japanese modern history and politics (II)49. Japanese modern history and politics (III)50. Natural environment in Japan (I)51. Natural environment in Japan (II)52. Natural environment in Japan (III)53. Natural environment in Japan (IV)
54. Japanese Pop Culture (I)55. Japanese Pop Culture (II)56. Japanese Pop Culture (III)57. Japanese Pop Culture (IV)
58. Japanese society and language (I)Welcome to Okayama-dialect world!
59. Japanese soceity and language (II)Youth culture, youth language
60. Japanese soceity and language (III) Katakana-go in daily life
61. Japanese society and language (IV) Presentation & Round-up

Textbooks
No text book is needed. Handout will be provided.
Reading/Handbook
Means ofClass participation (attendance, engagement, oral presentation etc.) 50%,
Assessment
Presentation (oral presentation, essay, quiz etc.) 50%
Comments