EPOK - Exchange Program Okayama Center for Global Partnerships & Education
Okayama University
Japan

EPOK SYLLABUS
2015-2016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-

Registration-

Credits-

Grading System

9

5. Course Syllabuses-

Spring Semester・ Teaching English in Japan (introduction to TEFL)

11

･

12

Intercultural CommunicationⅠ*・ Anthropology of Japan

13・ Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Language and Society in Japan

14

・ A Guide to Modern Biology

15・ Study of Japan(日本事情)

16

・ Study of Japan 2(地域文化演習)

17・ Introduction to Life Science*18

・ Hawaii and Japan: mobility of people, identity, and culture

19

・ Seminar: Japanese Mind, Culture and Identity

20

・ Japanese Culture through Anime

21

・ Political Economy of Modern Japan*

22・ Tourism and Culture in Japan

23

・ Expanding cross-cultural language and communicative skillsⅠ*

24

・ Seminar on Globalization and “Japanese” Culture

25・ English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant

26

・ Frontiers of Natural Science

27

・ Japan’s Modernization and War & Peace (Summer Course)28

-

Fall Semester
・ Seminar on Cool Japan Plus

29・ Intercultural Communication II*

30

・ Family and Gender in Contemporary Japan

31

・ Japanese Pop Culture*32

・ Seminar on Intercultural Communication

33

・ The Cutting Edge of Agricultural Sciences*

34

・ Chado: Mind and Practices

35

・ Study of Japan(日本事情)

36

・ Study of Japan 2(地域文化演習)

37

・ Intercultural Communication through easy English and Japanese38

・ Materialism in Japan & the West*39

・ Transnational mobility and Multiculturalism in Japan

40

・ Expanding cross-cultural language and communicative skills II *41

・ Japanese Studies(Offered in Japanese)

42

・ English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant

43
44

・ Japan’s Modernization and War & Peace (Spring Course)

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:
Center for Global Partnerships & Educations
EPOK Academic Advisors:
Junko OBAYASHI (Associate Professor)
j_obayashi@okayama-u.ac.jp

EPOK Program, Administrative office:Study Abroad Division
epok-inbound1@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp

2015-2016
EPOK Timetable of Courses Spring Semester☆Japanese Language Course

Monday☆ Japanese 618.4010.10☆ Japanese 3☆ Japanese 5
 English Language
Assistant and Cultural
Informant2
10.2511.55☆ Reading and Writing 1☆ Intermediate Grammar 2

312.452.15

Wednesday

Intensivecourse☆ Japanese 4☆ Japanese 6☆ Japanese 4

☆
☆
☆
☆

☆
☆
☆
☆
□

☆ Japanese 1☆ Japanese 2☆ Extensive Reading☆
☆ Japanese 7 (Listening A)Study of Japan1(日本事情)
 Study of Japan2(地域文化演

Intermediate Grammar 1

Anthropology of JapanIntercultural
Communication 1Frontiers of Natural Science
Japan’s Modernization and Wars & Peace (Summer Course)-Location: see each syllabus.

Friday☆ Japanese 4☆ Japanese 6☆ Japanese 7 (Reading A)☆ Japanese 7 (Writing A)☆ Japanese through Films 1 ☆ Reading and Writing 2
 Teaching English in Japan  Sociolinguistics: JapaneseSociety and Languages

54.15-5.45

Thursday☆ Japanese 4☆ Japanese 6
 English Language Assistantand Cultural Informant☆ Japanese 1☆ Japanese 2☆ Japanese 3☆ Japanese 5

Japanese 1
Japanese 2
Japanese 3
Japanese 5習)

42.30-4.00※

Tuesday■:Foreign students only □:EPOK course and Reg. course studentsA Guide to Modern
Biology-Study of Japan1(日本事情)-Study of Japan2(地域文化演習)Japanese 1
Japanese 2
Japanese 3
Japanese 5
Hawaii and Japan :mobility of people,
identity, and culture☆ Reading and Writing1☆ Japanese Culture andSociety Seminar: Japanese Mind,
Culture and Identity☆ Japanese 7 (Speaking A)
 Political Economy ofModern Japan Animation
 Tourism and Culture inJapan

Introduction to Life
Science-English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant (tba)-Independent Study (tba)☆ Intermediate Kanji andVocabulary
 Expanding CrossCultural Language andCommunicative Skills 1☆ Reading and Writing 2☆ Japanese through Films 2
 English Language
Assistant and Cultural
Informant
 Seminar for
Globalization and“Japanese” Culture2015-2016
EPOK Timetable of Courses Fall Semester☆Japanese Language Course

MondayWednesday☆
☆
☆
☆ Japanese 6☆ Japanese 2☆ Japanese 4☆ Japanese 6☆ Japanese 3☆ Japanese 5☆ Japanese 1☆ Japanese 3☆ Japanese 5☆ Intermediate Grammar 2☆ Reading and Writing 1☆ Reading and Writing 2
 Family and Gender in Contemporary Japan☆ Japanese 7 (Listening B)
 Chado: Mind and PracticeStudy of Japan(日本事情)
 Study of Japan2(地域文化☆ Japanese through News andMagazine Articles☆ Japanese 7 (Writing B)☆ Japanese 7 (Reading B)☆ Intermediate Kanji andVocabulary Japanese Pop Culture Seminar for Intercultural
Communication: Theory
and Practice■ Study of Deep Kyoto

18.4010.10

210.2511.55

3
12.452.15

Tuesday■:Foreign students only □:EPOK course and Reg. course students

Japanese 2
Japanese 4Japanese 6
The Cutting Edge ofAgricultural Sciences☆ Japanese 1☆ Japanese 3☆ Japanese 5

Thursday☆ Japanese 2☆ Japanese 4☆ Japanese 6☆ Japanese 2☆ Japanese 4

☆
☆
☆
□

☆ Japanese 1☆ Extensive Reading Expanding CrossCultural Language andCommunicative Skills 2

Japanese 1
Japanese 3
Japanese 5interculturalcommunication througheasy English andJapanese☆ Reading and Writing 1☆ Intermediate Grammar 1☆ Media Literacy

演習)42.30-4.00

5
4.15-5.45
Intensivecourse※Intercultural
Communication Ⅱ
Cool Japan Plus

Japan’s Modernization and Wars & Peace (Spring Course)-Location: see each syllabus.

- Chado: Mind andPractice-Study of Japan-Study of Okayama-English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant (tba)

Friday☆ Japanese 7 (Speaking B)
 Materialism in Japan andthe West
 Transnational mobility
and Multiculturalism inJapan-Independent Study (tba)☆ Reading and Writing 2☆ Study of Okayama Japanese studies

Offered Courses2015-2016 Spring Semester
Classes

Timetable

Japanese 1

Japanese
Language
Courses

Offered in
EnglishOthers

Tue-Fri

10:25-11:55

Japanese 2

Tue-Fri

10:25-11:55

Japanese 3

Mon-Thu

10:25-11:55

Japanese 4

Tue-Fri

08:40-10:10

Lecturer(s)Location

Credits

Akita, Sto

C12

8

C11

8

C24

8

C24

8

C23

8

C23

8

Ohira,
Kobayashi
Morioka,DOda
Moriya, Sato
Aoi,
Uchimaru
Aoi,
Kobayashi

Japanese 5

Mon-Thu

10:25-11:55

Japanese 6

Mon-Thu

08:40-10:10

Japanese 7 (Writing A)

Mon

14:30-16:00

MoriyaB22

2

Japanese 7 (Reading A)

Tue

14:30-16:00

Morioka

C24

2

Japanese 7 (Listening A)

Wed

12:45-14:15

Banno

B22

2

Japanese 7 (Speaking A)

Thu

14:30-16:00

Uchimaru

B22

2

Reading and Writing 1

Mon, Thu

12:45-14:15

Umekawa

C23

4

Reading and Writing 2

Tue, Fri

14:30-16:00

Ohira

C23

4

Intermediate Grammar 1

Tue

12:45-14:15

Ohira

C24

2

Intermediate Grammar 2

Mon

12:45-14:15

MoriyaC24

2

Intermediate Kanji and VocabularyFri

12:45-14:15

Kuroe

C24

2

Extensive ReadingFri

10:25-11:55

Kuroe

C24

2

Japanese through Films 1

Mon

14:30-16:00

Akita

C24

2

Japanese through Films 2

Fri

14:30-16:00

Akita

C24

2

Japanese Culture and SocietyThu

12:45-14:15

Kobayashi

C24

2

Teaching English in Japan (introduction to TEFL)□

Mon

14:30-16:00

Uzuka

C21

2

Intercultural Communication Ⅰ□Mon

16:15-17:45

Nakamura

B21

2

Anthropology of Japan
Introduction to Sociolinguistics : Language and Society
in Japan
A Guide to Modern Biology□

Tue

12:45-14:15

Ono

C32

2

□

Tue

14:30-16:00

Yoshida

A43

2

□

Tue

16:15-17:45

Narimatsu

C23

2

Study of Japan(日本事情)■

12:45-16:00

Uzuka

D21

1

Study of Japan 2(地域文化演習) (Offered in Japanese)

■

Wed
Wed
IrregularWed

12:45-16:00

Obayashi

C26

1

Takei

☆

2

Introduction to Life Science
Hawaii and Japan : mobility of people, identity, andcultureSeminar: Japanese Mind, Culture and Identity□

16:15-17:45

C21

□

Thu

10:25-11:55

Yoshida□Thu

12:45-14:15

Obayashi

C27

2

Japanese Culture through Anime□Thu

14:30-16:00

Fujimoto

2

Political Economy of Modern Japan□Thu

14:30-16:00

HirotaC31
Soen
3

Tourism and Culture in Japan
Expanding cross-cultural language and communicativeskills Ⅰ□

Thu

14:30-16:00

Ono

C32

2

□

Fri

12:45-14:15

Rucynski

C31

2

Seminar on Globalization and “Japanese” Culture□Fri

14:30-16:00

YoshidaD32

2

English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant
Frontiers of Natural Science
Japan’s Modernization and Wars & Peace (Summer
Course)□□Irregular

TBD

Nakamura

Intensive

TBD

Kato

□

July

TBA

Ogawa

TBD

TBD

TBD

Independent Study*■:Foreign students only □:EPOK course and Reg. course students☆:at Graduate School Seminar Room, Basic Research Building (Kiso-Kenkyu-Toh) 1F,Shikata Campus
研究棟 2 階演習室３ △:2nd Gym

2

2

1
C21

2
2

TBD

◇:文法経総合3

Offered Courses 2015-2016 Fall Semester
Classes

Japanese
Language
Courses

Timetable

Credits

Tue-Fri

10:25-11:55

Akita, Sato

C11

Tue-Fri

08:40-10:10

C11

8
8

Japanese 3

Mon-Thu

10:25-11:55

Ohira, Akita
Morioka,
Doda

C24

8

Japanese 4

Tue-Fri

08:40-10:10

C24

8

C23

8

C23

8

B22

Moriya, Sato

Japanese 7 (Writing B)
Japanese 7 (Reading B)
Japanese 7 (Listening B)
Japanese 7 (Speaking B)

Mon

14:30-16:00

Aoi,
Uchimaru
Aoi,
KobayashiMoriyaTue
Wed

14:30-16:00
12:45-14:15

Morioka
Banno

C24
B22

Thu

14:30-16:00

Uchimaru

B22

2
2
2
2

Intermediate Grammar 1

Thu

12:45-14:15

Kobayashi

C23

2Intermediate Grammar 2

Mon

12:45-14:15

MoriyaC24

2

Intermediate Kanji and VocabularyTue

14:30-16:00

Aoi

C23

2

Reading and Writing 1

Mon,Thu

12:45-14:15

Umekawa

C11

4

Reading and Writing 2

Tue, Fri

12:45-14:15

Ohira

C24

4

Extensive ReadingFri

10:25-11:55

Kuroe

C24

2

Japanese through News and Magazine Articles

Mon

14:30-16:00

Akita

C24

2

Media LiteracyThu

12:45-14:15

Morioka

C24

Japanese 5

Mon-Thu

10:25-11:55

Japanese 6

Mon-Thu

08:40-10:10

Fri

12:45-14:15

Uchimaru

C23

Seminar on Cool Japan Plus□Mon

16:15-17:45

Yoshida

B31

2
2
2

Intercultural Communication Ⅱ□Mon

16:15-17:45

Rucynski

C31

2

Family and Gender in Contemporary Japan□Tue

12:45-14:15

Ono

A34

2

Japanese Pop Culture□Tue

14:30-16:00

Fujimoto

C21

Seminar on Intercultural Communication□Tue

14:30-16:00

A34

2
2

Study of Deep Japan■Tue

16:15-17:45

YoshidaYamada/Uzuka

The Cutting Edge of Agricultural Sciences□Wed

08:40-10:10

Chado: Mind and Practices□

Wed
Irregular

Study of Japan(日本事情)■

Study of Japan 2(地域文化演習)(Offered in Japanese)■

Wed
Irregular
Wed
IrregularIntercultural communication through easy English andJapanese
Materialism in Japan and the West

OthersLocation

Japanese 1
Japanese 2

Study of Okayama

Offered in
EnglishLecturer(s)2Ichinose◆2

12:45-16:00

Obayashi

Kuwa
noki
dorm

2

12:45-16:00

Uzuka

D21

1

12:45-16:00

Obayashi

C26

1

□

Thu

10:25-11:55

Yoshida

C27

2

□

Thu

14:30-16:00

Suzuki

A34

Transnational mobility and Multiculturalism in Japan□Thu

14:30-16:00

Ono

A32

2
2

Expanding cross-cultural language and communicative skills Ⅱ□

Fri

10:25-11:55

Nakamura

B33

2

Japanese Studies (Offered in Japanese)■Fri

12:45-14:15

Obayashi

D21

English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant

□

TBD

TBD

Nakamura

Japan’s Modernization and War & Peace (Spring Course)

□

March

Independent Study*

TBD

TBD

Ogawa

TBD

2
1
2

TBD

TBD

3

■：Foreign students only □：EPOK course and Reg. course students △:2nd Gym ◆:農学部 1 号館 2F 1253
※NB Independent Study is to conduct/participate in a research project on a specific theme or to study a specificsubject/topic, related to a student’s major field of study. Students individually pursue this course under thesupervision of a particular professor of Okayama University in both cases. Please note, however, that there is achance that an applicant is not able to pursue the particular theme due to the limited human resources 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 the students do not have adequate knowledge on thetheme that they wish to study.

General Information
 Registration
You are required to take minimum 7 classes per week as an international student.*
You will submit Registration Form by the EPOK registration deadline (TBA).
For drop/add classes, use course change Form during the specified period (TBA). Afterthe period for course change, you are not allowed to change your classes.
Registration for Japanese classes is done separately.
Some of the regular university (taught in Japanese) are open for EPOK students. If you
are interested in taking the regular classes, please ask your academic adviser in advance.
.
**The registration details should be informed at EPOK course orientation.

 Credits
According to the type of the course, credits are prescribed as follows:
Final exam is held in the 16th week.
Category
CreditWeek
Frequency
Lecture/Seminar2
16 weeks
once a week
Laboratory
1
15 weeks
once a week
Credits of Japanese Language Courses are calculated as follows:
Credit Week
Frequency
Course2

15

once a week415

twice a week815

4 times a week

Japanese through Films1
Japanese through Films2
Intermediate Grammar and Vocabulary 1
Intermediate Grammar and Vocabulary 2
Extensive Reading
Japanese through Project Work
Japanese Culture and Society
Japanese through News and Magazine Articles
Media Literacy
Japanese 7 (Writing A)
Japanese 7(Reading A)
Japanese 7 (Speaking A)
Japanese 7 (Writing B)
Japanese 7(Reading B)
Japanese 7 (Speaking B)
Japanese 7 (Listening B)
Reading and Writing1
Reading and Writing2
Japanese 1
Japanese 2
Japanese3
Japanese4
Japanese5
Japanese 6

For further information, please see 2015-2016 Japanese 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 Certificate of Exchange Program of Okayama (EPOK)~ Contemporary Japanese Studies Program ~Upon the completion of the program, Certificate of EPOK will be issued tothose who have participated in the EPOK exchange program, fulfilled
required coursework, a final essay and the final presentation.

Course Syllabuses
Spring SemesterIndependent Study (research project)

Course title
Numbering code
Faculties/Faculties code

Instructor: to be assigned

Instructor
Coordinator･
Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal
Schedule
Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Prerequisites

Comments/Caution oncourseCoordinator: Junko Obayashi(TEL: 086-251-8935, E-mail: j_obayashi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp)
To be scheduled
Day/Period
To be scheduled
Number of Credits
TBA by Instructor
3* or 5* standard*TBA by Instructorn/aCenter for Global Partnerships and Education
Independent Study is conducted by a student under the supervision of adesignated instructor/advisor for a research project on a specific theme or
subject often of the student’s major. Actual course plan should be attached as
Independent Study Course Schedule (Form-1).
Student should be able to acquire both practical and advanced researchexperience in the course. Actual study goal should be determined under thesupervision of the instructor.
*The course needs to be scheduled under the supervision of the instructor.

TBA (by instructor)

Teaching style,equipment used

TBA (by instructor)

TBA (by instructor)
TBA (by instructor)
An evaluation (Form 3) based on performance should be reported by instructor.

TBA (by instructor)
Students who wish to conduct Independent Study needs to submit a proposal(Format) as application. The proposal should outline research theme andbackground. According to the desired research theme, instructor of adequate faculty
should be assigned. Please note the requested independent study may not benecessarily offered depending on an availability of suitable instructor.

Teaching English in Japan (introduction to TEFL)

Course title
Numbering code

911267

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･
Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseMariko UZUKA
TEL:086-251-8533
E-mail: muzuka@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: by appointment
Spring semester
Day/Period
Monday/4
NumberofCredits
C21
2
Elective
Professor, Center for Global Partnerships and Education
Teaching English is one of the most rewarding and popular experience amongexchange students, and even some pursue it as their career goal after studying
abroad. This course will provide basic knowledge of teaching English as a foreign
language, as well as the opportunities to visit and observe classes, interact withstudents, teach, and get feedback from students and teachers.
Students should be able :To understand basic knowledge and skills of TEFL
To make own lesson plans and teach classes
To share and discuss their understanding about teachingThis course consists of lectures, discussions, and practicum in Integrated General
English classes offered by the Language Education Center.
1
Introduction
2
Teaching English: TESOL & TEFL
3-7 Teaching English theory and classroom observation
8
What to teach vs How to teach9-11 practicum
12-13 feedback and revised lesson plan
14-15 presentations

Teaching style,equipment used
No textbook is required and handouts will be provided.
TBA
Participation 30%, Presentations 40%, Essay 20%

Prerequisites
Both Japanese and international students are welcome

Intercultural Communication I

Course title
Numbering code

691101

Faculties/Faculties code

Nakamura Ian

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

TEL:
E-mail: iannaka@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Contact the teacher to make an appointment.
Spring semester
Day/Period

Monday/5

B21

2

Number of Credits

Language Education Center
This course is uniquely designed for Japanese students to take a class with EPOK
students. The language of the course is entirely English. This course is organizedaround topics and tasks to obtain basic social and communication skills. Students
will learn how to actively participate in group discussions with the teacher and otherstudents. They will present their ideas in a clear and logical manner throughorganization of talk and non-verbal actions. Course activities include conversations,discussions, and presentations on social issues. All activities are designed to build
confidence in joining an international environment to share and exchange ideas.
After taking the course students will:1.
develop social, communication, and thinking skills.
2.
be able to organize a discussion and presentation with other students.
3.
be able to take part actively in discussions and conversations.
4.
be able to offer their opinion and support it in a clear and logical manner.
5.
have greater confidence to speak in front of others.
Lessons 1-2: orientation to the class and getting to know each other.
Lessons 3-8: presentation and discussion of new materials and skills.
Lessons9-10: preparation, practice, and first review check.

Lesson plans
Lessons 11-12: presentation and discussion of new materials and skills.
Lessons 13-14: preparation, practice, and second review check.
Lesson 15: reflection on what was learned.
Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks

Teachingstyle,
equipment
used
There is no required textbook, but students will be responsible for taking good notes
and understanding the lessons by bringing a dictionary to every class. Teacher andstudents will provide the listening materials for discussion.

Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourse30% first review, 30% second review, 20% homework assignments, 10% classparticipation, 10% optional reflective report

Prerequisites
Since this class is also open to EPOK students, Japanese students are recommended
to have a TOEIC score of 600 or more. This course is for students who have selfresponsibility for their own learning and who are highly motivated to think deeply.
Please talk to the teacher for more information.

Anthropology of Japan

Course title
Numbering code
Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)911229Liberal Arts/91
Mayumi ONO
TEL: 086-251-8557

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

Office Hours: Tuesday 4th &5th Period
Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseSpring semester
Day/Period
Tuesday/3
NumberofCredits
C32
2
Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
The course starts with an overview of key themes such as identity, ritual, religion,individuals and community in contemporary Japanese society. It will examinevarious aspects of Japanese culture and behavior in a shifting social landscape. This
course is designed to teach students the way to observe people, society, and culture
from an anthropological perspective. It will provide an opportunity to develop
qualitative research skills by which students interpret and rediscover contemporary
Japanese culture and society through their own day-to day experience. Students willlearn about the processes of ethnographic research methodology in order to conduct
qualitative research through collaborative learning.
Students will learn how to critically and comparatively analyze contemporary
Japanese society and culture from anthropological perspective. The student will gaina deeper understanding of and a fresh view of his/her own culture from active andcollaborative learning with students with diverse backgrounds. At the end of thiscourse, students will make a presentation and write up a qualitative analysis on achosen theme.
1. Introduction
2. Sources of Japanese identity
3. Doing ethnographic fieldwork and qualitative research in Japan
4. Individuals, family, and community
5. Photographing the everyday
6. Ritual and the life cycle
7. Mid-term group presentation
8. Youth culture
9. Religious influences
10. Taboo
11. Spirituality
12. Death
13. Final presentation
14&15. Field trip (TBA)
Providing reading materials andActive learning, PPT,
Teaching
comment sheets
and Camera
style,

equipment
used
Joy Hendry. (2013) Understanding Japanese Society (Fourth Edition), Routledge.
Necessary book chapters and articles will be provided.
Grading will be as follows: Attendance and participation (30%), Group presentation(30%), and Final report (40%)
Instructors’ academic specialization
Prerequisites

Course title

Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Language and Society in Japan

Numbering code

911206
Liberal Arts/91
Senior Assistant Professor, Hiromi Yoshida
TEL: 086-251-8934
E-mail:hiromi-yoshida@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tue 5th and Thu 4th by appointment
Spring semester
Tue/4
Day/Period
Number of Credits
B31
2
Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
Sociolinguistics is the study of the relationships between language and society,including the way people use language in different contexts. Focusing on Japanesesociety, students will study the regional and social variations of language, language
policies, and language ideology. This class is open to both international andJapanese students. Through discussions and fieldwork, students will learn from eachother.
To gain a general understanding of sociolinguistics and be able to explain some of
the theories in relation to their lives. To understand various perspectives onsociolinguistic issues and to examine language discrimination critically.
1
Introduction: What do you know about your language(s)?
2 – 3 Basic Issues, Concepts, and Approaches
4
Regional Variation: How long does it take to master the Okayama-dialect?
5
Social Variation: "Yabakunai?" Wait, are you in trouble or are you fine?
6 – 7 Language and culture: Fieldwork and presentation
8
Language and identity: You are what you speak..?
9
Language death in Japan: The 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: Language planning and policies in Japan (tentative topic)
15 -16 Final presentation

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Teachingstyle,
equipment
used

Discussions,
Presentations with
PowerPoint, Films, andField Work.

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment

None
None
Participation 40%, Presentations 30%, Papers 30%

Relation to research activity

Prerequisites NO
This course does not require any linguistic knowledge, however you need to prepare
well to discuss your opinions. The class schedule and contents could be changed.

Comments/Caution oncourseA Guide to Modern Biology

Course title
Numbering code

911317

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Shizuo NARIMATSU
TEL: 086-251-7942
E-mail:shizuo@pharm.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: “Office Hours” are not fixed, but if necessary, please make an
appointment with each lecturer via e-mail using a handle name following thelecturer’s name in each parenthesis in the Contents. Following each handle name,add “@pharm.okayama-u.ac.jp” for the lecturers of No. 1, 3, 5, 12, 13 and 14, and“@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp” for those of No. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
Spring semester
Tuesday/5
Day/Period
Number of Credits
C23
2
Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
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.
1. To obtain basic knowledge in biology to understand modern biology.
2. To survey recent progress in different frontiers in biological sciences.
1) Orientation and introduction to modern biology Shizuo Narimatsu (shizuo)
2) The role of drug-metabolizing enzymes Shizuo Narimatsu
3) Perspective of biology opened by new technologies-1
Mitsunobu Kano
(mitkano)
4) Perspective of biology opened by new technologies-2
Mitsunobu Kano
5) Mechanism of membrane transporters
Hiroshi Omote (omote)6) Control of infectious diseases Hye-Sook Kim (hskm)
7) Biological clock and photoperiodism in insects Kenji Tomioka(tomioka)8) Structural biology of membrane proteins
Shen Jian-Ren (shen)9) Mobile DNA Akira Tominaga (atomi)10) Homeostasis in vertabrates Maho Ogoshi (ogoshi-m)11) Developmental genetics of flowering plants Taku Takahashi (perfect)12) Pharmaceutical literacy on medication Tetsuya Aiba (taiba)13) Environmental mutagen and carcinogen Sakae Arimoto (arimoto)14) Biology of mutation Tomoe Negishi (isaka)15) Adverse effects of drugs-1 Shizuo Narimatsu16) Adverse effects of drugs-2 and Total discussion
Shizuo Narimatsu

Teachingstyle,
equipment
used

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment

Suggested in each class.
Attendance 50 % and Activity, Results of Mini-Tests and Reports 50 %Prerequisites

Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseActive students are welcomed to the class.

Study of Japan（日本事情）

Course title
Numbering code

691050

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Mariko UZUKA
TEL:086-251-8533
Office Hours: by appointment
Spring semester

E-mail: muzuka@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Day/Period

Number of Credits
D21
Elective
Professor, Center for Global Partnerships and Education
This course is designed to enable students to learn more about various aspects ofJapanese culture and society through their first-hand experience. Students will go to
Bezen, Kojima to learn modern and traditional aspect of Okayama. Also, students
will have a chance to visit Japanese high school and meet local students.

Students should be able :To be familiar with local culture and customs.
To interacting with local people.
This course consists of lectures, presentation, and field trips.
4/22 Orientation
5/13 Visiting Bizen (備前市)
5/27 Lecture
6/10 Okayama Minami Senior High School （岡山南高校）
6/24 Lecture
7/ 8
Appreciating the Tea Ceremony （茶道）
7/15 Lecture
7/22 Visiting Kojima （児島市）
7/29 Closing Presentation*Homestay Optional**detailed explanation of course content and schedule will be distributed at theorientation

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Teachingstyle,
equipment
used

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment

Handouts will be provided.
TBA
Participation 30%, presentations 40%, and Report 30%

Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseWednesday/3 &41Prerequisites
Participation fees - about ¥ 2,900, but differs depending on courseStudy of

Course title
Numbering code

Japan 2 (地域文化演習)

691051

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseJunko OBAYASHITEL:086-251-8935
E-mail: j_obayashi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tuesday 15-18:00 (Office: C-309)
Students should make an appointment by e-mail in advance.
Spring Semester
Day/Period
Wednesday/3-4
C26

Number of Credits

1

Center for Global Partnerships and Education
The course intends to provide international students with unique opportunity to learn
about the local communities and cultures through active learning based on field
trips. Students will be required to do idividual research on the local community
along the field experiences. Topics covered in the course will vary each semester inthe range such as local industries, traditional cultures, community development,
historic tourism and etc.
The course aims to encourage students to learn and interact with local cultures andcommunities. Through such active learning, students are expected to understand the
local community of Okayama, which would help deepen their understanding of"Japan" in relation to a community which they are closely interacting with.
1) Orientation
2) Theme research: History and Tourism
3) Field Trip: Okayama Castle and Korakuen
4) Theme research: Local Art, Preserving History5) Field Trip: Bizen Pottery, Shizutani School (Historic Site)
6) Theme research: Local population and new Tourism
7) Field trip: Inujima Island
8) Presentations: Find Okayama!
Contents are subject to change. ScheduleTBA.
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used
None
Hand-out.
Research presentation, Participation, Final report

Prerequisites
This course will be conducted in easy Japanese 日本語.
Some activity fee (Apprx. 2500¥) needs to be collected at the beginning of thecourse.
The details should be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Introduction to Life Science

Course title
Numbering code

911318

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Kohji TAKEITEL: 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
Spring semester
Wednesday/5
Day/Period
Graduate school Seminar room, Basic
Number of Credits
Research Building(Kiso-kenkyu2
Toh)1F,Shikata Campus

Required/Elective

Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Department of Neuroscience, Division of Biochemistry, Graduate School of
Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
A small class-course focused on life science. The introductory lectures deal withseveral topics from basic researches to clinical subjects. The course includes not
only lectures, but also 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
Introduction of the course
Cell Biology (1): Cell membranes and membrane traffic(Kohji Takei, Dept. Neuroscience)2
Cell Biology (2): Visualization of the cell (demonstration)(Tetsuya Takeda, Dept. Neuroscience)3
Sensory Physiology: How do we sense the world(Ken Takahashi, Dept. Mechanobiology & Cardiovascular Physiology)
4
Nerve Physiology: Cutting-edge of neurosurgical operation(Ken Takahashi, Dept. Mechanobiology & Cardiovascular Physiology)
5
Molecular Biology: Cell division and cancer(Hiroshi Katayama, Dept. Molecular Genetics)
6
Neurosurgery: Cutting-edge of neurosurgical operation(Isao Date, Dept. Neurological Surgery)
Clinical Genomic Medicine: Driver mutation and therapeutic target of lung cancer
7(Shinichi Toyooka, Dept. Clinical Genomic Medicine)
Ophthalmology: The process to develop trehalose eye drops, Retinal diseases a retinal prosthesis
8(Toshihiko Matsuo, Dept. Ophthalmology)
9
Protein Therapy(Hideki Matsui, Dept. Cellular Physiology)
10 Anesthesiology (1): Operation room
(Hiroshi Morimatsu, Dept. Anesthesiology)
11 Anesthesiology (2): Intensive care unit
(Hiroshi Morimatsu, Dept. Anesthesiology)
12
Cell Signaling Biology: Cellular communication and CCN family proteins(Satoshi Kubota, Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry)
13
Molecular Microbiology: Oral bacteria(Michiyo Nakano, Dept. Pediatric Dentistry)
14
Biological Regenerative Medicine in Prosthodontic Practice: To Attain
Reliable and Sophisticated Oral Implant Therapy(Takuo Kuboki, Masamitsu Ohshima, Dept. Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine)

15
Information regarding preparation,
review and related subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution on course

Oral Health and Systemic Health(Yoshihiko Soga, Div. Hospital Dentistry)
Teaching style,equipment used

"Le Visual du Corpus Human" The textbooks will be rented out.
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Ed. Bruce Alberts, et al., Garland Science)
Essential Cell Biology (Ed. Bruce Alberts, et al., Garland Science)
Evaluated by each lecturer on the basis of participation, performance and/or
examination
Prerequisites
English dictionary is to be brought. Lab coat is required in some classes.

Course title

Hawaii and Japan: mobility of people, identity, and culture

Numbering code

911213
Liberal Arts / 91
Senior Assistant Professor, Hiromi Yoshida
TEL: 086-251-8934
E-mail:hiromi-yoshida@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tue 5th and Thu 4th by appointment
Spring
Day/Period
Thu/2
Number of Credits
C21
2Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
By looking at the mobility of people between Hawaii and Japan, this course will
explore people’s multifaceted and dynamic identities and changing cultures. Students
will examine various case studies of localized Japanese culture in Hawaii andJapanized Hawaiian culture in Japan.

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review and related
subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseTo explore various aspects of society in Hawaii and its relationship to Japan.
To deepen students’ understanding of complicated aspects of identity and culturaltransition through case studies of the mobility of people.
1 Orientation
2 Immigrants and Hawaii
3 Japanese immigration
4 Film: Picture Bride
5 World WarⅡ: Japanese immigrants and Japanese Americans
6. Film: Caught in Between
7 Individual presentation
8 Multiethnic and multicultural Hawaiian society
9 Localized Japanese culture in Hawaii: Language
10 Film: The Voices of Hawaii
11 Localized Japanese culture in Hawaii: Food
12 Hawaii in Japan
13 Film: Hula Girl
14-15 Final Presentation
16 Wrap-up
Discussions,Teaching style,
Presentations withequipment used
PowerPoint, Films, andField Work.
None
None
Participation 40%, Presentations 30%, Papers 30%
Migration Studies in Hawaii
None
Prerequisites
This course is taught in Japanese. EPOK students are welcome to join, but it isnecessary to have advanced Japanese language skills. The class schedule and contents
could be changed.

Seminar: Japanese Mind, Culture and Identity

Course title
Numbering code

911255

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･
Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Junko OBAYASHITEL: 086-251-8935
E-mail: j_obayashi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tuesday 15-18:00
Spring Semester
Day/Period
Thursday/3
C27

Number of Credits

2

Center for Global Partnerships and Education
The class will explore Japanese mind (way of thinking, values, mentality and etc.)
by studying some customs, habits, characteristic behavior patterns and traditional
cultural forms in Japan. The first half of the course will discuss and analyze picked
theme based on the textbook "The Japanese Mind." The latter half of the course will
focus human relationship and thinking in Chado tradition using "The Book of Tea"
as a textbook.
Students will take turn to lead a topic discussion based on his/her own research.
Students are expected to deepen understanding of the internal structure of a cultural
phenomenon and the way of Japanese thinking.
1) Orientation2)-8) "Japanese Mind"
Theme discussion: Ambiguity, Silence, DO-spirit, Obligation, Modesty, etc.
9)-14) "The Book of Tea"
Japanese thinking in the culture of Chado
15) Closure
Class schedule should be announced at the beginning of the course.

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseTeachingstyle,
equipment
used
The Japanese Mind (2002, Tuttle Publishing)
The Book of Tea (1906, by Okakura Tenshin)none
Presentation, Participation, Final report

Prerequisites
Class is conducted in English and easy Japanese.

Japanese Culture through Anime

Course title
Numbering code

911110

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Masumi FUJIMOTOTEL: 086-251-7313

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

Office Hours:
Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Spring semester
C31

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment

Relation to research
activity

Comments/Caution oncourseThu/4
2

Language Education Center
This course introduces students to Hayao Miyazaki’s anime world in order toexamine Japanese culture through historical background, social expectations andrules as they appear in his anime. This course is designed for both EPOK andJapanese students.
This course is designed to promote student's academic interest in anime andJapanese culture. By the end of the course, students will
be able to:・gain general knowledge of Japanese culture as it relates to anime
・enjoy anime as a mean of understanding culture
・understand significant facts and history that consist of modern Japanese society
・learn an academic approach to anime
1

Lesson plans

Day/Period
Number of Credits

Introduction of Hayao Miyazaki’s work
2 & 3 "Porco Rosso" --- Male& female rules and expectations
4 & 5 "Kiki’s Delivery Service--- Leave home for college
6 & 7 "From up on Poppy Hill" --- Japan in 1960s
8 & 9 "Princes Mononoke" --- Beliefs and values
10 & 11”Howl's Moving Castle”--- Love and self-image
12 & 13 "Kaze Tachinu" --- Work and Family, Love and Death
14 Summaries
You will watch assigned anime.
Throughout the semester, you will give one
Teaching style,presentation with your group. One groupequipment used Lecture
will have a presentation on every otherweek.
English proficiency level: Conversational
Will be announced in the class.
Will be announced in the class.
Attendance 20%
Participation 30%
Quiz 20%
Presentation 30%
１）Criticalthinking
Prerequisites ２）Academic
apporach to anime３）Activelearning

Political Economy of Modern Japan

Course title
Numbering code

911223

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment

Yoko HIROTA
TEL: 086-251-7550
Office Hours: Tuesday 14:30-16:00
Spring semester
Graduate school of
Humanities and social
sciences Soen3

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

Number of Credits

Comments/Caution oncourse2

Faculty of Economics
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.
1. To discuss the problems of politics and/or economy in Japan between eachlecturer and participants 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 in Japan I
5 Youichiro Higashi, Applications of Game theory to Economic and Social
Problems in Japan II
6 Youichiro Higashi, Applications of Game theory to Economic and Social
Problems in Japan 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 Jun Fukushi, Economic Development of Japan since the Late Nineteenth Century
I
11 Jun Fukushi, Economic Development of Japan since the Late Nineteenth Century
II
12 Jun Fukushi, Economic Development of Japan since the Late Nineteenth Century
III
13 Daiji Fujii, Variety of Management practices in Japanese firms I
14 Daiji Fujii, Variety of Management practices in Japanese firms II
15 Daiji Fujii, Variety of Management practices in Japanese firms III
Teaching style, equipment
used
Handouts will be provided in each class.
Attendance, participation, and essays

Prerequisites
Relation to research activity

Thursday/4

EPOK students / English
proficiency level: TOEFL IBT
57 (equivalent to TOEFL PBT
490 or TOEFL CBT 163) oraboveTourism and Culture in Japan

Course title
Numbering code
Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)911222
Liberal Arts/91
Mayumi ONO
TEL: 086-251-8557

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

Office Hours: Tuesday 4th &5th Period
Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseSpring semester

Day/Period

Thursday/4

C32
2
Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
This course explores Japanese tourism and travel culture from an anthropologicalperspective. The course starts with an overview of history and concept of tourism. It
will further examine the cultural distinctiveness of Japan as a tourism destination
through various forms of tourism. The course further takes a critical look at how
Japan, with its cultural distinctiveness and uniqueness, experiences transformations
through tourism development and by hosting foreign tourists, within the broader
global context.
Students will learn how to critically and comparatively analyze tourism and culture
from an anthropological point of view. The student will gain a deeper understandingof and a fresh view of his/her own culture from active and collaborative learning withstudents with diverse backgrounds.
Number of Credits

1. Introduction
2. Meaning of tradition in Japanese tourism
3. Photographing tourism sites
4. Commodification of culture
5. Heritage tourism
6. Mid-term group presentation
7. Film: Cannibal Tours
9. Othering the nationals: Okinawa
10. Hospitality
11. Onsen tourism: health and wellness tourism
12. Medical tourism
13. Final group presentation
14&15. Filed trip
Providing reading materials andcomment sheets

Teachingstyle,
equipment
used

Active learning, PPT,and Camera

Sylvie Guichard-Anguis and Okpyo Moon (eds.) (2011) Japanese Tourism and Travel
Culture. Routledge.
Necessary book chapters and articles will be provided.
Grading will be as follows: Attendance and participation (30%), Group presentation(30%), and Final report (40%)
Instructors’ academic specialization
Prerequisites

Course title
Numbering code

Expanding cross-cultural language and communicative skills I
691102

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks

John RUCYNSKI
TEL: 086-251-7273
E-mail: rucyns-j@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: By appointment(C414)
Spring semester
Day/Period
Friday/3
C31

Number of Credits

2

Language Education Center
As this course is open to both Japanese students and exchange students fromdifferent countries, it is designed to promote communication and understanding
between students from different countries. Selected multimedia and relevant
readings will be used to facilitate discussions on aspects of both traditional andmodern culture of different countries.
By the end of the course students should be able to*-show improvement in interactional skills necessary for effective interculturalcommunication and understanding.
-notice features of other cultures in relation to their own.
-give short presentations and participate in discussions in pursuit of deeper
meanings of culture and interaction not usually noticed or mentioned.
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. After the number of students is decided, I will give you a calendarof class topics and activities.
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used
No textbook. The teacher will supply a range of readings and students will carry out
their own research.

Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseGrades will be decided by active participation in class activities and quality ofpresentations and other major assignments. There will be a strict attendance policy.

Prerequisites
Students who are interested in sharing their own cultures and learning about others
are welcome to join this class. As the class is open to both native and non-native
English speakers, the instructor will carry out the class in a manner that makes thecontents comprehensible for all students.

Course title

Seminar on Globalization and “Japanese” Culture

Numbering code

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

911225
Liberal Arts/91
Senior Assistant Professor, Hiromi Yoshida
TEL: 086-251-8934
E-mail:hiromi-yoshida@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tue 5th and Thu 4th by appointment
Spring
Day/Period
Fri/4
NumberofCredits
D32
2
Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
In the era of globalization, people, products, culture, information, and money movelonger distances and the mobility is more dynamic than ever. Through this course,
we challenge stereotypical perspectives on Japanese culture and discuss issues
related to the mobility of culture.
In this seminar, we briefly study the history of Japanese migration and localized
culture. Then we examine the mobility of Japanese culture, especially by focusing on
how Hello Kitty become globalized. Later, we explore some case studies of Japanizedculture.
Students are expected to participate in discussions and fieldtrips and carry out one or
two independent research projects.
To understand globalization and active aspects of culture.
To be able to illustrate globalization and culture by using everyday examples.
1
Introduction
2
What is Globalization?
3
Mobility of people: North America and Hawaii
4-5 Pink Globalization ① Hello Kitty from Japan to Global
6-7 Pink Globalization ② Kawaii Culture and Kyarakuta Business
8-10 Fieldwork on Kawaii Culture
11
Individual presentations
12-13 Pink Globalization ③Marketing Global Kitty
14
Localized culture in Japan：Japan and Halloween
15
Final Presentation
16
Wrap-upTeaching style, Discussions, Presentations withequipment used Power Point, Films, and Field
Work.

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment

None
None
Participation 40%, Presentations 30%, Papers 30%

Relation to research activity

NO
Prerequisites
This course does not require any linguistic knowledge, however you need to prepare
well to discuss your opinions. The course schedule and contents could be changed.

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Comments/Caution oncourseEnglish Language Assistant and Cultural Informant

Course title
Numbering code

691100

Faculties/Faculties code

Ian NAKAMURA

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseTEL:
E-mail: iannaka@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Contact the teacher to discuss which class and schedule would besuitable.
Spring semester
TBA

Day/Period
Number of Credits

to be decided
1

Professor, Language Education Center
This course will offer the assistant-informant a unique and valuable opportunity tohelp, 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 intercultural communication. The assistant-informant will be expected to makeconsistent efforts to help create and maintain a good atmosphere for learning culture
and language and ultimately communication.
1. To give the assistant-informant practical experience in creating interesting anduseful learning 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 Japaneseculture and language through the experience of collaborating with both the learners
and teacher.
Note: This course is especially suitable for EPOK students who are planning towork in international settings in education or business.
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.
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used
No required materials.
Regular attendance (including notifying when absent), consistent effort in class,taking initiative, ongoing discussions with the instructor, and one written report andinterview to reflect on what was learned.

Prerequisites
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. Also we need tomake sure it fits your class schedule.

Frontiers of Natural Science

Course title
Numbering code

911448

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Kato Yoshiei
TEL: 086-251-8904

E-mail:Office Hours:
Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description
Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseSpecial lecture
C21

Day/Period
Number of Credits

2

Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology
A variety topics concerning natural science and technologies such as physics,
chemistry, biology, mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering,
informatics, environmental science etc, will be lectured by the distinguishedresearchers in English.
The purpose of the present program is to understand and overview the lectures tohave a global perspectives.
・Finite Fields (M.Hashimoto)・Introduction for Synchrotron and Material Science (N.Ikeda)
・Frontier of Coordination Chemistry (T.Suzuki)
・Evolution of the solar system (K.Yamashita)・Materials and Mechanics World・The control around us(K.Hirata)
・Power applications of superconductors (N.Nanato)
・Introduction to Information Science (Y.Gotoh)
・The central dogma and its expansion (T.Ohtsuki)
・Statistical Modeling for Environmental and Life Science (W.Sakamoto
・Soil Environment -A Science for the Very Surface of Planet Earth-（Y.Mori)
・Production of Energy and Chemicals from Biomass (Md. Azhar Uddin)
・Structure and Function of Hemoglobin (T.Tamura)・Regulation of Fruit Ripening (Y.Kubo)
・Fertilization in mammals - What's happened in the body ? (H.Funahashi)
Teaching style,Lecture/projector
equipment
used
Directed in each class.

Prerequisites

Course title
Numbering code

Japan’s Modernization and War & Peace (Summer Course)
911127

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseOGAWA Hideki
TEL: 086-251-8516
E-mail: ogawa-h@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Monday 10:20-11:50
Intensive course for 7 days
Day/Period
July 5- July 12
TBA

Number of Credits

2

Professor, Center for Global Partnerships and Education
An introduction to Japan’s historical experiences of modernization (Meiji
Restoration) and war & peace.
This English course is an intensive one (7 day program) and also combines classroom study and field study.
Estimated cost will be approximately 15,000 yen for local students.
The class is designed to serve the needs of students who;
1) Wish to have a general understanding of Japan’s modern nation building
after Meiji Restoration,2) Wish to be familiarized with Japan’s experiences of war & peace.
Day 1: Lecture Day: Japan’s Modernization- From Meiji Restoration toImperialism
Day 2: Lecture Day: Era of Repeated Wars
Day 3: Lecture Day: Hiroshima: From War-torn City to World Heritage CityDay 4: Visit Kure (呉) and & Hiroshima Peace Park (広島平和公園)
Day 5: Visit Miyajima (宮島) and Ohtsushima (大津島)Day 6: Visit Shimonoseki (下関) and Hagi (萩), birthplaces of Meiji Restoration
Day 7: Presentation & Discussion Day
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used
Suggested & distributed as necessary
Participation (50%), One final presentation (30%), One essay (more thanwords)

Prerequisites

1,800

Course Syllabuses
Fall SemesterIndependent Study (research project)

Course title
Numbering code
Faculties/Faculties code

Instructor: to be assigned

Instructor
Coordinator･
Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal
Schedule
Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Prerequisites

Comments/Caution oncourseCoordinator: Junko Obayashi(TEL: 086-251-8935, E-mail: j_obayashi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp)
To be scheduled
Day/Period
To be scheduled
Number of Credits
TBA by Instructor
3* or 5* standard*TBA by Instructorn/aCenter for Global Partnerships and Education
Independent Study is conducted by a student under the supervision of adesignated instructor/advisor for a research project on a specific theme or
subject often of the student’s major. Actual course plan should be attached as
Independent Study Course Schedule (Form-1).
Student should be able to acquire both practical and advanced researchexperience in the course. Actual study goal should be determined under thesupervision of the instructor.
*The course needs to be scheduled under the supervision of the instructor.

TBA (by instructor)

Teaching style,equipment used

TBA (by instructor)

TBA (by instructor)
TBA (by instructor)
An evaluation (Form 3) based on performance should be reported by instructor.

TBA (by instructor)
Students who wish to conduct Independent Study needs to submit a proposal(Format) as application. The proposal should outline research theme andbackground. According to the desired research theme, instructor of adequate faculty
should be assigned. Please note the requested independent study may not benecessarily offered depending on an availability of suitable instructor.

Course title

Seminar on Cool Japan Plus

Numbering code

911231
Liberal Arts/91
Senior Assistant Professor, Hiromi Yoshida
TEL: 086-251-8934
E-mail:hiromi-yoshida@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tue 5th and Thu 4th by appointment
Fall semester
Day/Period
Mon/5
NumberofCredits
B31
2
Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
In this seminar, we will explore Cool Japan by looking at what kind of cultures
Japanese government sell, in what way, and why. Also, we will explore criticallythat various issues caused by consuming cultures. Students are required to research
one topic related to Cool Japan.
To understand mobility of culture and consumption of culture.
To carry out research on related topics.
1
Orientation
2 - 3 From Cool Japan to Japan House: Japanese Culture and global strategy
4 - 7 Case Studies (Kawaii Culture, Manga, Anime, Healthy Foods,etc)
8 - 9 Cool Britannia and Hanryu Korean Wave
10 -11 Individual Presentations
12 -13 Qualitative research
14 -15 Final presentations
16
Wrap-up
Discussions,Presentati
Teaching style,ons with PowerPoint,
equipment used
Field Work.

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description
Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseNone
None
Participation 30%, Presentations 35%, Papers 35%
Migration Studies
None
Prerequisites
The number of students in this seminar would be about 5. The class schedule andcontents could be changed.

Intercultural Communication Ⅱ

Course title
Numbering code

692101

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks

John RUCYNSKI
TEL: 086-251-7273
E-mail: rucyns-j@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: By appointment (C414)
Fall semester
Day/Period
Monday/5
NumberofCredits
C31
2
Language Education Center
As this course is open to both Japanese students and exchange students fromdifferent countries, it is designed to promote communication and understanding
between students from different countries. Selected multimedia and relevant
readings will be used to facilitate discussions on aspects of both traditional andmodern culture of different countries.
By the end of the course students should be able to*-show improvement in interactional skills necessary for effective interculturalcommunication and understanding.
-notice features of other cultures in relation to their own.
-give short presentations and participate in discussions in pursuit of deeper
meanings of culture and interaction not usually noticed or mentioned.
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. After the number of students is decided, I will give you a calendarof class topics and activities.
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used
No textbook. The teacher will supply a range of readings and students will carry out
their own research.

Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseGrades will be decided by active participation in class activities and quality ofpresentations and other major assignments. There will be a strict attendance policy.

Prerequisites
Students who are interested in sharing their own cultures and learning about others
are welcome to join this class. As the class is open to both native and non-native
English speakers, the instructor will carry out the class in a manner that makes thecontents comprehensible for all students.

Course title
Numbering code
Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Family and Gender in Contemporary Japan
911233
Liberal Arts/91
Mayumi ONO
TEL: 086-251-8557

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

Office Hours: Tuesday 4th &5th Period
Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseFall semester
Day/Period
Tuesday/3
NumberofCredits
A34
2
Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
This course explores family and gender in contemporary Japan from ananthropological and sociological perspective. It will examine various aspects ofJapanese family and gender, including: 1) gender and sexuality, 2) modern family
structures and the ways in which they shape individuals, 3) the workplace and its
gender relations, 4) sexuality and the transformation of masculinity and femininity, 5)family and its alternatives and 6) the elderly and family rituals, in a shifting social
landscape.
Students will learn how to critically and comparatively analyze contemporary
Japanese family through the lends of gender. The student will gain a deeper
understanding of and a fresh view of his/her own culture from active and collaborative
learning with students with diverse backgrounds.
1. Introduction
2. Gender and Sexuality
3. Sexual identity The house and modern family system
4. Photographing gender in contemporary Japan
5. Family planning
6. Gender in the workplace
7. Mid-term group presentation
8. Femininity
9. Masculinity
10. Marriage and its alternatives
11. Family, youth, and education
12. Family and welfare
13. Final group presentation
14&15. Field trip (TBA)
Providing reading materials andcomment sheets

Teachingstyle,
equipment
used

Active learning, PPT,and Camera

Marcus Rebick and Ayumi Takenaka (eds.). (2006) The Changing Japanese Family.
Routledge.
Necessary book chapters and articles will be provided.
Grading will be as follows: Attendance and participation (30%), Group presentation(30%), and Final report (40%)
Instructors’ academic specialization
Prerequisites

Japanese Pop Culture

Course title
Numbering code

911160

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseMasumi FUJIMOTOTEL: 086-251-7313
E-mail: mfujimoto@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: 10:25-11:55 on Mon. and 16:15-17:45 on Thurs. @L-cafe
Fall semester
Day/Period
Tue/4
C21

Number of Credits

2

Language Education Center
This course is a study of a wide variety of modern Japanese pop culture including
anime, manga, local characters (Yuru Chara), local gourmet (B-class gourmet), andunique café styles. How the society and social norms helped shaping modern
Japanese culture 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
recognized as Japan’s culture recently. This course aims at gaining the deep
knowledge of Japan and its modern culture through better understanding the way inwhich gender, class, sexuality, age, and social group shape modern culture in Japan.
1)Study of Japanese animation and its history
2)
History of anime
3)
Examination of anime
4)
Cool Japan
5)
Interesting Japan
6)
Exploration of Okayama local B-class Gourmet
7)
Yuru-Chara
8)
Field Research
9)
Kawaii10)
Fashion11)
Okayama to the World12)-14) Presentation
15） Summaries
Teaching
Lecturestyle,
equipment
usedWill be announced in class.
Will be announced in class.
Attendance ３０％
Class Participation ２０％
Report ２０％
Presentation ３０％
Prerequisites N/AEnglish Proficiency level: Conversational

Course title

Seminar on Intercultural Communication

Numbering code

911237
Liberal Arts/91
Senior Assistant Professor, Hiromi Yoshida
TEL: 086-251-8934
E-mail:hiromi-yoshida@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tue 5th and Thu 4th by appointment
Fall semester
Day/Period
Tue/4
NumberofCredits
A34
2
Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
In this seminar, students will study theories of intercultural communication andanalyze data from TED and films as well as those collected by students. Students are
expected to carry out research on related topics. In addition, through fieldwork,
students will deepen their understanding of intercultural communication.
To gain a general understanding of intercultural communication
To be able to apply the theories to the students’ lives
1
Orientation
2- 3What is Culture? What is Communication?
4-5
Theories and analysis
6-7
Qualitative Research
8-9Preparation for fieldwork
10-13 Field Work
14-15 Individual Presentations
16
Wrap-up

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description
Goal

Lesson plans

Discussions, Presentations with
PowerPoint, Films, and Field
Work.

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Teaching style,equipment used

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment

None
None
Participation 50%, Presentations 30%, Papers 20%
Sociolinguistics
None
Prerequisites
The number of students in this seminar would be about 5. The class schedule andcontents could be changed.

Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourse

The Cutting Edge of Agricultural Sciences

Course title
Numbering code

911425

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment

Yuki ICHINOSE
TEL: 086-251-8308
E-mail: yuki@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Every day, Require appointment
Fall semester
Day/Period
Wednesday/1
NumberofCredits
Room1253(Faculty of Agriculture)
2
Professor, Faculty of Agriculture
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 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: Poultry and its characteristic (Prof. N. SAITO)
Lecture 5: Nitrogen Cycling in Forest Ecosystems (Assoc. Prof. HIROBE)
Lecture 6: Protein ---- It's a tiny, tiny mechanical device (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 (Prof. NAKAMURA)
Lecture 11: Problems on Agricultural Land Resource's Management In A Mountain
Rural Area (Prof. K. SATOH)
Lecture 12: Animal Production and Biomass Recycling (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)
Teachingstyle,
equipment
usedNothing
Provided in each class
Attendance 50 %, a short report (ca. 500 words) for each class 50%

Prerequisites

Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseHave a contact with a coordinator

Chado: Mind and Practices

Course title
Numbering code

911244

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description
Goal
Lesson plans

Junko OBAYASHITEL:086-251-8935
E-mail: j_obayashi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tuesday 15-18:00 (C-309)
Students should make an appointment via e-mail in advance.
Fall Semester
Wednesday/3 &Day/Period
4
Number of Credits
Kuwanoki dorm
2
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
The course is based on the basic practice of Chado.
Students will learn introductory procedures(Temae) of Chado with supplimental
study of its history and philosophy.
Through pratical experiences in Chado, students are expected to deepen
understandings of Japanese culture in various aspects.
1) Introduction: about Chashitsu (tea room), Host and Guest, Manners2)-7) Practice sessions8) Closure
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourse

Review (practice)Handouts
Participation, Final report

Prerequisites
The class is 3 hours long. (3&4 periods).
The class is limited to 10 students max. International Students need to apply throughthe sign-up sheet located at C-309 on the first week of October by the first session.
(Selected Students will be notified.)
The cost required for the initial equipment, tea and etc (around 6000yen) will becollected at the first session. The course will be basically conducted in English.

Study of Japan（日本事情）

Course title
Numbering code

692050

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseMariko UZUKA
TEL:086-251-8533
E-mail: muzuka@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: by appointment
Fall semester
Day/Period
Wednesday/3
Number of Credits
D21
1Elective
Professor, Center for Global Partnerships and Education
This course is designed to enable students to learn more about various aspects ofJapanese culture and society through their first-hand experience. Students will go to
Bezen and Yakage to learn modern and traditional aspect of Okayama. Also, students
will have a chance to visit Japanese high school and meet local students.
Students should be able :To be familiar with local culture and customs.
To interacting with local people.
This course consists of lectures, presentation, and field trips.
10/14 Orientation
10/28 Visiting Bizen (備前市)
11/ 4
Lecture11/ 8
Yakage Samurai trip (矢掛)11/ 5Lecture11/18
Okayama Minami Senior High School （岡山南高校）
12/ 2
Appreciating the Tea Ceremony （茶道）
12/16
Closing Presentation*Homestay Optional**detailed explanation of course content and schedule will be distributed at theorientation

Teaching style,equipment used
Handouts will be provided.
TBA
Participation 30%, presentations 40%, and Report 30%

Prerequisites
Participation fees - about ¥ 2,900, but differs depending on courseStudy of Japan 2 (地域文化演習)

Course title
Numbering code

692051

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseJunko OBAYASHITEL: 086-251-8935
E-mail: j_obayashi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tuesday 15-18:00 (Office C-309)
Students should make an appointment by e-mail in advance.
Fall semester
Wednesday/ 3-4
Day/Period
Number of Credits
C26
1
Global Partnerships & Education
The course intends to provide international students with unique opportunity to learn
about the local comunities and cultures through active learning based on field trips.
Students will be required to do individual research on the local community along thefield experiences. Topics covered in the course will vary each semester in the range
such as local industories, traditional cultures, community development, history
tourism and etc.
This class is conducted basically in Japanese.
The course aims to encourage students to learn and interact with local culture andcommunities. Through such active learning, students are expected to gain closer lookat the community of Okayama, which would help deepen their understanding of"Japan" in relation to a community which they are a part of.
1) Orientation
2) Theme research: History and Tourism
3) Field trip: Okayama castle and Korakuen
4) Theme research: Local Art, Preserving History5) Field trip: Bizen pottery, Shizutani School (historic site)6) Theme research: Local industry
7) Field Trip: Kojima Texitle Factory8) Presentations: Find Okayama!
Contents are subject to change. Schedule TBA.
Teaching style,equipment used
None
Hand-out
Research presentation, Participation, Final report

Prerequisites
This course in conducted in easy Japanese 日本語.
Some activity fee (Apprx 2500¥) need to be collected at the beginning of the course.
The details should be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Course title

Intercultural Communication through easy English and Japanese

Numbering code

911277
Liberal Arts/91
Senior Assistant Professor, Hiromi Yoshida
TEL: 086-251-8934
E-mail:hiromi-yoshida@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tue 5th and Thu 4th by appointment
Fall
Day/Period
Thurs/2
NumberofCredits
C27
2
Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
We all communicate, with other people and even with other living creatures, forexample, our pets. However, it is not easy to describe the process of communication. In
this course, we will study both communication in general and interculturalcommunication, focusing on the Japanese communicative style and the Westerncommunicative style. The main target for this class is Japanese students, but second
language learners of Japanese are welcome also.

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseTo understand the communication process.
To develop Japanese/English communication skills and experience interculturalcommunication first hand.
1 Orientation
2 What is communication?
3 Variation and contexts
4 How many colors in the rainbow? : Categories and culture
5 Rose are red. Violets are blue: Prototypes and groups
6 Hiding your accent: Audience design
7 The secrets of Keigo and anger: Communication accommodation
8 Group presentation
9 Have you already had lunch? Culture and miscommunication
10 The distance between girls and boys: Communication and gender
11 Intercultural Communication: The cultural difference in refusal
12 Body language: Eye contact and touching
13 Group presentation
14-15 Individual presentations
16 Wrap-up

Teaching style, equipment Discussions, Presentations
with PowerPoint, Films,
usedField Work.
大学生のためのコミュニケーション Introduction to Communication for JapaneseStudents. Kevin Heffernan. くろしお出版 2013
None
Participation 50%, Presentations 30%, Papers 20%
Sociolinguistics
None
Prerequisites
This is a bilingual class, however it is recommended that you are at Japanese 5 or above.
The class schedule and contents could be changed.

Materialism in Japan and the West

Course title
Numbering code

911279

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description
Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks

Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseMichitaka SUZUKI
TEL:086-251-7399
E-mail:mich_s@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: On Thursday in the afternoon 16:00-18:00. The student should better
make contact through email in advance.
Fall semester
Day/Period
Thursday/4
Number of Credits
A34
2
Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
The ideas toward material culture and life in different cultures and its changes throughJudaism and Christianity through materialism in modernity
To notice that our Japanese idea of materiality is not a matter of fact in the contemporary
world.
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 thedead material icons. Then the idols around us in our daily life will turn to be precious
field for our study. This study begins with the discipline of Art History, but
encompasses other disciplines of Ethnography, Anthropology, Mythology andReligious Studies.
Some Examples will be shown
Teaching style,first and then I expect theequipment useddiscussion among the participants.
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 thedead material icons. Then the idols around us in our daily life will turn to be precious
field for our study. This study begins with the discipline of Art History, but
encompasses other disciplines of Ethnography, Anthropology, Mythology andReligious Studies.
There are many publications these years for the topic of materiality and idols. They
will be indicated in the lecture. One example here: Dick Houtman/Birgit Meyer(ed.),Things: Religion and the Question of Materiality, Fordham UP., 2012.
According to the reports in the end of(and perhaps during) the semester which show theinterest of the students for this lecture.

Prerequisites

Course title
Numbering code
Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Transnational mobility and Multiculturalism in Japan
911240Liberal Arts/91
Mayumi ONO
TEL: 086-251-8557

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

Office Hours: Tuesday 4th &5th Period
Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseFall semester
Day/Period
Thursday/4
Number of Credits
A32
2
Compulsory elective
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
This course explores globalizing Japanese society and culture focusing on themulticultural aspects of Japanese society, from an anthropological perspective. The
course critically looks at how Japanese society experiences transformations under the
inflow of foreigners and of their culture and outflow of its citizen beyond national
borders, within the broader global context. Students will re-examine the cultural politics
of tradition and the belief in a “homogeneous” society in an effort to understand Japanas a dynamic and heterogeneous entity.
Student will learn key themes and issues surrounding multicultural Japanese society.
Furthermore, this course aims to lead to the de-construction of cultural assumptions andgeneralizations and to the rediscovery of contemporary Japanese society and culture as
a diverse entity. The student will gain a deeper understanding of and a fresh view ofyour culture from active learning with students with various backgrounds.
1. Introduction
2. World in motion
3. Internationalization and the search for national identity
4. Photographing multicultural aspect of Japanese society
5. Ethnicity
6. Mid-term group presentation
7. Invisible migrants
8. Film: Swallowtail
9. International marriage in Japan
10. Multiculturalism, museums, and tourism
11. Rethinking the national sports: Sumo and its foreign wrestlers
12. Aging in Japan and foreign care workers
13. Final group presentation
14&15. Field trip (TBA)
Providing reading materials andcomment sheets

Teachingstyle,
equipment
used

Active learning, PPT, andCameraNelson Graburn, John Ertl, and R. Kenji Tierney (eds.). (2008) Multiculturalism in the
New Japan: Crossing the Boundaries Within. Berghahn Books.
Necessary book chapters and articles will be provided.
Grading will be as follows: Attendance and participation (30%), Group presentation(30%), and Final report (40%)
Instructors’ academic specialization
Prerequisites

Course title
Numbering code

Expanding cross-cultural language and communicative skillsⅡ
692102

Faculties/Faculties code

Ian NAKAMURA

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseTEL:
E-mail: iannaka@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Contact the teacher to make an appointment
Fall semester
Day/Period
Friday/2
B33

Number of Credits

2

Language Education Center
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. Besides using students' own experiences, weekly
scenes from a film which will be analyzed for how language is used to co-accomplishsocial interactions.
Students by the end of the course should be able to:-engage others in effective communication through orderly turn taking.
-adjust and adapt their ways of using language in order to accommodate.
-contribute to our evolving understanding of talk-in-interaction.
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 interests and needs of thestudents, individually and as a group.
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used
There is no required textbook.
Grades will be decided by attitude, participation, and contribution to this communityof learners. In addition, students will write a research report under the supervision of
the instructor on a topic of interest.

Prerequisites(1) You do not need to take ‘Expanding Cross-Cultural Language and Communicative
Skills I’ before taking this course. The instructor and class contents will be different.
(2) Japanese students need at least a 600 TOEIC score. International students who are
non-native English speakers can show equivalent English proficiency by directly
contacting the instructor who will check.

Japanese Studies (Offered in Japanese)

Course title
Numbering code

692053

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseJunko OBAYASHITEL: 086-251-8935
E-mail: j_obayashi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tuesday 15-18:00 (C-309)
Students should make an appointment via email in advance
Fall semester
Day/Period
Friday/3
Number of Credits
D21
1Center for Global Partnerships and Education
This course covers variety of descipline, theme and academic approach in order tolayout the introduction of Japanese Studies. Students will learn about Japan in such avariety of angles inclusing history, economy, natural environment, agriculture,
language and etc.
Instructors specialized in various fields will give lectures on the concerned themes ofJapan in easy Japanese. Students are also expected to participate in discussions
preferably in Japanese.
Students are expected to find various approaches to Japanese Studies, as they could
acquire knowledges and interests in various aspects in studying Japan.
The course provide internatinal students with learning opportunity/discussion training
dealing with variety of topics about Japan in easy Japanese language.
1) Introduction to Japanese Studies: Course orientation
2) Japanese Language in tales and stories I
3) Japanese Language in tales and stories II4) Japanese Language in tales and stories III
5) History through Japanese Culture6) Japanese Modern History I
7) Japanese Modern History II, Peace Study
8) Japanese Modern Economy
9) Japanese Business Practice and Job-hunting10) Natural environment in Japan I11) Natural environment in Japan II
12) Agriculture in Japan13) Health and Medicine in Japan14) (Field trip)
15) Wrap-ups: Presentations
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used
Handouts should be provided by each instructor if necessary.
Participation, Attendance, Assignments, Final projectPrerequisites
This course is taught in easy Japanese.
Various instructors will be co-teaching the course.
The course chedule is subject to change.
Coordinator: Junko OBAYASHICourse title
Numbering code

English Language Assistant and Cultural Informant
692100

Faculties/Faculties code

Ian NAKAMURA

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourseTEL:
E-mail: iannaka@okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Make appointment by e-mail to discuss suitable class and schedule.
Fall semester
Day/Period
to be decided
Number of Credits

1

Professor, Language Education Center
This course will offer the assistant-informant a unique and valuable opportunity tohelp, observe, and understand how an English class is organized and taught in a
Japanese university. The assistant-informant will participate in social interactions withthe students in order to promote language learning, international understanding andintercultural communication. The assistant-informant will be expected to makeconsistent efforts to help create and maintain a good atmosphere for learning culture
and language and ultimately communication.
1. To give the assistant-informant practical experience in creating interesting anduseful learning 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 Japaneseculture and language through the experience of collaborating with both the learners
and teacher.
Note: This course is especially suitable for EPOK students who are planning to workin international settings in education or business.
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.
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used
No required materials.
Regular attendance (including notifying when absent), consistent effort in class,taking initiative, ongoing discussions with the instructor, and one written report andinterview to reflect on what was learned.

Prerequisites
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. Also we need to makesure it fits your class schedule.

Course title
Numbering code

Japan’s Modernization and War & Peace (Spring Course)
911137

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation
Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

OGAWA Hideki
TEL: 086-251-8516
Office Hours: Monday 10:20-11:50
Intensive course for 7 days
TBA

Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourse

Day/Period
Number of Credits

March
2

Professor, Center for Global Partnerships and Education
An introduction to Japan’s historical experiences of modernization (Meiji
Restoration) and war & peace.
This English course is an intensive one (7 day program) and also combines classroom study and field study.
Estimated cost will be approximately 15,000 yen for local students.
The class is designed to serve the needs of students who;
1) Wish to have a general understanding of Japan’s modern nation building
after Meiji Restoration,2) Wish to be familiarized with Japan’s experiences of war & peace.
Day 1: Lecture Day: Japan’s Modernization- From Meiji Restoration toImperialism
Day 2: Lecture Day: Era of Repeated Wars
Day 3: Lecture Day: Hiroshima: From War-torn City to World Heritage CityDay 4: Visit Kure (呉) and & Hiroshima Peace Park (広島平和公園)
Day 5: Visit Miyajima (宮島) and Ohtsushima (大津島)Day 6: Visit Shimonoseki (下関) and Hagi (萩), birthplaces of Meiji Restoration
Day 7: Presentation & Discussion Day
Teachingstyle,
equipment
used

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books

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

Suggested & distributed as necessary
Participation (50%), One final presentation (30%), One essay (more thanwords)

Prerequisites

1,800日本研究 Japanese Studies (Offered in easy Japanese)

Course title
Numbering code

692053

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･
Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academicassessment
Relation to research

Junko OBAYASHITEL: 086-251-8935
E-mail: j_obayashi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Office Hours: Tuesday 15-18:00 (C-309)
Students should make an appointment via email in advance
Fall semester
Day/Period
Friday/3
Number of Credits
D21
2

n/a
Center for Global Partnerships and Education
This course covers variety of discipline, theme and academic approach in orderto layout the introduction of Japanese Studies. Students will learn about Japan
in such a variety of angles including history, economy, natural environment,
agriculture, language and etc.
Instructors specialized in various fields will give lectures on the concerned
themes of Japan in easy Japanese. Students are also expected to participate indiscussions preferably in Japanese.
Students are expected to find multifaceted approach to Japanese Studies, as
they acquire knowledge, interests and themes in various aspects inunderstanding Japanese culture and society.
1) 10/9
Introduction to Japanese Studies: course orientation (Obayashi)
2) 10/16 Overviewing Japanese History (ancient to early modern) (Obayashi)
3) 10/23 Japanese Culture in tales and stories II (Uemura)4) 10/30 Japanese Culture in tales and stories III (Uemura)5) 11/4* Briefing/Preparatory study: Yakage Field Trip (Uzuka)6) -8) 11/8* Yakage Field Trip (All Day) (Uzuka)
11/13 No Class9) 11/20 Japanese Modern History (Ogawa)10) 11/27 War and Peace (Ogawa)11) 12/4
Japanese Business Practice and Job-hunting (Uzuka)
12) 12/11 Health and Medicine in Japan (Yamakawa)13) 12/18* Natural environment in Japan I (Touyama)14) 1/8*
Natural environment in Japan II (Touyama)15) 1/22
Wrap-ups: Presentations (Obayashi)* Schedule irregular
TBA (each instructor)
Teaching style,
TBA (each instructor)
equipment used
Handouts should be provided by each instructor if necessary.
TBA by each instructor
Participation, Attendance, Assignments, Final project (Presentation)n/aPrerequisites

Japanese 3+ would be helpful.

activity

Comments/Caution
on course

The course is recommended to all EPOK students as semi-core course.
The course should be taught in easy Japanese.
Various instructors will be co-teaching the course.
The schedule is subject to change.
The max number of the students is limited to 20.
Coordinator: Junko OBAYASHI

Study of Deep Kyoto（素顔の京都を学ぶ）

Course title
Numbering code

692054

Faculties/Faculties code

Coordinator･
Lecturer(s)Semester/Quarter
Location

Required/Elective
Affiliation

Course description

Goal

Lesson plans

Information regarding
preparation, review andrelated subjects

Textbooks
Reference books
Academic assessment
Relation to research activity

Comments/Caution oncourse,Kazutaka YAMADA, Mariko UZUKATEL: 086-251-8861/8533 E-mail: kazutaka@okayama-u.ac.jp/ muzuka@okayamau.ac.jp
Office Hours: by appointment
Fall semester
Day/Period
Tuesday 5th
Number of Credits
2 credits
Elective
Center for Regional Studies AGORA /Center for Global Partnerships and Education
This course is designed to enable students to learn more than “lonely planet Kyoto”.
Kyoto is one of the oldest city in Japan and at the same time, it is one of the mostadvanced city in the areas of community development and people’s engagement
to local politics in order to hand its unique values and heritages over to future
generations. We will examine Kyoto from various aspects both throughclassroom lectures and a field work.
This course will be taught in mainly easy Japanese (Kyoto dialect) with someEnglish support.
Students should be able:
To be familiar with Kyoto’s history and culture.
To understand urban issues, community development, and civic engagement in Japan.
This course consists of lectures, presentation, and field trip.
10/06 Orientation
10/20 Lecture#1: Geography and History of Kyoto
11/10 Lecture#2: Culture of Kyoto
11/24 Lecture#3: Industry of Kyoto
12/15 Lecture#4: Future of Kyoto
01/12 Orientation for field trip
01/15-16 Visiting Kyoto
01/19 Closing presentation, Wrap up*detailed explanation of course content and schedule will be distributed at theorientation
Teaching style,equipment used
Handouts will be provided.
TBA
Participation 30%, Presentations 40%, and Report 30%
Prerequisites
Participation expected to pay about ¥ 13,000 for the field trip.
Japanese language requirement: level 3 and higher