COURSE DESCRIPTION:

For a study-abroad experience to fully achieve its educational goals and to maximize student learning, it is crucial for students to have intercultural communication education prior to leaving Japan. Studying abroad is a way to develop intercultural sensitivity and global competence, but only "spending time" in a foreign country without focused and appropriate preparation is truly mottainai. The lack of intercultural pre-departure education compromises students' ability to decode and bridge complex intercultural situations, find innovative solutions, plan effective communication strategies for adjusting to issues, and develop appropriate behaviors and attitudes. Meaningful relationships in the new culture are harder to establish. With proper education, misunderstandings, misjudgments, conflicts, confusion, and missed opportunities can be minimized. Human behavior and preferences are based on core cultural values and assumptions. For example, different cultures have different acceptable ways to express anger, cope with embarrassment or sadness, manage conflicts, show respect, relate to others, behave in a learning situation, etc., Students who have a theoretical framework of such intercultural matters, insight into one's ways, and a toolbox of skills will have a rewarding and enriched international experience.

Orientation (attendance: beetroot)

Introduction + Video Task Info / sample (quinoa)  

Role, Family, Baggage Slides / Handout / Task (potato)

Cultural Baggage Slides / Handout + More /  Task (onion)

Deep Culture D-I-E / Task / 1 2 3 4 5 (fennel)

Challenges, Safety, Connected Slides / Handout / Task (parsnip)

Adjustment Cycle Slides / Handout / Task (leek)

Arrival, Exhaustion, Homesick Slides / Handout / Task (spinach)

Getting Settled, Relationships / Slides / Handout / Task  (squash)

Culture Shock Slides / Handout / Task & Holidays  Slides / Handout / Task (kale)

The Return Slides / Handout / Task  (alfalfa)

REVIEW TEST / Video Task Due [bring USB or send download link] (pea)

STUDENT PRESENTATIONS (daikon)

AUDIENCE:

This course will develop skills and perspectives for students who intend to live or study abroad so that they will get the most out of their international experience.

EVALUATION:

Grades will be decided on a balanced performance in the following areas:

1. Attendance

2. Weekly Assignments

3. Video Project

4. Student Presentation

TEXTBOOKS

No class textbook. Materials will be distributed via a website link. (When classes are in session, students are responsible for bringing printouts of the downloaded material to each class.)