1. Take-home Test Hi everyone, Instead of having our final test in our last lesson next week, you are going to get your last letter from your Cambodian writing partner. For our final test, it is a take-home test. You will complete it at home and submit it in class next week. There are two files: one for those who would like to write their essay answers by hand; and another for those who would like to type their answers. 
2. Cambodian Exchange Survey For next week's lesson, you will also have to complete a survey about the Cambodian Writing Exchange project. You can either write or type your survey.
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Hi everyone,
In today's class, we finished up our unit on gender and culture, which mainly looked at violence against women and the misuse of "cultural practice" a justification to deny equality to women. Presentations: We moved onto our group presentations. We got the chance to listened to two excellent presentations; the first one on Amish culture and the other on Hispanic-American culture. Next Week's Lesson: In next week's lesson, we'll finished up with the other two group presentations and complete the course evaluations. In our last class, you'll get your last letter from your Cambodian partner (July 21). Take-Home Test: Instead of our final test on the last day of class, I'll give you a take-home test. You'll have to answer two essay questions. I'll post them in the next few days, and you'll have almost two weeks to complete them. Homework: 1. Blog Comment #12 2. Presentation Preparation Blog Question #12: Choose one question to answer. Question for today's presenters: How did you feel about your presentation? What did you do well? What do you have to improve? Question for today's audience: What were three interesting points about each of the presentations?
Hi everyone, We've almost finished our course, and will be starting our presentations in next week's lesson! Nonverbal Communication: We finished our unit on nonverbal communication for the first part of our lesson. We continued with the different types of nonverbal communication. We discussed (a) para-language: (b) silence; (c) haptics; (d) physical appearance and clothing; and (e) olfactics. Women and Culture: We then moved on to our last unit on the role gender plays in different cultures. We discussed the limitations of traditional gender roles and then look at how gender equality is measured in different countries. There are a variety of indexes, such as the United Nations' Gender-Related Development Index (GDI) and the Gender Empowerment Measure (GMI). Both of these indexes are combined in an annual global report called the Global Gender Gap. With this report, we looked at Japan's ranking. For your blog comment, you'll need to choose one country and explain its gender gap ranking. In next week's lesson, we'll finished our unit on women and culture with a focus on violence towards women in different cultures. Homework: 1. Complete your presentation
Blog Question #11:
*Write 150-200 words. *Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. *Submit by Monday, July 6 by 6:00pm.
Hi everyone, We're almost finished with the units from our textbook, and then we'll be starting our group presentations. Language as a Barrier: We finished up last week's lecture about translation problems and how they can be a barrier to intercultural communication. We looks at how it can be a challenge to translate: 1. experiential equivalence 2. conceptional equivalence For experiential equivalence, we took a look at the difficulty in translating "setsumeikai" into English since there are different contexts for how it is used in the Japanese language. When referring to job hunting, we came up with the translation "job recruitment seminar" and "job recruitment fair." Nonverbal Communication: We then moved on to nonverbal communication and the functions of it. We mostly focused on how nonverbal communication is used to replace spoken messages and to support spoken messages. We had an activity on the use of symbols as a way to replace spoken messages, and then we had a gesture game to show how gestures are used to support spoken messages. Remember to use nonverbal communication in your upcoming presentations. Homework: 1. Complete your presentation 2. Blog Comment #10 3. Reading pp. 233-261 (ch. 10) and worksheet
Blog Question #10: Tell me about a time you had to use nonverbal communication (in Japanese or English).
*Write 150-200 words. *Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. *Submit by Monday, June 29 by 6:00pm.
Hi everyone, We just have a few more units to cover, and then it'll be time for our presentations. Once you get your outline back, start preparing your slide presentations. Language as a Barrier to Communication: In today's lesson, we looked at examples at how language is center to identity since it allows a group of people to share experiences. We then listened to samples of changes to the English language from the 8th century to the 20th century. Languages are dynamic and are always changing. We also looked at how translation affects intercultural communication. In class, we had time to analyze challenges with vocabulary and idiomatic equivalence. In next week's lesson, we'll finished up with grammatical-syntactical, experiential and conceptual equivalence. You can review the lecture with the slide presentation: Language as a Barrier Homework: 1. Complete your presentation 2. Blog Comment #9 3. Reading pp. 105-125 (ch. 5) and worksheet
Blog Question #9: Choose two Japanese idiom/proverbs that reflect Japanese culture.
*Write 150-200 words. *Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. *Submit by Monday, June 22 by 6:00pm.
Hi everyone, We had a very busy lesson today, especially since you got your second letter from your Cambodian partner. Cultural Dimensions Review: After you read your letters and discussed your partner's cultural practice, we used Hofstede's cultural dimensions to compare Cambodia and Japan, and to review last week's material. Some key points from this activity included:
We spent some time brainstorming culture-specific vocabulary that you might have to use in your next letter. For this letter's theme, you'll be writing about your educational experiences and institutions. You can also write about favorite memories and teachers. For your letter, include the following: a. greeting b. recent news c. topic: education in Japan (2 pages) d. answer your partner's questions e. ask your partner 3 questions f. closing U.S. Cultural Patterns: For the last part of class, we learned how American culture developed and spread throughout the United States. We didn't get time to use Value Orientation Theory to compare the U.S. to Japan, so please complete the worksheet for homework. We'll use it to review the material in next week's lesson. Homework: 1. Research your presentation topic
3. Value Orientation Theory worksheet
Blog Question #8:
*Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. *Submit by Monday, June 15 by 6:00pm.
Hi everyone, Over the next few weeks, we'll be busy preparing for our presentations and learning two main theories to compare cultures. Cultural Dimensions: Over the next two weeks, we'll be learning two main theories that are used to compare cultures. In this week's lesson, we looked at Hofstede's research that outlines five dimensions to culture: 1. individualism vs. collectivism 2. masculinity vs. femininity 3. power distance 4. uncertainty avoidance 5. long-term vs. short-term orientation In next week's lesson, we'll review these dimensions, and then move onto Value Orientation. Homework: 1. Research your presentation topic
3. Reading pp. 187-212 (ch. 8) and worksheet
Blog Question #7: Japan is ranked at the world's most "masculine" country.
*Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. *Submit by Monday, June 8 by 6:00pm.
Hi everyone, I can imagine that you're all very relieved to have finished your mid-term term. I'll try to have all of them marked and returned to you in our lesson next week. Group Presentations Before our test, we went through the guidelines for our group presentations. Over the next few weeks, you'll get more information about your presentations. We completed our first task today, which was to choose your topic. The next step is to start your research so that you can prepare and outline. Homework: 1. Research your presentation topic 2. Blog Comment # 3. Reading pp. 187-212 (ch. 8)
Blog Question #6: Compared to your ideas about culture before the start of this course, how have your ideas about culture changed during this course? *Write 150-200 words. *Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. *Submit by Monday, June 1 by 6:00pm.
Hi everyone, We definitely had a busy lesson today, especially since you had to hand in your second letter for your Cambodian partner. Barriers to Intercultural Communication At the beginning of our lesson, we looked at how barriers can affect intercultural communication. There are seven barriers: (a) anxiety; (b) assuming similarities instead of differences; (c) ethnocentrism; (d) stereotypes and prejudices; (e) nonverbal misunderstandings; (f) cultural nearsightedness; and (g) language. We focused mainly on anxiety, assuming similarities and ethnocentrism. After our mid-term test, we'll look more deeply into nonverbal misunderstandings and language. You can find today's slide presentation in the IE3 ICC Lectures section. Presentation Guidelines and Mid-Term Test: In next week's class, you'll receive guidelines for your group presentations. After, we'll have a short test on the material we've covered so far in class. To help you prepare for the test, you can refer to the Mid-Term Test Preparation handout. Mid-Term Test Absence: Absence for the test will not be allowed unless it is a serious medical illness. If you miss the test, you will have to do the following:
Homework: 1. Prepare for mid-term test
Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed the Golden Week vacation, and didn’t catch spring fever. We’ll have a few busy weeks ahead of us. Don’t forget that we’ll have our mid-term test on May 26 – just two more weeks! High- and Low-Context Cultures At the beginning of our lesson, we looked at how we can divide cultures into two different types: high-context and low-context. We had a variety of activities to understand the features of each type, and then classified a variety of cultures using this classification. You can find today's slide presentation in the IE3 ICC Lectures section. Cambodian-Japanese Writing Program: We also completed activities on how to describe cultural artifacts and cultural practices to people who are not familiar with your cultures. You can review the steps with the handouts from our lesson. They are also included at the end of today’s summary. You also received your first letter from your Cambodian partner. We’ll have some time to discuss your letters in next week’s lesson. Before that, you’ll have to complete Letter #2 for your partner. Please review the guidelines if you have any questions. If you were not in class today, you need to contact me to arrange a time to pick up your letter before the next class. You need the letter to answer your partner’s questions. Homework: 1. Letter #2 for your Cambodian partner 2. Blog Comment #5 3. Reading, ch. 4, 81-103 Blog Question #5:
*Write 150-200 words. *Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. *Submit by Monday, May 18 by 6:00pm.
Hi everyone, I can't believe it's already been one month since the start of our course. Time flies!! Culture's Influence on Perception In this week's class, we looked at how culture influences our perception. First, we looked at “sensing” plays a role in influencing our perceptions. Differences in our environment and culture can affect sensation. We also looked at how our senses are limited in the sense that there is too much stimuli for our senses to catch and up to 20% of what we see and hear doesn't get transmitted to our brains. We then learned about the three steps of “perception”: (1) selection; (2) organization; and (3) interpretation. The key point is that our reactions are culturally learned interpretations. This was especially evident in interpretations of how dogs are treated in different cultures. Writing Exchange Program I collected your letters at the end of class. Your partner will get them this week. When we come back on May 12 after the short break, you'll get your first letter from your partner. Homework: 1. Reflection Topic #3 2. Blog Posting #4 3. Readings ch. 4 (pp. 81-102) Blog Question #4: What was something interesting that you learned about how culture affects our perception in our lesson today? * Write 8-10 sentences. * Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. * Submit by Monday, May 4 by 6:00pm. Reflection Topic #3: In today's lesson, we reviewed stereotypes and prejudice. We didn't have enough time to look at prejudice in Japan, so you'll reflect on it as your journal topic this week. This topic may be uncomfortable for some of you to think about in our course. However, prejudice exists everywhere -- it is not limited to just one culture. In order to recognize prejudice, it's important to understand it in your own culture. Then, we can make comparisons to other cultures, and if necessary, make criticisms. In 2005, the United Nations conducted an investigation of the treatment of non-Japanese (e.g. foreigners) living in Japan. The report concluded that Japan has "deep and profound" racism and xenophobia (=a strong feeling of dislike towards people from other countries). After the report was released, the Asahi Shimbun was one of the only media outlets that ran an article on racism in Japan. Since this article, Japan still has no law against racial discrimination and non-Japanese are still excluded from society. Keep in mind that the majority of "foreigners" living in Japan are long-term residents, are married to a Japanese spouse, have full-time jobs, and speak the language. For this week's reflection topic, read the Asahi Shimbun article "Opening the Nation: Time to Make Choices." You can read the original in Japanese or you can read the translated version in English. When you write your journal entry, answer these two questions:
Hi everyone,
At the start of class, I collected your journals. I’ll review them this week and return them to you in next week’s lesson. Subcultures and Subgroups: We went through the differences between subcultures and subgroups, and you came up with your own subgroups in Japanese cultures. Subcultures exist within a dominant culture and include a large group of people who identify with a set of values different from the dominant cultures (e.g. Ainu, Ryukyu, Zainichi). A subgroup also exists within a dominant culture, but they are dependent on that culture. They often include occupation subgroups (e.g. gyraru, otaku, geisha). Stereotypes and Prejudice: We also leaned the difference between stereotypes and prejudice. Stereotypes are naïve images (often not true) of a group form through one’s personal value system. Prejudice, however, is a negative attitude towards a group, which is not based on objective facts. Be aware that our cultural values and personal bias (e.g. stereotypes and prejudices) affect how we observe other cultures. Cambodian Writing Exchange Project: As part of the intercultural awareness component of our course, you'll be participating in a writing exchange with one of my Cambodian students who attend the Bayon English Academy in Siem Reap. We had a short slide presentation on Cambodia and the challenges for students to get an education. We also went through the Letter Writing Guidelines. In next week's lesson, you'll have time to discuss letter #1 before you submit it to me. Homework: 1. Write Letter #1: self-introduction and lifestyle 2. Blog Posting #3 3. Reading, chapter 3, pp. 59-76 Blog Question #3: How do stereotypes and prejudice affect intercultural communication? Include specific examples in your answer. *Write 8-10 sentences. *Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. *Submit by Monday, April 27 by 6:00pm. Hi everyone,
We had another busy 90 minutes this morning! I sure wish we had more time. Reflection Journals: At the start of class, you exchanged your reflection journals with your partner and discussed last week's topic. Your partner kept your journal this week, and will write his/her comments on your Topic #1 and his/her Topic #2. Remember to bring it to class next week. Elements of Culture: For today's lecture, we looked at the elements of culture: (a) symbols; (b) rituals; (c) values; and (d) heroes. We focused on Japanese culture since you need to know your own culture first before you can compare and contrast it to other cultures. Also, when you know your own culture, it can help you understand why you might cultural misunderstandings with those who are not from your culture. Were you surprised to learn why there are so few trees in Tokyo? Homework: 1. Reflection Topic #2 2. Blog Posting #2 3. Reading, chapter 2, pp. 37-57 Reflection Topic #2: Culture has four elements: (1) symbols; (2) rituals; (3) values; and (4) heroes. Choose one culture. Describe a symbol, a ritual, a value and a hero from this culture. If possible, try to include your personal experience when describing these elements (especially rituals and values).
Blog Question #2: What is your impression of developing countries? How are they similar and/or different to Japan? *Write 8-10 sentences. *Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly. *Submit by Monday, April 20 by 6:00pm. Next Week's Project We will start a very special project in next week's lesson, so it is important that you don't miss our lesson. If you have to miss the lesson, you need to contact me by Monday, April 20 by 6:00pm. You will have to arrange a time to meet me later that week to get the project guidelines so that you can complete the first part of the project for the next lesson on Tuesday, April 28. Hi everyone,
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