COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this seminar is threefold. The first objective is to improve students’ understanding of global issues relating to Japan in our interdependent world currently enveloped in a tide of uncertainty. Second is to gain a deeper sense of media literacy by developing a critical eye, digging for sources, finding hidden agendas or intentions, and evaluating persuasion techniques. The third is to enlarge students’ English vocabulary and communication skills. The ultimate aim of this seminar is for each student to grasp that it is not what we get but instead who we are and what we contribute that truly matters.

OUR GLOBAL WORLD

T-Shirt Project Overview

The Economics * (DL01)

Technology & Subsidies * (DL02)

Indonesia [satellite farms/spinning] * (DL03)

Two Sisters * (DL04)

Garment Industry * (DL05)

Bangladesh / Columbia * (DL06)

Nixon and Kimchi * (DL07)

Container * (DL08)

Taxes * (DL 09)

The Afterlife (DL10) * ["Test" Info]

Work, Trade, Clothes * (DL11)

WHITEBOARD REVIEW:

04.10 Overview

04.17 Session A (Ohgi & Yuuki)

04.24 Session B (Hiro or Kazu)

05.08 Session C (Hakamada)

05.15 Session D (Minami)

05.22 Session E (Professor Presentation)

05.29 Session F (Kazu Presentation)

06.05 Session G (Ohgi Presentation)

06.12 Session H (Yuuki Presentation)

06.19 Session I (Hakamada Presentation)

06.26 Session J (Discussion)

07.03 Test Information

07.10 MID-SEMESTER TEST (Vocabulary)

07.17 MID-SEMESTER (Writing)

09.25 TED Talk: DeepFakes / handout

10.09 No Class

10.16 Handout 1 & 2 / Notes

10.23 Handout 1 / Notes

10.30 Handout 1 / Notes

11.13 H.T.'s Life

11.20 What's the Deal with Hong Kong? (paused at 44.05)

11.27 On Your Own (Read thoroughly. More.)

12.04 Earthquake programming / H.K. continued /Notes

12.11 How to tidy up & Tie up loose ends - KonMari / Notes

12.18 Final Task (Exam) Review / Information

01.08.2020 Questions and Answers

01.15.2020 Magnificent Paper Due

*Mid-semester Vocabulary (multiple choice & short answer) & Final Exam (format TBA) in January 2020.

EXPECTATIONS:

Students are expected to come to class on time and with a positive attitude. Enrollment will be limited.

EVALUATION:
Grades will be decided on a balanced performance in the following areas: Tasks, Presentation, Participation, Contribution, and Attitude. The more you speak up in class, the better your grade will be.

TEXTBOOKS

No class textbook. Materials will be distributed via a website link. Students are responsible for bringing printouts of the downloaded material to each class.

Contact the Professor

Remember to include your name, university, and class.