15spj102-1-syl.html

Semester ............................................ SPRING 2015
Course, section & code ......................... JAPANESE CULTURE (JPN 102-01)   28589
Units/ Contact hours ............................  3/ 45 hours
Instructor ............................................... Dr. Shimazu, Department of World Languages and Literatures,  SJSU
Days & Time Taught (classroom) ......... T R  1:30 - 2:45 p.m.  (BBC 205)
Office hours ...........................................TWR  10:30-11:45 a.m.  and by appt
Office..................................................... Clark Bldg 410P,  Phone 408-924-4625
Email...................................................... ymshimazu@gmail.com
Website .................................................  http://sjsu.edu/faculty/y.shimazu

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will provide an overview of Japanese society and culture. The class will examine Japan by watching various video clips (online) / films of Japanese society, such as "the tradition of performing arts," "the Japanese businessman," "the Japanese family," "Japanese technology," "Japanese society," "customs and manners in Japan," "the Japanese and nature," "Japan's corporate system," "annual festivities and ceremonies," "education in Japan," and "working women."  This class is intended for students who would like to increase their understanding of the Japanese culture.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to: be aware of the general characteristics of Japanese culture, courtesies, and attitudes.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
1.  Textbooks:
     Required
     a)  International Internship Programs. (1997). Japan at a glance. Tokyo: Kodansha International.  [Maybe available at SJ/SF  Kinokuniya Bookstore--Phone 408-252-1300.]
     b)  Online reading assignments (downloadable from the instructor webpage):
     c)  DeMente, B. (1997). The Japanese have a word for it. Passport Books/Lincolnwood, IL: NT

    Recommended
     a)  Reischauer, E., & Jansen, M. B. (1977). The Japanese today. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University.  Online reading: Chapters downloadable from the instructor's webpage.
     b)  DeMente, B. (1987). Japanese etiquette & ethics in business. Lincolnwood, IL: NTC
     c)  Schilling, M. (1997). The encyclopedia of Japanese pop culture. NewYork: Weatherhill.

2. Video clips from YouTube and some VHS tapes shown in class: GPN. (1995). Japan: The land and its people.
3. Handouts: Downloadable articles and summaries (HARAGEI, Barnlund, Dos&Donts, etc.) on Japanese culture for reading and for class discussion.

REQUIREMENTS
1.  Do the reading assignments and SUBMIT summary report, do video or cultural topic/issue reviews; do presentations. 
2.  Attend class and participate in discussion--attendance rate of 80% or higher.
3.  Take 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam, and short quizzes.

GRADING
1.  Twelve plus (12+) short quizzes ...................................................... 35%
2.  Final exam (Thursday, 5/21/15,  12:15 - 2:30 p.m.) ...................... 30%
3.  Midterm exam  ................................................................................. 20%
4.  Class participation, summary reports, and classmate's presentation reviews (if any),  and/or one (1) video or cultural topic/issue review in English (APA format)............................15%   Assessment Criteria: (a) Well-structured sentences and paragraphs, (b) correctness, clarity, and conciseness, (c) critical analysis and personal responses, and (d) academic recognition of significant works of enduring human concerns.
5.  One (1) in-class paper presentation of your interest ...................... extra credit
Grading Scale►  A 95-100%  A- 90-94%   B+  85-89%  B 80-84%  B- 75-79%  C+ 70-74%  C 65-69%  C- 60-64%  D+ 55-59%  D 50-54%  D- 45-49%  F Below 45%

PROCEDURES
1.  After a brief introduction (Focus Points & Objectives), the instructor will show you Japanese video tapes or clips.  Upon watching the video, the class will discuss and clarify the scenes or items causing difficulty, then the Qs&As and discussions will follow on the content of the video focusing on understanding and interpreting the material.  The class will also study Japan at a glance discussing its content  page by page with supplementary reading material.  Occasionally the class will take a quiz on the previous weeks' reading assignments from the pages done and other reading assignments (online and handouts).

Student presentations may take some of our class time.
2.  Student presentations are welcome in order to increase the learning effectiveness (if time permits).  You will evaluate your classmates' presentations.

The course academic schedule and reading assignments will be updated regularly and handed out to you, so you must attend class to get them.

PLEASE NOTE
Preparation at home (reading) and participation in class discussion will help you better understand what you have learned in class. It is most important that you attend class regularly and participate in all class activities. There will be times you will be expected to participate in discussions in class.  Please also be on time for class. The quizzes, the midterm exam, and the final exam will test comprehension of material in the textbook covered in the class sessions, class handouts and lectures. If you miss a quiz, you will receive a zero (0) point for the quiz.  If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what was covered during the class. You are responsible for all material presented during the course. Special care however will be given to students with disabilities.  No eating food, no chewing gum, no using cell phones and iPod/iPhone in the classroom.

POLICY ON FINAL EXAM
SJSU Policy requires that all courses hold a final examination (or final project) during the final examination period. There are no exceptions to this without the approval of both the Chair of the Department and the Dean of the College. Exceptions are rarely granted except in the most extreme circumstances.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students are not permitted to use old tests, quizzes when preparing for exams. Violations to the Academic Integrity Policy undermine the educational process and will not be tolerated.  It also demonstrates a lack of respect for oneself, fellow students and the course instructor and can ruin the university's reputation and the value of the degrees it offers.  Violators of the Academic Integrity Policy will be subject to failing this course and being reported to the Office of Judicial Affairs for disciplinary action which could result in suspension or expulsion from San Jose State University (see http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S05-14.htm).

ADA
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours.  Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with DRC to establish a record of their disability.