LALI 4012: Japanese Culture and Society

Course Syllabus
Spring 2015
I. Course Objectives:
This course is designed for students who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and society.
This course aims at learning Japanese culture through reading written materials and viewing films and media resources.
Materials include articles, essays, short stories, newspapers, videos, films, and media resources. Through authentic
materials and classroom activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, its traditions, and
social practices. Classes are taught in English, and Japanese language skills are not required to participate in this course.
(Students who are currently taking Japanese courses will be encouraged to read some materials in Japanese.) Not only
understanding the materials but also being able to express their own opinions will be very important in this course.
Students will also develop their research skills through working on projects.
II. Instructor:
Junko Tokuda Simpson
Instructor of Japanese
Office: 230B Jones Hall; jtokuda@memphis.edu
Office Hours: Mon/Wed 2:15-3:45PM and by appointment
III. Meeting Time and Classroom:
Monday/ Wednesday: 4:00PM 5:25PM in Jones 239
IV. Course Materials:
The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture, Edited by Roger J. Davies and Osamu Ikeno,
2002, Tuttle Publishing (ISBN 978-0-8048-3295-3)
Other materials will be presented throughout the semester.
V. Expectations:
You are expected to read/watch materials before each class period to be able to participate in discussions in the class.
Along with reading and watching materials and doing assigned homework, it is imperative that you review what was
covered in class by going over activities done in the classroom, studying new vocabulary, and understanding each
concept. If you have difficulty understanding what is explained or discussed in class, ask your instructor to explain it.
VI. Components of the Grades
(1) Class Participation/Performance/Discussion
20%
(2) ePortfolio
20%
(3) Hands-on Activities
10%
(4) Mini Research Presentation
10%
(5) Digital Project
10%
(6) Homework (Reading/Summaries)
10%
(7) Final Project
20%
A+ (96 ~ 100%) A (93 ~ 95%) A- (90 ~ 92%) B+ (86 ~ 89%) B (83 ~ 85%) B- (80 ~ 82%)
C+ (76 ~ 79%) C (73 ~ 75%) C- (70 ~ 72%) D+ (66 ~ 69%) D (60 ~ 65%) F (0 ~ 59%)
(1) Participation/Performance: Class participation is mandatory. Also, your active participation is expected in the
class. Be aware that your class participation/ performance score will not be automatic for simply being in the
class. It is based upon such factors as being active and constructive in class, group, and pair work activities. Those
inactive or distracting students (talking to others during the class, etc.) receive zero performance score for the day even
if you are in class. If you are not in the class at the beginning of the class, you will be considered late, and leaving class
early is also recorded. Three tardies and/or leaving early will result in one absence.
(2) ePortfolio: You will create an ePortfolio relating to topics that are covered during the semester. Topics are:
Holidays, Daily life, Food, Traditional Arts, Modern Culture, Japanese School System, Hospitality, Religion, Films,
Japanese Mind, Useful Japanese, and Travel Information. You will use weebly (http://www.weebly.com) and create a
digital portfolio for each topic. You can explain about each topic by explaining in words, and adding pictures and
videos. You need to reflect your understanding on each topic.
(3) Hands-on Activities: You will have first-hand experiences on the following Japanese Arts and skill.
a) Setsubun Mamemaki & Ehomaki (making makizushi)
b) Calligraphy
c) Tea Ceremony

(4) Mini Research Presentation: You will research about a selected topic and present it in a class. You may be able to
work in a group of up to 3 students.
(5) Digital Project: You will make digital materials to teach Japanese culture and society targeting K-12 students. You
will work in a group of up to 3 students.
(6) Assignments: No late homework and no incomplete/unsatisfactory homework wont be evaluated. You have
materials to read/ watch for each class period. After reading/watching materials, you need to answer questions based on
what you have learned from the materials. Your answers need to be typed and printed out and turned in at the
beginning of the class.
(7) Final Project: You need to do research on Japanese culture and society. Possible topics are: Japanese social issues,
traditional performing arts, traditional sports, traditional arts (such as Kabuki, Bunraku, Kyogen, Sumo, and Flower
Arrangement), and Japanese modern technology (http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/ja/hitech/index.html). Do research on
the topic by using websites, books, and articles. (You may be able to interview native Japanese people such as exchange
students and Japanese residents in Memphis.) Write your research in English (Typed, Double Spaced, MS Mincho, Size
12, 1 margins each side, 3-4 pages). The paper will be evaluated based on the content of the subject matter as well as
accuracy in grammar. You will also present your findings in the class at the end of the semester.
*Make-up Policy: There are basically no make-ups for presentations/projects. It is your responsibility to attend each
class, including days when presentations are scheduled. The only exception is for pre-arranged make-ups due to
participation in official university business (official documentation will be required), medical emergencies with doctors
note, not for personal reasons.
*Cell phones: You are not allowed to use cell phones during the class. Please TURN OFF (no vibration or silent mode)
your phone once you are in the class. If you need to use your device as a dictionary during the class, you need to see the
instructor and receive permission. If you are caught using a cell phone, 1% will be reduced from your performance
points.
VII. How to use/ expand Japanese skills
(1) Study Abroad Summer Program in Japan
Consider going to Japan during the summer to take JAPN3900 (Japanese Culture and Society). You will travel around
in Japan intensively for 2 weeks (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, and Tokyo), and participate in a variety of activities,
including lectures at the Osaka University of Economics, hands-on activities, and cultural excursions to deepen your
understating of Japan. You can receive scholarships from various sources as well. Please talk to Ms. Rebecca Laumann,
the director of study abroad, to discuss your options: rlaumann@memphis.edu (Phone: 678-2814).
(2) Clubs, Activities, and Events relating to Japan
Come to the language table (Fridays 12:45-1:45 at Tiger Den) to practice/ learn Japanese language and culture. Even
though you are not currently taking a Japanese language course, you can participate in the language table. You can also
join the JCC (Japanese Culture Club), Anime 101 (Japanese Anime Club), and Fans United
(universityofmemphis.wix.com/fansunited) as well. Also, the University of Memphis hosts an outreach center, JAST
West on campus. JAST West at UM works closely with Memphis Botanic Garden and the local Japanese business
community to provide various seminars, events, and courses on Japanese culture. For more information, please contact
the program manager, Ms. Akemi Sommer at asommer@memphis.edu
(3) Degrees relating to Japan/Japanese
If you like Japanese, you start taking a Japanese language course on campus! You can also declare a Japanese
major or minor! In Tennessee, the University of Memphis is the only school where you can pursue a degree in
Japanese.
You can also pursue a higher degree at the University of Memphis, relating to Japan. If you are an International
Business major, think about getting an International MBA degree at the U of M. We have the Japanese language track
and you can study and work in Japan.
If you are interested in teaching, think about getting a M.A. in ESL (English as a Second/Foreign Language). The
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and the Department of English have a partnership program with J.F.
Oberlin University in Japan, and you will have an opportunity to teach English at J.F. Oberlin University.
(4) Career Opportunities relating to Japan/Japanese
If you are interested in teaching English in Japan, you may have an opportunity to pursue your dream through the
Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET Programme). In order to apply for the JET programme, you need
to have your bachelors degree in any field. Japanese language skills are not required. Applications are due in fall every
year. Check the website for further information (http://www.jetprogramme.org).

LALI 4012 Course Sched ule

Spring 2015

Date

Content

Week 1

Japanese Society

01/21 (Wednesday)

Syllabus, Course Schedule, Introduction

ePortfolio Due

Quiz/ Deadlines

What kind of country is Japan?

Week 2

Japanese Seasons and Holidays

01/26 (Monday)

Japanese seasons and Holidays

Self Introduction

Textbook (TB):
153-158

01/28 (Wednesday)

Japanese food culture/ Table manner

Mini Research
(Annual Events)

Week 3

Japanese Food Culture

02/02 (Monday)

Experiencing Setsubun

Seasons and

Quiz on Japanese Food for Oishi Japan Event

Annual Events

02/04 (Wednesday)
02/07 (Saturday)

Japanese food culture/ Table manner

Making a Quiz

Quiz on Japanese Food for Oishi Japan Event

Japanese food

Oishii Japan

Extra Credit 1

Memphis Botanic Garden 12:00-2:00

Week 4

Japanese Home and Daily Life

02/09 (Monday)

Life in Japan

Japanese Food

TB: 119-133,
217-222

02/11 (Wednesday)

Life in Japan

TB: 61-70,
179-186

Week 5

Japanese Traditional Arts

02/16 (Monday)

Japanese Traditional Arts

Life in Japan

TB: 71-82

Japanese calligraphy
02/18 (Wednesday)

Hands-on Activity - Calligraphy

Week 6

Cool Japan

02/23 (Monday)

Japanese popular culture and modern culture

02/25 (Wednesday)

Japanese popular culture and modern culture

Mini Research

Effects on business and economy

(Cool Japan)

Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery, Japanese Taiko

Extra Credit 2

2/26 (Thursday)

Traditional Arts

Drumming Performance

Week 7

Japanese School Life

03/02 (Monday)

Talk on Japan 12:00-2:00

Extra Credit 3

UC Ball Room

03/02 (Monday)

Japanese school life

03/04 (Wednesday)

Japanese school life

Cool Japan

TB: 187-199
Research
Topic

Paper

Week 8

Spring Break

03/09 (Monday)

Spring Break

03/11 (Wednesday)

Spring Break

Week 9

Japanese Hospitality

03/16 (Monday)

Japanese hospitality consideration for others

03/18 (Wednesday)

Hands-on Activity - Tea Ceremony

Week 10

Japanese Religion

03/23 (Monday)

Japanese temples and shrines

03/25 (Wednesday)

Japanese temples and shrines

Japanese school

Hospitality
Mini Research
(Temple/Shrine)

Week 11

Japanese Films

03/30 (Monday)

Japanese films

04/01 (Wednesday)

Japanese films

Religion

TB: 201-216
Digital

Project

Due
Week 12

Japanese Mind

04/06 (Monday)

Japanese mind

Films

TB: 9-21, 51-59,

83-101, 115-118,

04/08 (Wednesday)

Japanese mind

Week 13

Traveling to Japan

04/13 (Monday)

Preparation for the trip, Useful Japanese

04/15 (Wednesday)

Preparation for the trip, Useful Japanese

Week 14

Traveling to Japan

04/20 (Monday)

Preparation for the trip, Useful Japanese

04/22 (Wednesday)

Preparation for the trip, Useful Japanese

143-152, 159-163

Japanese Mind

TB: 233-243

Useful Japanese
Mini Research
(Travel Plan)

Week 15

Final Project Presentation

04/27 (Monday)

Final project presentation

04/29 (Wednesday)

Final project presentation

* The schedule is subject to change.

Trip to Japan

Final presentation
Final presentation