Themes in U.S.

Culture
University of Shimane Summer Program 2010
Instructor: Tony Kazanjian
Day & Time: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 1:00 – 3:00pm
Location: B108

Course Description:
This course is designed to help you improve your English skills. American culture is a
very big topic, but we will explore some aspects of it that interest you during our course. Each
week will have a theme, such as Food or Holidays, which we will discuss in depth. As you
participate in class activities and communicate with your host family and other community
members, you will become more familiar with US Culture and how it is similar to or different
from Japanese culture.

Course Objectives:
 Improve English communication skills on a variety of topics
 Broaden students' knowledge of themes in U.S. Culture
 Encourage understanding of cultural differences between Japan and the U.S.

Expectations:
It is important that you arrive on time and prepared for each class. You should also
participate actively in discussions, in-class activities, and group work. Part of understanding US
Culture is learning how to act in an American classroom. Please do your best to meet these
expectations.

Projects:
Host Family Interviews and Presentations
The purpose of these projects is to encourage you to learn about US Culture directly from
your host family or other community members. You will interview your host family about a
holiday tradition one week and about favorite entertainment the next week. You will then
present your results to the class in groups.

Artifact Assignment
This project will give you the opportunity to share with the class something that reflects
your view of US culture. You will choose one item that represents something interesting, new,
strange, or different about US culture. You will discuss this item with an American and then
share his/her reactions with the class along with your own.

Assignment % of Grade
Attendance and Class Participation 20
Interviews & Observations 30
Artifact Assignment 30
Class Presentations 20
Total 100
 Shimane University
U.S. Culture Class: MWF 1-3pm

August 2010
 Mon
2 4
Program Orientation!
(no class)
9 PASTIMES
Class activities:
Talk about interview
Hobbies and sports, usual
American pastimes
Homework:
Gather information about a
western pop culture item
16 HOLIDAYS
Class activities:
Culture Shock presentation
Major US Holidays
Choose Holiday to research
Prepare Interview Questions
Homework:
Interview your host family
about your holiday.
23 FOOD
Class activities:
What is American food?
Groceries, fast food, organic,
regional, ethnic
Homework:
Be ready to present your
artifacts on Wednesday.
Wed
CALIFORNIA
Class activities:
Introductions
US Geography game
Impressions of US Culture
collage
11 POP CULTURE
Class activities:
Small group discussion about
favorite movies/music
Comparing Japanese and US
movies, music, and fashion.
Homework:
Bring in materials for poster
18 HOLIDAYS
Class activities:
Small group discussion:
What did you find out?
Comparing Japanese and US
Holiday Traditions
Homework:
Bring in any materials you
want to add to your poster Fri
25 FOOD
Class activities:
Food and socializing
Artifact Presentations
Fri
6 CALIFORNIA
Class activities:
Monterey attractions
Homework
Interview host family about
hobbies
13 POP CULTURE
Class activities
Culture shock issues so far:
Major differences between
Japan and US
Prepare poster for presentation
Homework:
Find your artifact if you don’t
have it already!
20 HOLIDAYS
Class activities:
Prepare poster
Holiday Presentations
Homework:
Don’t forget to look for your
artifact!
27
Class activities:
Artifact Presentations
Revisiting Impression collages
Wrap-up & Say Goodbye!
Graduation: 6 PM