JAPN: Social Issues in Japan
Dr. Chikaomi Takahashi
As the drive to rebuild modern Japan after WWII has slowed, latent and new social problems have become visible. This course offers interdisciplinary perspectives on issues such as care of the elderly and homeless, equal treatment of minorities, gender and labor issues, domestic and world ecological concerns, and relevant institutions that promote or attack prejudice towards heterogeneous social groups. Taught in English.
When I heard about this class, I was a bit hesitant. The Japanese culture seemed so different than my own. Taking this class has changed my thoughts on Japan. During Dr. Takahashi's class, we talked about all the different stereotypes that American's have created for Japan. Having Japanese exchange students in the class has made it extremely helpful. The class is able to hear first hand experiences from the exchange students, and those who have traveled abroad. The class engages in class discussions every day. Dr. Takahashi places us in small groups and then we share what we spoke about. The topics have included everything from education, tourism, workforce, religion, and sexuality. What makes this class unique is its diversity. When Dr. Takahashi places us in groups he makes sure that it includes one person of the following: Japanese major, Japanese exchange student, Spanish major, and others(SBS major or chile/spain/australia foreign student). We compare each issue between Japan, United States, and other countries. This course has helped me gain a great appreciation for Japanese Culture.
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