2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Special Lecture :Social and Cultural Diversity
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Reiko Sato
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Mon (W9-716（西9号館7階）)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.H108
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
We will learn about the progress of multiculturalism and consider what a diverse society is and what is required for various people to live and work together. The lecture will also examine overseas cases where cultures, ethnic groups, and religions are coexisting. In the lectures, group work and discussions using the intercultural communication theory and methodology will be conducted, aiming to acquire communication skills to interact with people of different backgrounds and cultures.
Course description and aims
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1) Understand the current situation of multiculturalism in Japan and be able to identify and analyze the issues.
2) Acquire an attitude of diversity and coexist with people of diverse cultures.
Keywords
multiculturalism, diversity, international student, prejudice, communication
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
A question regarding the topic of the day will be provided. Students will work on it individually or in groups, followed by a lecture, discussions, and exercise problems. In this lecture, you will learn together with international students of the Japanese Language and Culture course "Japanese Culture : Multicultural communication".
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Multiculturalism in the community: Case analysis of a maladaptation to Japanese culture |
Discuss a case of cultural adaptation among an international student and consider the factors behind it. |
| Class 2 | Change the way of viewing - disability studies and universal design |
consider examples and discuss examples of reasonable accommodation in Japanese society. Understand and write simple Japanese. |
| Class 3 | Religious and dietary diversity |
Consider the current situation and approaches for religious and dietary diversity in Japan. |
| Class 4 | Human Mobility Between Countries (1) |
Explore the various forms of human mobility across national borders. |
| Class 5 | Human Mobility Between Countries (2) |
Examine different perspectives on refugees and the factors behind them, using refugee policies in Japan and around the world as examples. |
| Class 6 | Guest speaker, or presentation |
Ask questions, discuss, and have a dialogue with the guest speaker |
| Class 7 | Workshop and presentation: Social and cultural diversity |
Prepare for presentation. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
Textbook(s)
None required.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Course materials will be provided during the class.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Assessment will be based on assignments and a group presentation 40%, a poster presentation and a report 60%.
Related courses
- LAJ.C102 ： Japanese Culture : Multicultural communication
Prerequisites
None.