Course Description

This course teaches students how to communicate and understand people from different cultures. It focuses on helping students interact effectively worldwide. Students will learn to adjust to new cultures and understand different cultural perspectives. The course aims to enhance students' ability to communicate with empathy and confidence in diverse settings.

We examine cultures, including Japan's, highlighting the concept of 'global citizenship'. The course acknowledges our development through both local and global interactions. It prepares students for future engagements with people from various cultures, regardless of whether they live in Japan or abroad.

Students will study theories and methods to grasp intercultural communication, especially in situations Japanese people often face. The course uses a variety of English-language sources and case studies to give students a thorough understanding of the topic.

This course is suitable for those planning to travel, live abroad, work in teaching or hospitality, or anyone aiming to become a 'global citizen' skilled in navigating and communicating across cultures.

Classes

Syllabas

Week1Time

Introduction to Intercultural Communication

What is intercultural communication and why is it important?

What are some of the main challenges associated with communicating across cultures?

What are the benefits of developing intercultural communication skills?

Week2Time

Cultural Identity

How do our cultural identities shape the way we see the world?

How do our cultural identities affect the way we communicate with others?

How can we become more aware of our own cultural identity?

Week3Time

Cultural Differences

What key cultural differences impact communication?

How do different cultures approach time, space, and hierarchy?

How can we communicate effectively despite cultural differences??

Week4Time

[ON-DEMAND CLASS]  Stereotypes

What are stereotypes and how do they impact intercultural communication? 

What are some strategies for challenging stereotypes and reducing their negative effects?

How can we become more aware of our own stereotypes and biases?

Week5Time

Communication Styles

Stereotypes of Japanese.

What are communication styles?

How can we adapt our communication style when speaking with people from other cultures?

Week6Time

Verbal Communication

How does verbal communication vary across cultures?

What are the benefits of embracing linguistic diversity?

Week7Time

Nonverbal Communication

How does nonverbal communication vary across cultures?

How can we improve our nonverbal communication?

Week8Time

[ON-DEMAND CLASS] Intercultural Conflict

What causes intercultural conflict?

How can we solve intercultural conflict?

Week9Time

Mental and Physical Health When Abroad

What are the stages of cultural adjustment?

How can we stay healthy mentally when abroad?

How can we stay healthy physically when abroad?

How can we stay safe when abroad?

Week10Time

[ON-DEMAND CLASS] Study Abroad

What are the differences between universities in Japan and in English-speaking countries?

What challenges do Japanese university students face when studying abroad?  

Is it better to avoid making Japanese friends when you study abroad?

Week11Time

Work Abroad

What challenges do global businesses with employees from different cultures face?  

Why do some Japanese companies use English as their official language?

Week12Time

[ON-DEMAND CLASS] Communication in a Transnational World

How does transnational mobility affect identity and belonging?

What does it mean to be Japanese outside of Japan?

What are the linguistic and cultural barriers Japanese abroad face? How can they overcome them?

Week13Time

Intercultural Romance

What are the advantages and disadvantages of intercultural relationships?

What makes a happy intercultural relationship between Japanese and non-Japanese?

Would racism disappear if the world had only intercultural couples?

Week14Time

Intercultural Friendships

How can making friends from other countries improve your life?

British Humour

Week15Time

[ON-DEMAND CLASS] Intercultural Communication on the Internet

What are the main features of intercultural communication on the internet?

Do translation and artificial intelligence (AI) software help or hinder intercultural communication?