Course materials for Japan Studies I and II

Here are class materials for the KWU courses Japan Studies I and II (Japanese history). The materials include the Class Syllabus, Student Study Guide, and Reading Analysis Questions.

Japan Studies I

General resources
Class Syllabus

Student Study Guide
Analyzing Primary Historical Sources

Reading analysis questions

Reading Analysis Questions, pp.14-23

Reading Analysis Questions, pp. 26-29
Reading Analysis Questions, pp. 30-41
Reading Analysis Questions, pp.44-53


Japan Studies II

General resources
Class syllabus

The Little Prince Study Guide and Reading Questions (演習I)

I am posting the Student Study Guide and Reading Analysis Questions below. Students in my classes should complete the Student Study Guide as homework for each reading. We will answer complete the Reading Analysis Questions together in class. Enjoy the book!

Syllabus
Sample Written Summary
Sample Written Essay

Student Study Guide

Reading Analysis Questions, pp.16-28
Reading Analysis Questions, pp.28-39
Reading Analysis Questions, pp.48-56
Reading Analysis Questions, pp.56-69
Reading Analysis Questions, pp.76-91
Reading Analysis Questions, pp.92-97 (Explanation of subjects and themes)
Reading Analysis Questions, pp.104-118

Sample Study Guide (Complete), pp. 118-129 (With sample written essay)

Reading Analysis Questions, pp.170-181
Reading Analysis Questions, pp.192-200 (Special discussion lesson focusing on topic of "anxiety")

Using and Citing Sources (Guide)

This is a guide on how to use and cite sources in academic writing. Namely, it covers how to paraphrase, summarize, and use quotations.

"Using and citing sources (guide)"

Class materials for 専門英語I、及び専門英語II (Language and Society in Film)

These are class materials for the KWU courses 専門英語I and 専門英語II. Please find links to class handouts and other materials in the syllabi.

専門英語I 

Syllabus


専門英語II

Syllabus

Black Mirror s03e01 "Nosedive"

This is one of my favourite episodes of the fantastic series Black Mirror. It explores the mainly negative effects of technology on human relations. In this episode, society and behaviour are regulated by an SNS-style ranking system. Rank is collected like capital and used as a kind of currency for various transactions. People are superficially nice to each other to obtain a higher self-rank. 

Video

Lesson plan

Scene from the film "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994)

A scene about hope for the future from the 1994 classic, The Shawshank Redemption. Enjoy!

Video

Lesson Plan

Lvl: Intermediate
Subjects: Dreams; Overcoming Difficulties

Scene from the film "Erin Brockovich" (2000)

A very funny film with a good message about standing up for the little guys, fighting corporate greed, and protecting the environment. Enjoy!

Lesson plan

Video

Sample persuasive essay

Lvl: Intermediate
Subjects: The environment; David and Goliath; Corporate greed/power