Japan

A moral theory has the task of explaining why certain norms regarding our actions are valid. Most people agree, for example, that it is morally wrong to lie. There is, however, strong disagreement as to why it is wrong. This course provides an overview of the most important moral theories, such as divine command theory, natural law theory, and moral relativism.

The course will also discuss ethical questions emerging in literature and film. It is recommended to read Ivan Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons" ("Fathers and Children" in the Russian original) and watch Billy Wilder's movie, "Double Indemnity."

Hangul is the name of the alphabet used to write the Korean language.  This course begins by learning the letters and pronunciation of modern Korean, as well as grammar points such as polite expressions that correspond to "desu, masu" in Japanese; designates that are roughly equivalent to the English be verb; existential verbs that express presence or absence of objects; interjections; proper number words; negative expressions, and past tense. 

No prior knowledge is required to take the course, but students are recommended to study the letters and pronunciation thoroughly, especially during the first month. 

By the end of this course, students are expected to write a simple diary during summer vacation.

This course is taught by three instructors, Takahashi, Nakato, and Kajiwara, in an omnibus format. 
 

Takahashi's class introduces the themes, 'Japanese culture around oneself' and 'language.' This covers topics such as 'temples and shrines in Kyoto;' 'food culture,' 'Japanese houses; 'Japanese people and animals,' etc. In the 'language' section, students learn about 'onomatopoeia,' 'kanji, tongue twisters, and proverbs,' as well as 'Folktales,'  aiming to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and language.　

Nakato's class focuses on 'Japanese makeup culture and color sense' and 'Japanese innovation and pop culture,' deepening one's understanding of Japanese culture through a comparison of past and present. 

Kajiwara's section revolves around the instructor's own experience revolving around 'Japanese rice,' 'the charm of the countryside,' and 'hot springs.' Additionally, the class aims to enhance understanding of Japanese culture through comparisons with other countries.

This course approaches history in an unconventional way, namely, through the study of everyday objects. By analyzing thirty objects ranging in time from the ice age to the current times, this course presents history as a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and ways of thinking that shows the world as constantly shifting, profoundly interconnected, and unfailingly fascinating. An anonymous and ordinary-looking stone pillar, for example, will tell us the story of a great Indian emperor preaching tolerance to his people; a series of luxury Spanish coins will introduce us to the troubled history of colonization; and an early Victorian tea set will speak to us about the idea of empire.  

The goal of this course is to explain the key stages in global history through the study of everyday objects.  

The course introduces key risks that financial institutions may face as well as the financial tools to manage these risks. The course offers a hands-on learning experience through tools and concepts, classroom lectures and discussions, and "live case studies." Thorough preparation and active participation in class discussions is expected. 

Students will use brushes, washi paper, mineral pigments, and gold leaf used in Japanese paintings, as well as the brushes and glue used for mounting, and finish their works. You can learn about the texture of paints and base materials, the fun and difficulty of classical techniques, and the structure of works, which cannot be learned just by looking at art works at galleries and museums. 
In the first half of the class, students will complete ink reproductions of classic Japanese paintings. In the second half, you will complete your original work on a fan using various paints used in Japanese paintings. Let's have fun learning together and creating works that are full of originality using variety of Japanese painting materials.

Combining images, words/texts, audio, infographics, and art works, this course instructs on how to create short films/documentaries, photo-stories/essays, sound slides, and multimedia research/contents. An overview of the theories, principles and practices related to visual media methods is provided. Furthermore, the course provides exposure to basic scriptwriting, interviewing, photo and video editing, subtitling, photo/video journaling, typography, page and poster designing. Data citation and ethics in media production are also addressed. 

This course provides readings on Musicological fieldwork theory and practice, considering different approaches to writing musical ethnographies. During the second half of the term, students are expected to participate in several fieldwork trips in Tokyo, later writing up the results as a group project. Students are expected to have taken several music and/or anthropology courses at ICU.   

This course critiques materials and texts from Edo period, deepening one's understanding of literature from an academic and professional perspective. The course covers the philological ideas of document criticism, textual criticism, and content criticism, then reads Edo period literature, including Sosume Natsume.

This course covers theoretical and practical knowledge of international financial markets and financial management of multinational corporations. Topics include international financial markets, foreign exchange, financial derivatives, and corporate governance around the world.