Education

Education offers a useful lens for looking at Japan’s society (or societies), for it pertains to becoming a functioning member of society. It focuses on issues such as what one needs to know to act properly; whom to respect; when to speak, and who to become. Education is also a critical site of the ongoing debate surrounding globalization, bringing the spread of English along with an increased presence of ethnic and social minorities. Education also aids in understanding Japanese family structure, food, fashion, and the culture of the everyday, all of which reflect (and construct) culture, social structure, and worldview.  

This course critically explores Japanese education with a multidisciplinary perspective and a balanced objective so that one can gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Japan.  

The course focuses on the main connections between migration and learning processes, especially as they concern second generation immigrants; multicultural family models, with special attention to international adoption; developmental processes of children and adolescents with foreign origins (or internationally adopted); contemporary debates on multiculturalism and interculturalism. The course highlights: tools and strategies useful in planning training courses on intercultural education in extra-school contexts; the categorization processes related to the formation of stereotypes and prejudices; strategies for overcoming ethnic conflicts; historical, social, and cultural factors that lead to racist attitudes and behaviors. The first part of the course explores the main concepts and knowledge connected to multicultural societies. It aims to promote understanding and reflection on new possible approaches for active citizenship. The topics covered in the course are the following: globalization; multicultural societies and intercultural approach; stereotypes, prejudices, and the vocational approach; racism and cultural relativism; migration in the literature, the German and Italian case: a comparison; diversity, differences, valorization of differences; assimilation, segregation and integration; intercultural education: construction and evaluation of outside-school learning paths, conflict management. The topics are explained and discussed through traditional lectures and then the students are expected to develop the topics in which they are particularly interested through workgroups geared to the production of a multimedia presentation to be discussed and defended in class with the instructor and the other participants. students. The presentation is part of the final assessment. The second part of the course is tailored on the specific topics of this course and focuses on the pedagogical analysis of migration in the German and Italian cases.

This course provides an overview of the history and methodology of comparative education with a focus on understanding the role of education in supporting development and/or peace in countries and communities around the world. Country case studies or cross-cultural comparative studies in international development contexts and/or in crisis and conflict-affected contexts are examined. The ways that education may be used to undermine development and peace will also be addressed.

In this course, students analyze the content and quality of their own diet and make informed decisions concerning foods, nutrients, and supplements to optimize their daily nutrient intake and physical performance. Nutrition is important for physical growth and health throughout the human lifespan, during pregnancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and senior years. It is a crucial factor in sports performance and athletic endeavors, as food is used as fuel for physical activity. Diet and nutrition affect body composition, the day to day functioning of the human body, and brain and cognitive performance.

This course is primarily for students planning to become secondary school English teachers in Korea as well as students who are interested in teaching English as a foreign language. The course aims to provide a foundation for designing and developing learner-centered curricula and materials for learners in English as a foreign language (EFL) context. 

This course is designed for students wishing to clarify and/or advance their career goals through a 6-week internship. It provides a structured and guided learning environment to help students make the most of their internship experience in Korea. Course components facilitate students' professional development, focusing on the transition from the role of a student to the role of a working professional.