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Course Syllabus

GNST 2875 Intercultural Experience Abroad I

  • Division: Administrative Division
  • Department: Administration
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3-5; Lecture: 3-5; Lab: 0
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: Instructor Approval
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved:
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2028
  • End Semester:
  • Optimum Class Size: 1
  • Maximum Class Size: 5

Course Description

The Intercultural Experience Abroad course involves a semester abroad at Otemon Gakuin University. Students will experience life in Japan while undertaking courses such as: Japanese, Japanese traditions and culture, cross-cultural communication, Eastern vs Western ideas, Japanese Literature, Sogo-Shosa (Japanese work ethic), Introduction to Japanese Science Fiction, and Japanese Business. Each course will require a minimum of 21 classroom (contact) hours per semester. Students will also live in a homestay experience with a Japanese family for the duration of their stay.Students will need to be admitted to the program by Otemon Gaukin University.

Justification

Snow College's mission statement reads: Snow College continues a tradition of excellence, encourages a culture of innovation, and cultivates an atmosphere of engagement to advance students in the achievement of their educational goals. This course exists to prepare students to meet the goal of engagement at a global level. The core theme goal states: Snow College creates learning and service opportunities, locally and globally, to engage students, faculty, staff and surrounding communities. By traveling, studying, living, and engaging with a foreign culture and language, students will gain knowledge, skills, awareness, and new attitudes about global engagement.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. The student will gain a deeper awareness of another culture and a new perspective of their own in the process.
  2. The student will increase their skills at intercultural awareness and communication.
  3. The student will gain knowledge and awareness of Japanese history, language, and culture through study and engagement in a foreign country.

Course Content

Japanese coursework from Oteman University: Japanese language, Japanese society, Cross-Cultural Communication, Japanese History, Customs, and Culture, Japanese Literature, Introduction to Japanese Science Fiction, and/or other required coursework through university.The course also includes engaging with Japanese citizens and culture by living in a homestay arrangement with a Japanese family.This global course consists of faculty and students representing various cultural, linguistic, and background knowledge which serves as a resource, strength, and benefit. All students are welcomed to share their unique backgrounds and experiences while discussing global topics with personal insights.