1. | The review and introduction of the various conceptions of and levels of culture. |
2. | Introduction of key concepts and terminology in the field of intercultural communication. |
3. | Identity of self and how one defines oneself. This includes an emphasis on understanding the variety and depth in identity and how this can be constructed and deconstructed. |
4. | Identity of others and how one approaches others from different cultures. This section will focus on how preconceptions are built and affect our interaction with others. |
5. | Language and culture. This section explores how language is used in talking about culture and how language itself carries meanings which shape our thinking about the culture of others. |
6. | Representation of culture. This section focuses on how cultures are represented in the media (news, advertising, etc.) and how this shapes our perceptions of the culture of others. |
7. | Cultural meanings. This section explores the different values and perceptions associated with concepts such as time, space, beauty and knowledge. |
8. | How Japan is perceived. Some case studies will be examined in order to discover how Japan and Japanese people are perceived and how these images have been constructed. |
9. | How others are perceived. By looking at case studies, the way in which other cultures are portrayed in Japan will be explored. |
10. | Culture and globalization. This section will explore the degree to which culture is affected by the process of globalization. One focus will be the the role of the internet in the development of culture. |
11. | Researching culture. This section will review some basic research skills such as formulating hypotheses and research questions and explore ways in which we can begin to further our understanding of issues in intercultural communication in a globalized world. |