The course focuses on mainstream theories about Japanese society and major current socio-cultural issues. The course will be based on authentic materials dealing with Japanese society from linguistic, anthropological, sociological and psychological points of view.

Students will build advanced language skills in all four skills - reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:

• Understand Japanese material related to the course subject area;
• Develop a better understanding of current social issues confronting Japan
• Develop analytic, debating and presentation skills.
• Develop academic writing and presentation skills
• Develop higher level comprehension skills
• Develop the confidence and expertise to engage in Japanese at an advanced level, and

Develop information gathering, presentation and analytic skills – through group and individual activities

In-Class Topic Discussant (two 5%) 10%

Assignments/ In class quizzes 20%

Group Oral Presentation & Report 20%

Individual 0%

Final Exam 30%

Spoken Japanese 4 and Written Japanese D at credit level or above, or equivalent level of competence or permission of course coordinator