Class #11 Men and Women

This is one of the most interesting classes for me!

This week's homework is to read an article from the Japan Times and give your opinion. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?ek20060110ks.htmDo you agree or disagree with the author (who is Japanese). Please explain why in your blog.

Remember:

January 18 Topic: Education and Schools Speaker will come!

January 25 Topic: Guest speaker: UNITAR Director Mr. Mejia ( http://www.unitar.org/hiroshima/staff-and-advisors/MEJIA)

Blogs will be checked on January 25th!

January 27 (Wednesday) Topic: Food All groups must prepare a traditional food from their group country to share with us and present how to make it.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Class #10 Table Manners

Today we discussed table manners from all over the world. Please answer the following questions in your blog.
1.Have you ever eaten in a restaurant in a foreign country? Where? What did you eat? Did you make any mistakes? Please explain your experience.
2. Did you learn anything?

Next class, December 21st, we will discuss the issues between Men and Women. Presentations: will be done by the Iran and Finland groups.
January 18th's topic is Education and School Systems. We will have a guest speaker. Presentations: Germany and Liberia.
January 25th is Reflections Class, we will play a card game and watch part of a movie. Blogs will be checked for the last time.
January 27th (Wednesday) The topic will be food! All groups must prepare a traditional food from their group country to share with us and present how to make it. YUMMY!
Alexis, will you make something Alaskan?

Class #8 Weddings

We talked and saw many international weddings and compared them with Japan.
Please answer the following questions in your blog:
1.Since Japanese weddings are expensive, do you think having a massive wedding like Korea or UAE is a good idea? Why?
2. What do you think about eloping? Is it a good idea or romantic? Why?
3. Have you ever thought about having a wedding in a foreign location like Hawaii? Would you do it? Why?Or Why not?
4.What is your ideal wedding?
5.What would you definitely do, wear or go to on that big day? Why is that important?
6. Have you ever been to a foreigner's wedding? What was your impression?

Next week is the reflections class and all blogs HAVE TO BE UPDATED BY THIS DATE!

Class #7 Superstitions

Last class we had a wonderful presentation by Camilla from Denmark. This was supposed to be 15 minutes, but after hearing her interesting information, we ran over time and did not get to finish our discussion about time and culture. I was surprised about the amount of fish and bread in their diet! Since we spent so much time listening about the food and culture of Denmark, please comment in your blog about Ms. Camilla's presentation. Which part surprised you the most? What kind of Danish food do you want to try?
For today's class, we talked about many superstitions in many countries. Today's homework is to answer the following questions in your blog.
1.Do you think it is important to talk about superstitions in cross culture communication class? Why?
2.Is communication affected by superstitions?
3.Do you believe in superstitions? If yes, what superstitions do you believe?Why do you do, use, or believe in them?

Next week's class is about weddings. If you have any pictures of weddings please bring them in to share with the class. Also, the Finland and Poland groups will have presentations on this topic.

Class #6 Time

Today your first Reflection grades will be returned to you. Most of you did very well. Some of you are still giving simple, vague answers. Please give reasons for your opinions. Also at the top bar of the new post screen is a button labeled ABC with a check. This is a spelling check option and I suggest all use it to correct their posts! Some students did not answer the comments on their blogs! This is also important! Everyone must read and comment on Alexis' blog!http://akaiccc.blogspot.com/ It is very good and is a great model for what I want in your answers!

Today's class is about the different concepts of time in different cultures. For homework, please answer the following in your blog:

1. Please explain a time proverb in your culture.

2. What do the following proverbs mean:

a. Time is money.

b. A stitch in time saves nine.

c. There's no time like the present.

d.Let's meet at 4. If I'm not there by 5, leave without me at 6, and I'll be there at 7.

Next class's topic is about superstitions. The groups for Germany and Egypt will be presenting. As preparation for the class, think of 2 superstitions that you believe in. Be prepared to tall the class why you believe in them!

Thank you His Excellency

Thank you His Excellency M. Bashir Ali Kurdi for a fascinating and informative class. The students and teachers at HJU appreciated this unique opportunity and learned a lot about the culture and people of Saudi Arabia. We hope you enjoyed speaking to us as much as we did listening to your answers to our questions. We welcome you to visit us again.

Class #5 Reflections and Special Speaker

I hope all of you are looking forward to today's special guest. All of your questions were good. We do not have time to ask all of them, so 13 of you were chosen to read their questions in class.
Would the following students please see Professor Klein or Alexis before class (Jimbunkan 401) to pick up their question card and question order number:
1. Madoka Shintani
2. Natsuki Watanabe
3. Yuko Sasaki
4. Chiemi Hirome
5. Juri Hatakenaka
6. Nari Shin
7. Mao Kawano
8. Chiho Yoshiki
9. Megumi Sera
10. Maho Ishida
11. Kumiko Sato
12. Misa Nakagawa
13. Maiko Emoto

You must give me your Reflections #1 paper today for grading. Next class we will be studying the concept of time in different cultures. No homework, see you November 9th.

Class #4 Friends

First, please remember we will have a very special guest speaker on November 2, next week! His Excellency, Mohamed Bashir Kardi, former Ambassador to Japan from Saudi Arabia will be speaking to us! After collecting your questions today, I will select between 5 and 10 of them. The classroom will change only for this class. Please go to Room in the Jimbunkan 401. We want to start at 1:00, DO NOT be late!
Blog homework must be finished / updated by November 2nd. Next week is our reflections class, please make sure you have all of your blogs updated and commented on at least 5 blogs per subject (Death and Funerals, Language of Clothes and Friends). Also, I have updated the student blog list page, check it out!

Class #3 The Language of Clothes

Today we discussed the language of clothes. After listening to the lecture and the meaning of colors in clothing, answer the following questions:
1. Do you judge people according to what they wear? Why?
2. Do you think Japanese society puts an importance on clothing when judging other people from another country?
3. What colors are you wearing now? Do they reflect your mood?

Next week we will discuss friends, please prepare by answering the following questions:
1. What are some subjects that you will never discuss with a friend?
2. Do you have different friends for different parts of your life? If so, how are they different to you? Do you talk about different things? Go to different places? Give me some examples.

Remember all homework in written in your blog!
Also, DO NOT FORGET we will have a very special guest speaker on November 2.His Excellency, Mohamed Bashir Kardi, former Ambassador to Japan from Saudi Arabia will be speaking to us! We need to ask the ambassador interesting and thoughtful questions. In addition to your blog homework this week, I will be collecting questions that you want to ask the Ambassador. Write these questions on loose leaf, with your name and hand them into me next class, October 26th. This IS HOMEWORK and will be graded.

Fall 2009 Blog List!

Here is the list of blogs for the Fall 2009 class. As of October 18, 2009. Start reading your classmates ideas and comments. Remember youhave to comment on at least 3 blogs per topic! If someone makes a comment on your blog, you have to respond to it on your blog. Have fun!

http://clo-clover.blogspot.com/
http://mame-mochi.blogspot.com/
http://pekochandays.blogspot.com/
http://soprani-uomo.blogspot.com/
http://fmx09.blogspot.com/
http://miruki-homework.blogspot.com/
http://charlie12345-charlie.blogspot.com/
http://love-maribu-pine-love.blogspot.com/
http://ringomikanblog.blogspot.com/
http://hop-step-jump-hop-step-jump.blogspot.com/
http://jyarujyaru-mugiwara.blogspot.com/
http://lemon-candy416.blogspot.com/
http://ohohoho-kang-fu.blogspot.com/
http://neverland-michael.blogspot.com/
http://877102.blogspot.com/
http://ajt-s-candy.blogspot.com/
http://berry-varies-very.blogspot.com/
http://marugotobanana--ichigomilk.blogspot.com/
http://carp-carproom.blogspot.com/
http://candy-cha-chann.blogspot.com/
http://becky-tt.blogspot.com/
http://luuvya.blogspot.com/
http://hemhem07-jall.blogspot.com/
http://cherry-blossom-spring.blogspot.com/
http://lovelygirl-applepie.blogspot.com/
http://chiken-chikenhappy.blogspot.com/
http://luvyamuah.blogspot.com/
http://x09a-justice.blogspot.com/
http://ailenoire.blogspot.com/
http://eriponpopopo.blogspot.com/
http://pink-pinkdays-pink.blogspot.com/
http://sun-sun-mi-yan.blogspot.com/
http://yapparimasashi.blogspot.com/
http://soudattara-iinonina.blogspot.com/
http://tottematopetto.blogspot.com/
http://mo082059.blogspot.com/
http://wwwsshhiikkii.blogspot.com/
http://mn082055.blogspot.com/
http://jennnnnnnnnnifer.blogspot.com/
http://5296diary.blogspot.com/
http://pankun-nap007.blogspot.com/
http://hkr-hkrakakkn.blogspot.com/
http://akaiccc.blogspot.com/ ( Alexis' blogpost, you must comment on this!)

Class #2 Death and Funerals

Last week I did not get a chance to finish the presentation on the Japanese concept of wrapping. Today I will finish this lecture, so you can complete last week's homework in your blog.
We are please to announce that the former Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Japan will visit our class November 2. Let's plan a really good class together! Details will follow later.
For this week's homework, please answer the following questions in your blog:
1.Death and Funerals:a. Do you have any international friends or a host family? If so, how would you express your condolences to them if a family member died? If not, then how would you express condolences to an American host family if their Grandmother died?b. Have you ever been to a foreign funeral?
2. The language of Clothes (preparation for next weeks topic):a.Why are Japanese designer label crazy? Why is what you wear so important?b.What does “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” mean to you?
Next class is October 19th. The theme is the "Language of Clothes". There will be presentations by the Iran and Egypt groups.See you then.

Class #1 Fall 2009

Welcome back!

There are 2 topics for homework. Both must be answered in your blog:
1. Reflecting about today's class:
Today we discussed the Japanese concept of "wrapping". Do you agree with the web site's description?What do you do that can be called "wrapping"? Give examples and reasons for your actions.
2. Preparation for the next class "Death and Funerals" Answer these questions in your blog;a. Where do you go when you die?b. Explain why do Japanese have death memorial services 1 month, 1 year, 3 years, 7 years, etc. after a person's death?

Class #14 Politics and Reflections

This is our LAST class. No Final. All of you worked very hard all semester!
For your homework, I want you to answer these questions:
The United Nations (UN) is the key organization to promote and maintain world peace between governments. For homework, research the UN in the library or on the Internet http://www.unic.or.jp/ . If you were working for the UN, which job would like to do using your English abilities? Why?
Since this is our last class, blogs must be updated and comments ( 5 for each topic) must be done by July 31st. Please let me know what blogs you commented on. This is also a sayonara to Garreth and Jennifer. Thanks for making our class more interesting with your ideas and perspectives. We all wish you the best of luck in your future studies. Please comment on this blog from time to time.
Take Care everyone and have a safe and happy summer. See you in the fall.
Susan Sensei

Class #13 Personal Spaces

Thanks to everyone that helped last week with the BBQ. I hope all of you got a chance to taste the food! The Bowling Green students were very happy to eat and chat with you.
Today we talked about personal spaces / proxemics. For homework answer questions 1-10 on page 18 of your textbook. Make sure you explain why you do it this way.
Remember the next and last class is Thursday July 23rd, at the regular time, 1:00 and the room is Sophia 103. We will NOT have a guest speaker to talk about politics. Blogs must be updated by July 31 and please comment on 3 blogs per topic (from the last reflections class, family life dating, work customs, personal spaces and politics)
Here is a cute comic about personal spaces:

Working with different cultures and special guest

After listening to Ms. Yano's presentation. What kind of work place do you think you will work best in? Choose a country other than Japan and research and explain 1 aspect of their business culture that is different than Japan. Do you think it is a good practice? Why?

Thanks for a great BBQ!

Thanks to all that helped to the BBQ for the Bowling Grees State University students. We all ate well and had a good time. Gareth and Jennifer did a great job preparing. Thanks to Nolin Sensei for cooking the burgers and hot dogs!

Also, Monday we will have a guest speaker, Ms. K. Yano from Visteon Corporation. Since we will have a guest speaker and guests in class, we will not have time for presentations. We will have 6 presentations on the July 13! Sorry about that! See you on Monday.

July 6th Class Needs your help!

Next class we are lucky to have students from Wayne State University. We plan to have a BBQ with them before class. We need your help! We need students to make Potato or macaroni salad, set up the BBQ, serve food, cook burgers and hot dogs (very easy), and clean up! I will give you credit for the CCC class. Here is the schedule

10:30 to 11:30 Some kind of English class
10:30 Gareth and Jennifer plus helpers set up BBQ, decorations, music, food etc.
11:30 to 1:00 Eating and such ( My CCC class is 50 students, plus morning English class= 80 people to prep for?)
1:00 to 2:30 Susan's CCC class
1:00 Gareth and Jennifer clean up with some student help.

Please help!

Class #12 Dating Practices

Today's homework is to make a pie chart of your ideal partner's characteristics and explain why these characteristics are important to you. Are you like the American women pie chart? Below is my chart, just click on it to see it better. I want you to give me at least 4 or more characteristics.

Interested in cross culture dating? Here is an advice article that looks interesting.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cross-Cultural-Dating&id=1075947

Another article on dating customs around the world is

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dating-Customs-Around-the-World&id=347594

Class #10 Family Life

I hope all of you enjoyed Ms. Ryoko Wood's interesting presentation. She has an interesting life experiencing both cultures and both family situations.
For homework please answer the questions in the textbook on page 14, section 4 a-f. Do not give one sentence answers, but explain them by giving evidence and examples.
I still have not hear from many of you as to what blogs you commented on. If I do not hear from you by this week you will be given a zero grade! There are too many students in this class and I really need your help on this! Thanks!

Class # 9 Expressing Feelings

Today we talked about how people from different cultures express feelings verbally and non-verbally. Even the words to express feelings are sometimes hard to translate!
For homework, you must update all blog homework by Sunday June 21 midnight for grading.
Also, to prepare for next week's speaker on family life, read page 14, think about the differences between Japan and this country!

School Bullying

First, we want to say thank you to Dr. Cowie for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk with us today. I think we all learned something from her discussion that we can apply to our lives. Here is some of the information she gave us:
1. Newspaper article from 1999. "Ijime: A Social Illness of Japan"
2. From the BBC News December 2006 "Japan's Deadly Bullying Problem"

3. Here is the 8 page article in Japanese, Dr. Cowie wrote titled "Understanding Why Children and Young People Engage in Bullying"

Remember, Dr. Cowie would really like to hear your comments on today's class. Please ask them by using the comment button for this post. You questions and comments are anonymous! Ask anything!

Class Number 7 Names and Addresses

In preparation for next week's class, please answer the following questions in your blog.

1.Are feelings, emotions and facial expressions universal across borders, happy, sad, etc..?
2. Try to name as many feelings as possible in Japanese. ( 10 minimum) Then, write the English translation.
3. Are there any feelings in Japanese that cannot be translated into English?

Don't forget to comment on other classmates blogs!

Class Number 6 Greetings

After today's discussions and presentations, answer these questions on your blog:
1. How do you greet members of your family? (mother, father, older brother, younger brother, grandparents, etc.)
2. How do you greet people that are important in society?
3. Do you greet people from the opposite sex in a different way?
4. Do you hug anyone? If yes, who and when. If no, why not?

Next week we will discuss Names and addresses, please prepare for this by analyzing your first and last name. Please write in your blog what each name and Chinese character means.
Presentations next week are going to be by Philippines and Nepal.

Class #5 Reflections

We have NO homework this week! All blogs must be updated by midnight tonight, May 18th. Some addresses have been updated and added. Please re-check these blogs to comment on.
Next week is greetings. " presentations by Kenya and Denmark will present on greetings in these countries. Don't forget your textbook!

Class Number 4 World Religions

Homework, read pages 4-7 in your text for next class.
Also, answer the following questions in your blog:
How do you greet people in your life?
Is it different for different people? How so and why?
Do you touch people when you talk to them? Why? Or Why not?

Blog List Spring 2009

Here are the class blogs! Comment on as many as you can. The more you comment the higher your score! Also, the more interesting you will make this class!

http://www.tongtong8806.blogspot.com/
http://sen-wherever.blogspot.com/
http://carp-carproom.blogspot.com/
http://ibunnkakomyunike-syonn.blogspot.com/
http://y9-y4--tu-to.blogspot.com/
http://pekochandays.blogspot.com/
http://kattongue.blogspot.com/
http://becky-tt.blogspot.com/
http://marugotobanana--ichigomilk.blogspot.com/
http://ohohoho-kang-fu.blogspot.com/
http://ajt-s-candy.blogspot.com
http://love-maribu-pine-love.blogspot.com/
http://5296diary.blogspot.com/
http://charlie12345-charlie.blogspot.com/
http://u-tangclan.blogspot.com/
http://luvyamuah.blogspot.com
http://minichel2.blogspot.com/
http://kimuchu.blogspot.com/
http://hidekiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.blogspot.com/
http://syukatsu-nante.blogspot.com/
http://moshi-moshi-kamesan.blogspot.com/
http://hemhem07-jall.blogspot.com/
http://luuvya.blogspot.com/
http://lovelygirl-applepie.blogspot.com/
http://alcoholicfrog.blogspot.com/
http://pino-world-1204.blogspot.com/
http://neverland-michael.blogspot.com/
http://lovedog-mydog.blogspot.com/
http://mame-mochi.blogspot.com/
http://clo-clover.blogspot.com/
http://anpanman-anpanman.blogspot.com/
http://road-to-shangri-la.blogspot.com
http://truthbeautybomb.blogspot.com/
http://miruki-homework.blogspot.com/
http://aseroraroom.blogspot.com/
http://chiken-chikenhappy.blogspot.com/
http://sh2424.blogspot.com/
http://kitty-lucky.blogspot.com/
http://berry-varies-very.blogspot.com/
http://mazda-chuck.blogspot.com/
http://kai13372.blogspot.com/
http://ailenoire.blogspot.com/
http://cherry-blossom-spring.blogspot.com/
http://minikyon.blogspot.com/
http://candy-cha-chann.blogspot.com/
http://soprani-uomo.blogspot.com/
http://hezykkk6541.blogspot.com/
Don't forget to comment on Gareth's blog, too!
http://gareth-ccc.blogspot.com/

Class #3 Buddhism

After hearing today's speaker. Please answer the following question in your blog:
How is your daily life affected by Buddhism? What do you do and why do you do it? Please give 5 examples and make sure you explain why you think you do them!

Next week no class! (Golden Week vacation)

See you in 2 weeks. Have a relaxing holiday.

Class #2 What is Culture? What is CCC?

Today we will NOT have a guest speaker! Sorry, he will come next week instead. Today we will discuss what is culture, communication and cross culture communication? For homework, read the newspaper for the next week and find an article that has to do with cross culture communication problems. Post the link to this article, summarize it in your blog in English. It can be an English newspaper (Japan Times, New York Times, Washington Post, Yomiuri, Asahi) or a Japanese newspaper. Just remember to summarize it in English in your blog!

Welcome to HJU Cross Culture Communication Class!

Welcome to the HJU Cross Culture Communication class. I hope you will learn a lot about your own culture and the cultures of other people around the world. Understanding is the key to accepting and I hope we can all become cross culture competent. This is the first blog of the new school year. Your homework today is to create your own blog for this class. Remember do not use your real name in the blog. When you have created it, please e-mail me (smmeiki@yahoo.com) your blog address and your name. I will keep the secret! I am happy to welcome you to this class.

Last Class Picture!

Thanks to Aiko for the great picture!

Homework Change!

Aiko told me that the Mainichi article was delelted from the web site. I checked and she was right. For those who got a chance to read it , great , do your comments on it. For those who did not read it, I found a similiar article. Please comment on that. Have a good vacation.

International food day and last class

I hope all of you have enjoyed the year or semester. Remember to update all of your blogs for grading by next Monday February 2nd. Thanks to Gareth for making the class interesting this semester. I hope he joins me for April CCC class! Here is my presentation about how to make chocolate chip cookies Have a good spring break and congratulations to the graduates!

Monika Sensei's power point presentation

For those that missed her great presentation, here it is. Please this is for private use only and only for the HJU CCC students. DO not reproduce or save this file. Look at the end of the speech. It has great web sites to help you remember words. Thank you Monika sensei for a interesting and helpful presentation!

Class #12 Education

Today, we are very lucky to have Monika Sensei visit us. I hope you enjoyed her presentation about the Hungarian education system. I also hope you are motivated to expand your language interests and abilities and learn another language. For homework, answer the following questions in your bog.

1. Do you think Japan should give more students options to study more languages (other than English) in Junior and Senior High School?
2. Read this interesting article about changing the way English is taught in High School. Do you agree with the this plan? What about Mr. Hamada's opinion that the university entrance exam needs to be changed? http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_321075.html

Next class is Wednesday, January 27 and our last class! This is the food class. Please remember to make ( or by) a dish that is traditional for the group you belong to. Expect 16 people to be eating. I will bring some ocha to drink, plates and hashi.

Class #13 Reflection Class

Saturday, I decided to switch the reflection class with the education class. Sorry about that! I hope you enjoyed the movie 'What Women Want' . Don't you wish that all men could read minds and really understand women? This is a good comedy with a good message. On your blog, please tell me how you felt about the movie and what were some of your favorite scenes.

Class #11 Men and Women

This is one of the most interesting classes for me.

This week's homework is to read an article from the Japan Times and give your opinion. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?ek20060110ks.htm
Do you agree or disagree with the author (who is Japanese). Please explain why in your blog.
Remember:
January 24 Saturday Topic: Education and Schools Presentation: Australia (Speaker will come on Monday!)
January 26 Monday Topic: Reflections Guest speaker: Professor Monika S. Blogs will be checked.
January 28 Wednesday Topic: Food All groups must prepare a traditional food from their group country to share with us and present how to make it.

Happy New Year! and Class #10 Table Manners

Welcome back to class! I hope all of you have had a good rest and ready to finish this semester with some interesting ideas and discussions.
Today we discussed table manners from all over the world. Please answer the following questions in your blog. Have you ever eaten in a foreign restaurant? Where? What did you eat? Did you make any mistakes? Please explain your experience. Did you learn anything?
We have a busy 2 weeks coming up. We have class:
January 22 Thursday Topic: Men and Women Presentations: France and Korea
January 24 Saturday Topic: Education and Schools Presentation: Australia (Speaker will come on Monday!)
January 26 Monday Topic: Reflections Guest speaker: Professor Monika S. Blogs will be checked.
January 28 Wednesday Topic: Food All groups must prepare a traditional food from their group country to share with us and present how to make it. YUMMY! Gareth, will you make something Hawaiian? Spam musubi?