HJU Cross Culture Communication Class: 2007

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Class #10 Table Manners

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?

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Ms. Azimi's Visit from UNITAR

I hope all of you enjoyed the talk by Ms. Azimi. I know some of it was difficult to understand. My advice is to go over her handouts and look up words you do not understand. She told all of you some very important information and advice. I hope to discuss her presentation next class. Here are some pictures

Monday, December 03, 2007

Class #8 Homework

First, we talked and saw many international weddings and compared them with Japan. Please answer the following questions in your blog:
Since Japanese weddings are expensive, do you think having a massive wedding like Korea or UAE is a good idea? Eloping? Having it in a foreign location like Hawaii?
What is your ideal wedding? What would you definitely do or wear or go to on that big day? Why is that important?

Also, next week we will have the Director of the UN HOAP office talk to us. Research about the UN and the HOAP office and prepare a question on loose leaf paper to hand in at the beginning of the class.

Finally, last reflections class admissions are now closed. Grades will be given out next week. Next class is the reflections class and all blogs HAVE TO BE UPDATED BY THIS DATE! No exceptions. Last homework dragged on toooooooo looooong!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Superstitions Homework

We talked about many superstitions in many countries, but do you think it is important to talk about them? Why?
Is communication affected by superstitions?
Do you believe in Japanese superstitions? If so, what superstitions, what do they mean and why do you do,use, or believe in them?

Next class is weddings, presentations by Philippines and Mongolia.

The Final Complete List

After much juggling and editing, here is the complete blog list!
Keep the comments coming and check them for lively discussions!
http://rolftheta.blogspot.com
http://sal7021lcaramel.blogspot.com/
http://runenight1986.blogspot.com/
http://loveccc.blogspot.com/
http://enjoystudying.blogspot.com
http://rinhan.blogspot.com/
http://thetwinkleofthestars.blogspot.com
http://hudepako.blogspot.com
http://carrie04green.blogspot.com
http://wwwrailstar.blogspot.com
http://crossculturecommunication.blogspot.com
http://ronrunron.blogspot.com
http://newbettle1107-mari.blogspot.com
http://bearscare57.blogspot.com
http://yoppy-days.blogspot.com
http://kotokotone.blogspot.com/
http://hatokichichan.blogspot.com
http://seaman-lovedancing.blogspot.com/
http://miffy-blackcat.blogspot.com/
http://moon-troupe.blogspot.com
http://chocolatechocomint.blogspot.com
http://coffeebreak87.blogspot.com/.
http://yummy-crossculturecommnication.blogspot.com/
http://krip-cultureofkrip-krip.blogspot.com/
http://mt062076.blogspot.com/
http://tensinhan.blogspot.com
http://rn062053.blogspot.com/
http://naa-log-blog.blogspot.com
http://king-log-blog.blogspot.com/
http://coffeebreak87.blogspot.com/　
http://humming-lalalalala.blogspot.com
http://bright-dark.blogspot.com/
http://sunny-side-up-egg.blogspot.com/
http://happycccghost.blogspot.com
URL:http://pastel-blog.blogspot.com/
http://boone-shannon.blogspot.com/
http://chirorikuume.blogspot.com/
http://happyccc.blogspot.com
http://nyaa-nyaa-nyaa-nyaa.blogspot.com/
http://haveagoodday0910.blogspot.com/
http://tulalup.blogspot.com
http://pineappleapple.blogspot.com
http://guchiworld.blogspot.com

Monday, November 19, 2007

Homework #4

Today we talked about time in different societies and the English words associated with them. For homework, answer the following question:

The English language has many proverbs and sayings about time.
1. Time is money.
2.A stitch in time saves nine.
3.There's no time like the present.
4. Fashionable late.

Please explain what you think are the meanings of each of the 4 expressions.

New Blogs to check out!

Here are some new blog addresses to check out when you make your comments
http://coffeebreak87.blogspot.com/
http://rn062053.blogspot.com/
http://guchiworld.blogspot.com/
http://loveccc.blogspot.com/
http://pineappleapple.blogspot.com/
http://rn062053.blogspot.com/
http://railstar.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to leave a comment on Rolf's blog
http://rolftheta.blogspot.com/

Monday, November 12, 2007

Blog Homework deadline

Due to the school festival and, when checking the blogs, lack of homework done, I will extend the deadline to November 18th (Thursday). Please, please finish all of your homework and post it on the blog. I want to start grading them since there are almost 50 of you!

Also, Hiroyo and Aya please see me after class together.
Mari N., Motoe, Yuki K. Hiromi Y., Yuko Y. Miki T. and Megumi A. See me too!

Additional blogs

The following blogs are to be added to the original list:
http://as062067.blogspot.com/
http://happycccghost.blogspot.com/
http://chocolatechocomint.blogspot.com/
http://rinhan.blogspot.com/
http://hudepako.blogspot.com/
http://hju-ym1109.blogspot.com

Don't forget to comment on their blogs too!

Sunday, November 04, 2007

No Blog addresses

The following students have not given me their blog addresses;
062059
062053
042023
062085
032115
012001

The following students have to change their names on their blogs to reflect NOT their real name! Please change it to a pen name!
062080
062051
062076
042025
062062

Thanks!
S. Meiki

Class Blogs Fall 2007

Monday, October 29, 2007

Homework #3

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.

Have a good week!
S.M.

Student Blogs

The following students have never contacted me with their blog address:

Ezuki Yoshimi Yuki Kato
Kyoko Nawata Yukari Omiya
Masami Nakashima Kae Oi
Motoe Ogawa Hiromi Yamamoto
Junko Oka Yuko Yamaguchi
Mari Nakashima Megumi Akagi
Hiroyo Shiwaku Aya Takamatsu
Yumiko Seta Mikie Oda
Yui Ogasawara Ryoko Niinaka

The following students have contacted me but some information is wrong or missing. Please see me after class:
Yurie Tsuru
Hiromi Togo
Miki Takiguchi
Aoi Sera
Asumi Kawamoto

Thank You!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Homework #2

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 consolences 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?

Good Luck!

Class Blogs

As of Sunday night (October 21st) I do not have blog addresses or names for the following students:
062089 042050 062082 042056
062080 042023 062052 042081
062059 062051 062071 062075
062068 062055 062057 062076
062058 062053 062067 062062
062060 07f004

Please get this done NOW!!!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Homework #1

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?

Welcome (back)

This is the first blog post for the HJU Cross Culture Communication class Fall 2007. The class is on Monday's from 1:00 to 2:30 in Sophia 104. I hope we can have a successful semester and enjoy learning about communicating with the world!
Susan Meiki
Instructor

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Last Class Survey

If you have some time, please answer the following questions in your blog. Your comments will help make the class better and more interesting for next semester or next year!

1. Concerning Religion:
a) Which religion discussed in class was the least interesting and why?
b) Which religion was the most interesting or changed your attitude? Why?

2. Looking back at all the other topics discussed, which one do you remember as being the most interesting whereby you learned a lot?

3. Which topic was least important to cross culture discussions?

4. Which speakers were most interesting and what did you learn?

Thank you for an enjoyable class! Good luck in America Alison, we enjoyed having your fresh opinions and ideas!
Susan M.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Politics and International Relations

Today's speaker talked about Japanese politics. We also heard about the USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia and India's governments. International relations (IR) is also important to understand how a government approaches living with the rest of the world. For your homework, I want you to answer these questions:

The United Nations (UN) is the key organization to promote and maintain world peace. Research the UN in the library or on the internet. If you were working for the UN, which job would like to have using your English abilities? Why?

Also, to prepare for the next Reflections class, please answer the questions for the questionairre at the site: http://www.itapintl.com/ITAPCWQuestionnaire.htm Print out the results and bring them to class. Do not fill in your address and use only your first name and e-mail address. You will need this to add to the discussion. Don't Forget!!!!!!

This is your last homework and needs to be completed by next class (August 30). Especially for seniors, your grades are due August 3rd! Don't forget to comment on at least 5 other classmate's blogs!

Have a good summer and I hope to see most of you next fall. For those completing this year course, thank you for your cooperation and interest. Take Care, Susan Sensei

Friday, June 29, 2007

July 2nd Class Update!

I was just informed that the speaker for July 2nd's class cannot come until July 9th! Since this is short notice, we will have the regular presentations as scheduled. July 2nd, "work customs" presentations by the Thailand and Italy groups. And July 9th, "Personal Spaces" presentations by Russia, Saudi Arabia and India. See you on Monday.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

June 25th Class Dating

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

Monday, June 18, 2007

JUNE 18th Class

CLASS IS CANCELLED TODAY!
I am sorry for this sudden cancellation. See you next week. We will talk about dating for next week's class topic.
Susan M.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

June 11th class

Do not forget to have your blogs updated for grading by midnight, June 10th. Next class is the reflections class. We will review what we have learned and apply them to cross culture situations. See you then.
Susan Meiki

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Family Life

Next week is our final topic of the first half of the semester. 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.

Also, next week we will have a speaker. Along with the speaker, the Saudi Arabia and Russia groups have presentations on the topic of family lives.

We have been checking the blogs on a weekly basis and have noticed that most of you have not commented on other blogs. This is also part of your homework. Please leave a comment on at least 3 blogs per topic. Your classmates will enjoy your comments. In addition, you should reply to comments left on your blog. This is proper blog manners!

Please see me after class!

The following students must see me to discuss their blog addresses.
R. Umeda
M. Izuwa
M. Fukushima
M. Nakashima

Also I need to talk to K. Yoshida and M. Yunaga

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Lesson 6 Names and Addresses

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Update your blogs.
Time is running out!!!!

Today's homework in preparation for next week's class:

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) Now write the English translation.
3. Are there any feelings in Japanese that cannot be translated into English?

Monday, May 14, 2007

Names and addresses

Next weeks class is about names and addresses. To prepare for the class, answer questions in the textbook on page 9 number 1,3 and 7. See you Monday.

Class Blogs

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Class #4 Islam

I hope you enjoyed today's speaker. Did her speech change your views of Islam? Please comment on this speech today in your blog. Also, for homework, read pages 4-7 in the text. To prepare for the next class, answer these questions in your blog:
1. How do you greet people in your life? Is it different for different people? Why?
2. Do you touch people when you talk to them? Why? Or Why not?

Don't forget! Russia and Turkey have their first presentations next class. Have a good week

Monday, April 23, 2007

Class #3 Buddhism

Buddhism and how it affects Japanese daily life.
Today we will have 2 kinds of homework (last week I forgot). Please answer these questions separately in yourt blog. Also, check the other blogs from time to time and write your comments in the other blogs about the answers to today's homework. Here are the questions:
1. How is your daily life affected by Buddhism? What do you do and why do you do it?
2. The next class will be about Islam. Check the newspapers for the next 2 weeks and find articles about Islam. How are they talked about? Do you feel negative or positive about Islam because of these articles? Summarize one article in English and post it on your blog. Try to keep a list of adjectives used to describe Islam. Remember to put the name of the newspaper, date and page of the article you summarized.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Class #2 What is CCC?

Today we discussed about Culture, Communication and Cross Culture Communication.
Here is your homework: During the next week, read the newspaper everyday and find 1 article that has to do with cross culture understanding or differences (English or Japanese newspaper). In your blog, note the newspaper, date, page (or web address), summarize the article in English and write why you think this is a cross culture situation.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Welcome to HJU CCC Class for 2007

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.

Monday, January 22, 2007