Discussion on Key Topics in Modern Japan

This course aims to develop the various communication skills (oral/aural skills as well as reading/writing skills) that participants need in order to function comfortably in everyday life situations using Japanese. It also provides opportunities to master more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary/expressions through practical application in both written and spoken contexts. Communicative tasks and activities, done in pairs or small groups, help participants gain confidence in using Japanese, and also prepare them for everyday interactions and beyond. We will explore some of the current topics and the backgrounds of them, for example, topics about the work style reform including remote work, technological advancement, and social issues like gender inequality that are talked much about in the Japanese media through class readings, discussions and personal research and presentations.