This course aims to develop advanced Japanese communication skills while examining a number of current issues and changes that are taking place in the Japanese society. Topics will include, but not limited to, poverty, gender, identity, and social structure. Students will examine a wide variety of resources such as newspaper articles, online publications, magazines, and news broadcasts, through which to learn and analyze these social phenomena. At the same time, we will examine and discuss what sorts of measures the Japanese government is taking or could take to cope with these changes. Advanced grammar, reading and writing strategies, and professional presentation skills will be integrated into the course work.