Course Description: This course gives students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Japanese language and culture from the perspective of social justice and responsibility through their community service. Students develop advanced level communication skills through discussions, reflection essays, and presentations. Taught in Japanese. (Prereq: JAPN 300 or equivalent with a C- or better)
Course Narrative: Through this course we become immersed in the local community in Seaside and become part of the CPY program to help at risk children stay off the streets through after school Japanese language and culture lessons. As a group of 4-5 people we created lesson plans and taught elementary and middle school students various aspects of Japan, then we reflected on our experiences and in class readings. I'm sure this is true of pretty much everyone that took this class, past and future, the hardest part of the experience was learning how to properly manage a classroom full of 2nd to 5th graders. They're so full of energy and their minds are like sponges, absorbing everything that we gave them. It was an amazing experience to be able to give them a glimpse of what is out there into the world. One of my favorite moments from the class is when we were giving a brief lesson on the geography of Japan. Most of the students in class thought that Japan was located somewhere inside of China. We quickly got a globe so we could show them where Japan is as well as where China and the United States are in relation. We were also able to teach them about Japanese culture and foods that were Japanese as well as dispel foods they thought were Japanese. We got to teach some of the basic Japanese phrases and cultural aspects that we have been learning throughout our time at CSUMB as Japanes language and culture majors. I want to use the skills and experiences I've gained from this service learning class for my future goal of becoming a Japanese language teacher.
This course covers MLO1 andUpper Division Service Learning