Course title
400064001
Comparative Culture

 TAKAHASHI Setsuko Click to show questionnaire result at 2018
Course description
This course is aimed to understand the fundamental theory of culture and to have discussion over the user-centered design. There is a wide range of definition of culture. If it is defined by the simplest terms, the culture is to be materialized and shared as knowledge or behavior within a group of people. Culture is emerged from verbal or written communication, as well as in the objects which are artificially created. All objects are materialized or influenced by culture. In other words, only the significance or necessities defined by each culture could be materialized as objects or tools. We will also learn user-centered design among different cultures. This course will be taught in Japanese.
After the class, class materials including Powerpoint and the recorded class video will be posted on Scomb or Microsoft Stream. More details will be provided during the first class.

（Depending on the condition of COVID-19 epidemic in the fall semester, the class might be given online via Zoom. The class communication will be two-way interaction using Zoom. The class link for Zoom, ID and password will be provided on Scomb.
Students must download the handouts posted on Scomb before each class starts.）
Purpose of class
The focus of this course is to understand how the design is influenced by culture. Students are to understand the design concept in different culture by comparison. Especially we are to learn that as times change, culture and also design will change even in the same group.In addition, we discuss the universal characteristics as human beings beyond cultural differences.
Goals and objectives
  1. To understand and explain the definition of culture.
  2. To understand and analyze culture behind the design.
  3. To understand the importance of creating tools and objects from various perspectives.
Language
Japanese
Class schedule

 Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Introduction: to understand the comparative cultural study Preparation and reviews by reading the syllabus, handouts and reference materials. 60minutes
2. Definition of culture Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
3. Transactions between people and things/ the theory of user-centered design (1) Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
4. The theory of user-centered design (2) Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
5. Elderly people in Europe and its design (1) Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
6. Elderly people in Europe and its design (2) Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
7. Disabled people in Japan and its design (1) Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
8. Disabled people in Japan and its design (2) Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
9. What is gender?/ Gender difference in culture and design(1): gender roll and gender equality. Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
10. Gender difference in culture and design(2): what is SOGI? Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
11. Children in Europe and Japan (1) Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
12. Children in Europe and Japan (2) Preparation and reviews by reading handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
13. What is the culture in design? Preparation and reviews by reading the syllabus, handouts and reference materials. 200minutes
14. Final exam and Review（definition of culture and user-oriented design in various culture.） Preparation for the final exam. 200minutes
Total. - - 2660minutes
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

 short essay final exam Total.
1. 15% 20% 35%
2. 15% 20% 35%
3. 10% 20% 30%
Total. 40% 60% -
Evaluation method and criteria
40% of your final grade will be consisted of a short essay in each class, and 60% by the final examination. Student must earn at least 60 points out of 100 to pass this course.Grading will be decided based on the quality of a short essay in each classes and the final exam. On the final exam students will be expected to explain the definition of culture, and to describe user-oriented design in various culture.

(The class might be given online via Zoom, depending on the condition of COVID-19 epidemic in the fall semester. After each online class, the essay topic will be posted and the submission for essay will be via Scomb. The final examination will be online via Scomb. )
Textbooks and reference materials
Handout will be distributed in each class. Also handout, additional resources, and related web site links will be shared via Scomb. Reference materials will be introduced in the classes.
Prerequisites
Students are expected to read the syllabus carefully.
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • There will be time for questions during or after the class. Contact by e-mail is also available.
    The answers will be shared during next class.
Regionally-oriented
Regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
Active-learning course
More than one class is interactive
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
N/A N/A
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
  • 5.GENDER EQUALITY
  • 10.REDUCED INEQUALITIES
  • 16.PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Last modified : Sat Mar 19 00:25:36 JST 2022