Summary: From 09:50 to 10:10, I will begin by introducing myself. Class participants will create a name badge for themselves, which will help us remember each other’s names more easily. Then, we will have an orientation to the course, where you will learn what you will be able to do by the end of the course based on the course handbook and website. Then, we studied and discussed the layers of diversity of a person’s personality, language, and culture. You also learned more about your classmates and me.

I. The Diversity Wheel: Visualizing Personality, Language, and Culture (10:10 to 10:40)

Personality, Language, and Culture Vocabulary Exercise: These vocabulary terms in this wheel were designed initially by Marilyn Lowden and Judy Rosener, modified by Lee Gardenswartz and Anita Rowe, and adapted by Empovia.

I. Instructions: Please study the vocabulary terms as best as you can. If you are familiar with terms such as ‘age’ or ‘job,’ you do not need to include the words and definitions in the worksheet accompanying this webpage. Only study and write vocabulary terms and definitions that you somewhat understand, but would like to confirm their meaning. Also, note terms and definitions you completely do not understand in English, as well as those in English to English, English to Japanese, or both translations. It is your choice depending on your level of English skills and the time you have to prepare for the class.

Vocabulary Terms You Understand Somewhat (but are not confident using or are not 100% sure of the meaning)

1). Vocabulary Terms Definition (in English, Japanese, or both; your choice)

2). Vocabulary Terms You Do Not Understand at All

Vocabulary Terms Definition (in English, Japanese, or both; your choice)

II. Features of Culture: Everyone has a culture. It shapes how we see the world, ourselves, and others (10:40 to 11:20)

II. Features of Culture: This lesson is adapted and based on Paul D. Coverdell’s publication “Building Bridges: A Peace Corps Classroom Guide to Cross-Cultural Understanding.” The publication is free and downloadable for educational purposes, such as classroom use. The Building Bridges Classroom Guide provides classroom activities related to culture. Paul Coverdell was a Peace Corps Director and US Senator, and the publication was sponsored by his Worldwise Schools and the National Geographic Society.

Enduring Understanding: Everyone has a culture. It shapes how we see the world, ourselves, and others.

1) Discussions: In this section, there are whole-class discussions about the differences related to culture, beliefs, and ways of living, as well as the things we have in common, such as our basic needs and our cultural self-introductions.

An example of a cultural self-introduction: My name is __________. I’m good at puzzles, but I am not so good at math. I like sushi, but I don’t like wasabi.

You can introduce what you would like other people to know.

2) Instructions for  Worksheet #1: Features of Culture

A. Please complete the worksheet by filling in an explanation for each feature of culture. For each feature of culture, please think about and write down in the country where you were born. You can take notes on another piece of paper or electronic notes if you like.

B. Group Discussion: In your group, please use the following questions to discuss the five features of culture. You have 20 minutes to think about and take notes on the questions before the group discussions in the spaces provided in the workbook:

1. Celebrations: What kinds of celebrations are important in your family? In your country?

2. Greetings: How do you generally greet people you don’t know?

3. Beliefs about hospitality: How do you show hospitality in your community? In your school? In your home?

4. Family Role: Is there an age at which you celebrate an important event in your life?

5. Attitudes about personal space and privacy: How important is it to have your own space and privacy?

C. Essential Period 1 & 2 Discussion Questions with your group (time permitting):

1. Why is it important to understand culture?

2. How does culture shape the way we see the world, our- selves, and others?

3. How does my culture shape me?

11:20 to 11:35 Short Break