Language, Power and Discrimination

The focus of this course will be on how (often discriminatory) ideas about power, language and race are used to maintain or break power relations. This course is aimed at international students as well as Japanese students who have studied abroad or who want to study abroad. The course will be taught in English. Anyone interested in the topic is welcome. Students will be asked to actively participate in classes and give their opinions on the topics covered each week. At the end of each class, students will be asked to write a short reflection paper about the topic of the class. Students will also have the opportunity to give a presentation during the semester, as well as share a review of a film watched in class.

The purpose of the course is to deepen students understanding of discriminatory ideas, especially those ideas related to language, power and race. At the end of the course, students should be aware of some of the issues surrounding race, language and access to power, and be able to explain at least one example from their own country.

All classes will include opportunities for students to discuss and share information with one another. During the last 10 minutes of each class, students will be asked to write a short reflection paper about the topic covered in the class. From week 9 onwards, students will have the opportunity to share examples of current or historical discriminatory practices or ideas from their own countries. There will then be a chance to discuss the examples in more detail. Active participation in class is encouraged. In addition, towards the end of the semester students will be asked to watch a film and prepare a review of the film to share with classmates during the final class.

Students will be expected to prepare a presentation and a film review during the semester.

Students will be asked to write short reflection papers during the class, at the end of each class. The professor will provide written feedback to the reflection papers. In addition, oral feedback will be provided during the class discussions.

Students are expected to read given excerpts or chapters before class. Students are also expected to prepare a presentation about an example of discrimination in their own country. In addition, students are expected to prepare a final film review of the film watched in class Students are also expected to review the class content outside of class.

Participation 20% Presentation 25% Film Review 25% Reflection papers 30%

Textbook not required