Video Connect
The video connect session with the Swedish
students was not only an excellent insight into Japanese cultural
understanding, but also showcased the contrasts between Swedish, American, and
Japanese cultural practices. By discussing these contrasting aspects, it was
easier to conceptualize everything we have studied.
The
subject of my small group discussion with Declan-san, Dan-san and Daniel-san
(the Swedish student), focused mostly on gender roles in Japan, America and
additionally, Sweden. Although Daniel’s microphone made it difficult to
understand him, it became clear that woman in Swedish society maintained
professional responsibilities, and did not adhere to the rigid roles that are
considered normalcy in Japan. Daniel taught us a lot about Swedish tradition
during out small group discussion.
Although
the Swedish students contributed a lot about their culture to the discussion,
they did not contribute many new topics regarding Japanese society. I am
interested in what they are learning in their course on Japanese culture, and I
am looking forward to the next video connect.
There
are a few things I would like to see happen in the next video connect that did
not happen in this connect. I think it would be interesting to hear more about
the Swedish course curriculum in order to see the focal points of their
cultural study. By noting what aspects of the culture they focus on, it may be
indicative of what values are most prominent in Swedish culture. I particularly
enjoy these video sessions because I am taking AS150 to gain further insight
into cultural understanding, and these sessions provide knowledge for more than
just Japanese cultural understandings. It is also interesting to hear the
Gettysburg College students reflections on the curricular studies during the
video sessions.
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