Representation of Cultural Values in Japanese Children’s Books

JPN4219.01
Course System Home Terms Spring 2026 Representation of Cultural Values in Japanese Children’s Books

Course Description

Summary

In this second-term Japanese course, students will explore Japanese cultural values and create digital books that reflect Japanese values. Students will read Japanese children’s books and watch children’s TV shows to examine how social and cultural values are portrayed and taught. Based on their analysis and understanding of Japan's social and cultural values, students will write their own digital storybooks, which aim to teach children about embracing cultural differences as a final project. Their digital stories will be read by Japanese children in local communities. Students will also continue to improve their language skills by learning about Japanese stories and engaging in discussions about narrative texts, where they will practice expressing and supporting their ideas and opinions. Additionally, approximately 60 new Kanji characters will be introduced. Conducted in Japanese. 

Learning Outcomes

  • ①. Analyze social and cultural values in Japanese children’s books and reflect on them from both objective and subjective perspectives.
  • ②. Embrace cultural differences.
  • ③. Raise valid questions about what they’ve observed and learned, and discuss their ideas in a culturally appropriate manner.
  • ④. Create their own digital books that help Japanese children learn to appreciate and embrace cultural differences.

Prerequisites

One term of Japanese or permission of the instructor.

Please contact the faculty member : iyoshida@bennington.edu

Corequisites

CSL Series

Instructor

  • Ikuko Yoshida

Day and Time

MO,WE,TH 8:30am-9:50am

Delivery Method

Fully in-person

Length of Course

Full Term

Academic Term

Spring 2026

Area of Study

Credits

5

Course Level

4000

Maximum Enrollment

10

Course Frequency

Once a year