From the Death Penalty to Terrorism: Using Japan to Teach Hot Button Issues

30-hour professional development course for grade 6-12 educators in cooperation with the NYC Department of Education

Monday-Friday, August 3-7, 2009 (5 days), 9 am-4 pm

Discussing "hot button" issues such as terrorism, war crimes or abortion often yields more heat than light, as students bring strongly held emotions with them. However, discussing these same issues in a "foreign" context often creates powerful learning experiences, helping students to analyze these issues, appreciate multiple viewpoints, and ultimately understand them better. Whether a domestic attack on a crowded subway system or coming to terms with atrocities committed during war, these issues have dramatically and viscerally influenced contemporary Japanese history and culture. As a modern, industrial nation, Japan’s experiences hold many parallels to those of the United States. This course explores these important issues in a Japanese context, introducing techniques ranging from the creation of document-based questions to simulations, and addressing the specific needs of the ELA and Global Studies curricula. It will also be useful for teachers who wish to find new ways of approaching important but often difficult-to-discuss issues.

Tuition:
Non-credit $125; 3P credit $200 (starting June 1, register for 3P credit at https://www.nycenet.edu/aspdp).
Both credit and non-credit participants must fill out the Japan Society Registration Form (PDF).

Lunch will be provided, and tuition includes all materials. For more information, please call Education Programs at (212) 715-1275.

International transportation is supported by