PSY3621

During this class we will travel to the two main regions of Japan, Honshu, and Oki-Shoto. Students will deepen their knowledge of Japanese culture, consider lifespan development within the context of family and examine rituals and traditions within the context of family. To understand these traditions, students will apply their deepening knowledge of the culture. From a lifespan development perspective, we will plan to study some of the common developmental processes that occur, emphasizing individual and family development. Finally, we will explore family traditions and rituals in Japan including: (a) what function they serve; (b) what factors are associated with tradition adherence; and (c) influences outside (e.g., nuclear war) or inside (e.g., parental mental illness) the family that may promote or interfere with these traditions. No Japanese language knowledge is required.