• tohoku u

    Tohoku University
    Sendai, Japan

    Since its founding in 1907, Tohoku University has groomed generations of leaders by a “Research First” tradition, an “Open Doors” policy and working in the spirit of “Practice-oriented Research and Education.” It is not only known as the first university in Japan to admit female students in 1913, but also one of the first to welcome international students. Currently, more than 10 percent of our approximately 18,000 are international, spread across 10 faculties, 15 graduate schools and six research institutes.

    Our research achievements and social contributions led to us being one of the first three institutions to be conferred the status of a Designated National University by the Japanese government in June 2017, and in 2021, for the second year in a row, ranked Number One on Times Higher Education’s annual list of Japanese universities.

    Over the past decade since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011, Tohoku University has been contributed to the recovery and reconstruction of Japan’s devastated Northeast region. Believing that we can, and should, do more to address resilience and sustainability on a global scale, we have introduced a Green Goals Initiative, which is a commitment to further develop green technology, contribute to recovery and resilience, towards the creation of a green future society.

    Website: http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/english/

    VSE Season 2, 2021-22: Courses offered by Tohoku University


    Application Deadline

    Students must submit an application to the VSE Central Office before:
    Feb 28 2022, 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (UTC+8)


    Course Information

    Click on the course titles to reveal full course details:

    Number of Credits2
    Offering DepartmentInstitute for Excellence in Higher Education
    Course TeacherKAMIHITO TAKEUCHI
    Language of InstructionEnglish
    First Day of ClassApr 11, 2022
    Last Day of ClassAug 1, 2022
    Course ComponentLecture/Discussion/Group Work
    Mode of TeachingSynchronous
    Meeting TimeMon 0850-1020
    Time ZoneUTC+9
    Course DescriptionStudents in this course will learn to acquire the adaptability to the Japanese corporate community by understanding common social practice in Japan. The study style of this course not be the general academic lecture based style, but it will be the style of active learning and projectbased(Making EQ Video) learning focused on Japanese social customs, manners, and etiquettes required for prospective business leaders or global facilitators in the corporate society, both domestic and foreign.

    The course will be guided and instructed by the CEO of a headhunting agent company, who is a professional consultant with the experience of over 30 years in the fields of human resource (HR) management and Corporate Planning & Management at global companies in and outside Japan.
    Course-specific RestrictionsN/A
    Course OutlineTBA
    Points to Note for StudentsN/A
    Number of Credits2
    Offering DepartmentInstitute for Excellence in Higher Education
    Course TeacherCHIAKI SUEMATSU
    Language of InstructionEnglish
    First Day of ClassApr 11, 2022
    Last Day of ClassAug 1, 2022
    Course ComponentLecture/Discussion/Group Work
    Mode of TeachingSynchronous
    Meeting TimeMon 1030-1200
    Time ZoneUTC+9
    Course DescriptionThis course introduces students to the typical decision-making in Japan, especially in Japanese companies. The classes will cover not only the ways of Japanese decision-making but also those of the Western world. In contrast with these mechanisms, things peculiar to Japan will be highlighted. Japanese companies are famous for the consensus decision-making. What are advantages and disadvantages of the consensus decision-making? What have Japanese companies changed to the management board in order to alleviate the disadvantages? Is there any good way to reach a consensus easier? While answering these questions, the course will emphasize the things Japanese are most concerned about to illustrate the Japanese culture. Two main objectives of the course are to provide the knowledge of Japanese style discussions and to provide the basic skills of the facilitator who helps make the process of reaching a consensus decision easier.
    Course-specific RestrictionsN/A
    Course OutlineTBA
    Points to Note for StudentsN/A
    Number of Credits2
    Offering DepartmentInstitute for Excellence in Higher Education
    Course TeacherKIKUE YAMAMOTO
    Language of InstructionEnglish
    First Day of ClassApr 11, 2022
    Last Day of ClassAug 1, 2022
    Course ComponentLecture/Discussion/Group Work
    Mode of TeachingSynchronous
    Meeting TimeMon 1300-1430
    Time ZoneUTC+9
    Course DescriptionThis class provides an introductory theory and concept on interpersonal communication and intercultural communication. Through a participatory-based learning, you will have many opportunities to communicate with other students on topics, based on the textbook. You will learn basic tips and preferred attitude for a better communication. At the end, you will make a group presentation, where you apply your learning as you prepare with your teammates, and will get to acquire a sense of accomplishment and team-spirit.
    Course-specific RestrictionsN/A
    Course OutlineTBA
    Points to Note for StudentsN/A
    Number of Credits2
    Offering DepartmentInternational Strategy Office
    Course TeacherAKIYOSHI YONEZAWA
    Language of InstructionEnglish
    First Day of ClassApr 11, 2022
    Last Day of ClassAug 1, 2022
    Course ComponentLecture/Discussion/Group Work
    Mode of TeachingSynchronous
    Meeting TimeMon 1620-1750
    Time ZoneUTC+9
    Course DescriptionThis course is intended to generate a comprehensive understanding of the global context of universities in Japan and the world. Universities and higher education play an essential role in contemporary knowledge-based societies. At the same time, the characteristics of current universities are inevitably linked with the historical contexts, issues of access and equity, and the mobility perceived as brain gain/drain and brain circulation.
    The class covers the following topics;
    (1) historical origins and current trends of higher education in Japan and the world,
    (2) access, equity and finance in higher education in Japan and the world,
    (3) knowledge economy and higher education in Japan and the world, and
    (4) international dimensions in higher education.
    Across these topics, participants are expected to examine the role and value of universities in Japan and the world. This class provides a good opportunity to the international context of your university life.
    Course-specific RestrictionsN/A
    Course OutlineTBA
    Points to Note for StudentsN/A
    Number of Credits2
    Offering DepartmentInstitute for Excellence in Higher Education
    Course TeacherMINO TAKAHASHI
    Language of InstructionEnglish
    First Day of ClassApr 12, 2022
    Last Day of ClassAug 2, 2022
    Course ComponentLecture/Discussion/Group Work
    Mode of TeachingSynchronous
    Meeting TimeTue 1300-1430
    Time ZoneUTC+9
    Course DescriptionThe aim of this course is to discuss education in the world as a means to establish a deeper understanding of how your own identity developed and your understanding regarding differences and similarities between students from different backgrounds, in order to respect each other and live together peacefully in Japanese society.

    We will try to create a classroom environment, where students study with each other and each of our views is heard and taken into consideration. Your active participation in the classroom is expected.

    Regarding the contents, this course gives you the knowledge about the history and development of “International Understanding” in Japan and in the world through learning the policies of the United Nations Educational，Scientific and Cultural Organization. Based on the theory, we will discuss how to practice “Education for International Understanding” at school and university.

    Here is the outline of the course:
    1) Introduction
    2) History of Education for International Understanding
    3) Discuss: Is “Virtue” necessary to learn? Or is it learnt through living in society?
    4) Discuss: What should be taught and included in history textbooks?
    5) Discuss: Why education is important?
    6) Discuss: Is education effective for peace?
    7) Discuss: What and how should Education for International Understanding be taught? Reflect on your school life. What have you learned in education for international understanding? Was it effective?
    8) Discuss “Human Rights Education” and “Environmental Education” Are human rights education and environmental education related to education for international understanding?
    9) Discuss: “Peace Education” and “Gender Equality”
    10) Workshop from a Guest Speaker
    11) Prepare for Presentation
    12) Group Presentation
    13) Group Presentation
    14) Group Presentation
    15) Test (1 hour) or Report and Feedback
    Course-specific RestrictionsN/A
    Course OutlineTBA
    Points to Note for StudentsN/A


    The number of credits is shown as provided by the course offering university. The credit structure at the course offering university may be different from the one at your home university. Please contact the VSE Coordinator of your home university for credit transfer information.

    Course enrollment is subject to final approval from your home university and the course offering university.