Week 3: The Japanese Mind (3 days)
Estimated Time: 1 hour per day for 3 days.
One way to improve your writing is to read great essays. You will read essays about Japan in each unit of this study.
Another way to improve your writing is to write more. You will spend time during each unit free writing and writing essays on the discussion questions from The Japanese Mind.
Day One
Read:
- In The Japanese Mind, read the essay titled "Aimai: Ambiguity and the Japanese" on pages 9-14.
Write:
After reading, discuss the "Exploring Japanese Culture" questions with your teacher. Pick one of these questions and complete a 10-15 minute freewrite on the topic.
Learn:
If you are unfamiliar with Freewriting, learn more here:
The Freewriting Rules That Will Inspire A Reluctant Writer
'How did you get him to write? He never writes for me at home.' This and a few other questions and comments similar to it were directed at me at our last enrichment classes. At first, I demurred because that's what we Southerners do. Then I realized they were serious.
Day Two
Read:
- In The Japanese Mind, read the essay titled "Haragei: An Implicit Way of Communicating in Japan" on page 103.
Write:
After reading, discuss all questions with your parent or teacher.
Once again, choose one of the questions to explore further. Complete a 10-15 minute freewrite on the question of your choice.
Day Three
Write:
Now choose one of your freewrites to edit and turn into an essay. You may need to do more thinking, complete some research, write more and organize your thoughts. Aim for at least 3 paragraphs unless your parent/teacher establishes different standards.
When you are finished, share your essay in the comments below!
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