The Japan-Canada Academic Consortium Student Forum

Professor Angel Figueroa

In this session, students will learn some key points in the history of Canada- Japan relations while investigating societal challenges relevant to both countries. Students participate by note-taking during two brief lectures, by discussions before and after the lectures, and by workshopping through collaborative tasks to consolidate the learning objectives of the session. Some required reading and advance preparation will be necessary. Topics to be covered and compared between both countries include approaches to immigration, issues affecting economy, and challenges related to climate change.

Professor Tricia Fermin

Political engagement is a crucial element in healthy democratic systems, particularly as a means of attaining and preserving equality. This session looks into how the social construction and performance of gender either promote or limit political engagement and, consequently, the rights and opportunities given to certain groups of people in a society. Comparing cases from Canada and Japan, students will examine ways women and minorities are marginalized in the political arena, as well as reflect on what can be done to better advocate equality among genders.

Professor Koichi Haga

This session will help students understand the geological conditions of the Japanese archipelago in relation to the history of its cultural production and find out how Japanese literary writings sublimate the sudden encounter with natural disaster and people’s irresolvable emotion into their works. First, we are going to have an overview of the relationship between natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, and disaster literature. Then, some of the important literary works that depicted or imagined the Great East Japan Disaster will be examined, including a contemporary Canadian novel.

Professor Yuka Kawano and Professor Brett Collins

This session will help students understand culturally specific volunteer activities related to Canada and Japan. Students from both countries will share their knowledge and experience of volunteering and community involvement, and how service to others can help shape academic careers. Students will share types of activities (e.g., social actions, such as food bank work) specific to their country. Students will discuss how to identify social issues and possible solutions through volunteering. We hope that this exchange will further motivate students to continue their community involvement throughout their lives.