In addition to the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures, the student demonstrates a general knowledge of a socio-cultural group other than a Hispanic one or mainstream American culture. The student develops a basic understanding of the ways of thinking (ideas, beliefs, attitudes, values, philosophies), the behavioral practices (patterns of social interactions) and the cultural products – both tangible and intangible (for example, art, history, literature, music) – of the second culture.
In the JAPN 310 Japanese Cinema class we got to learn about the different aspects of the Japanese Culture through cinema. I learned the the Japanese emphasize the importance of occupations and business in general. I learned that the Japanese respect their elders in a not dissimilar way to the Spanish culture. The Japanese have great pride when it comes to their rich past. When they celebrate certain festivals they still dress up in their traditional costumes. The education system is highly important to their society. Speaking about the Japanese school system, I was truly amazed when I found out school students have to clean up their school to teach them life lessons. I give kudos for this interesting cultural difference. The United States should strive to offer a similar system because some Americans would greatly benefit from taking responsibility for their actions, in this case picking up after them selves. Plus I don't find it fair for a custodian to pick up after disrespectful brats. This way students will think twice before not only littering their campus but their communities. This modifies a persons behavior in a rather positive ecological manner.