Food Culture: Norway

When you think of Norway, what kind of food do you think of? Well, watch a Norwegian cooking show HERE and you'll learn how they make smoked fish and nettle stew outside and next to a fjord!

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After you watch, please answer ONE of the following questions:

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1. In this video, what food was similar to your country's food? What was different?

2. What is your favorite food? Do you know any of the history behind it?

3. What is the most interesting or oddest food you have ever tried? Would you recommend it?

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If you're interested, there is a restaurant in Kichijoji that serves Scandinavian food. It's called Allt Gott. Check it out!

Try cooking something yourself! Here are some recipes (in Japanese).

Or you can order Norwegian food and drinks and other goods online HERE.

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First Reports due 6/1

Written Report
1-2 pages typed
references

Oral Report
2-3 minutes speaking (you may use an outline, but don't read your report)
2-3 minutes discussion with the group

Send me an email if you have any questions!
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Cults

In common usage, "cult" has a negative connotation, and is generally applied to a group by its opponents, for a variety of possible reasons.

Examples of cults can include religious and non-religious groups. For example, the following groups have been called cults by their opponents:
Amway (a business), the Branch Davidian’s (a Christian group), Aum Shinrikyo (a mixture of religions), therapy groups (Synanon), and military organizations (Symbionese Liberation Army).

Think about these questions then answer ONE in the comments:

1. What do you think is the difference between a cult and other groups?

2. What is a cult that you know of? What do you know about them?

3. Why do you think people join cults?
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Youth Culture in Aging Societies

In these countries, more than half of the population is over 40 years old and their populations are shrinking (getting smaller):

Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Poland, Spain, Ukraine, Italy, Cuba, Austria

As a nation gets older and produces fewer young people, the youth culture has less and less influence on society. This can cause frustration and hopelessness among young people.

Think about all of these questions then answer one of them in the comments.

1. What kinds of problems are caused by aging societies?

2. What kinds of problems are caused by shrinking populations?

3. Why do you think young people feel frustrated in these aging and shrinking societies?

4. What can be done to improve the situation for young people?

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Managing Stress

Next class we will be looking at how people in Britain are trying to make their offices less stressful. We will discuss different aspects of stress and think of ideas about managing stress in our lives.

In the comments, please answer one of the questions:

1. What causes you the most stress in your life?

2. Do you have any good ways to handle stress?

3. Are there any situations where stress is good?

4. What countries do you think have the most stressed-out people? What countries have the most relaxed people?

Lying

Next class we will talk about lying (not telling the truth). Please think about ALL of the questions below. Then, choose ONE question and write your answer in the comments.

1. Sometimes parents lie to their kids. Can you think of any examples? Why do parents do this?

2. Sometimes adults lie to each other. Can you think of any examples? Why do we do this?

3. Can you think of any examples when lying is better than telling the truth?

Neighbors Poll

Your neighbor is a middle-aged yakuza member.

• I'd have absolutely no problem with him.
• It wouldn't bother me much.
• I'd rather not have him as a neighbor.
• I definitely don't want him as a neighbor.

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Your neighbors are a young couple from Nigeria.

• I'd have absolutely no problem with them.
• It wouldn't bother me much.
• I'd rather not have them as neighbors.
• I definitely don't want them as neighbors.

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Your neighbor is a 35-year-old homosexual Japanese male.

• I'd have absolutely no problem with him.
• It wouldn't bother me much.
• I'd rather not have him as a neighbor.
• I definitely don't want him as a neighbor.

View Results
Create a Blog Poll