Hokkaido Summer Institute 2023: Cognitive Science: Frontiers in Cultural Psychology 2023 held

From July 3 to 7, the Hokkaido Summer Institute (HSI) 2023 course “Cognitive Science: Frontiers in Cultural Psychology 2023” was offered by the School of Humanities and Human Sciences.

This course featured the guest lecturers Professor Takahiko Masuda from the University of Alberta, Canada, and Associate Professor Sawa Senzaki from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, USA, who collaborated with Professor Masaki Yuki from the Laboratory of Behavioral Science in the Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences. This intensive course, now in its eighth year, offered students the opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge cultural psychology.

The course was attended by 20 students: 18 from Hokkaido University and two from other universities. The students and teaching assistants (TAs) hailed from various countries—Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Thailand, the UK, and the USA—creating an ideal environment for the study of cultural psychology.

Professor Takahiko Masuda spent his undergraduate years at Hokkaido University. He now serves as a Hokkaido University Partner, contributing to the university’s globalization.

Associate Professor Sawa Senzaki earned her Ph.D. in Professor Masuda’s laboratory at the University of Alberta.

Professor Masaki Yuki, the host lecturer, ensured that the classes ran smoothly.
Lunch meeting

The course examined the differences in behavioral patterns between people from North American and Central Asia and those from East Asia, including Japan. It also explored the cultural differences and psychological mechanisms behind such differences, and what is necessary to bridge these differences to enhance skills in intercultural coexistence and communication. These intensive lessons, which included various examples and collaborative student work, enabled students to acquire cutting-edge knowledge in cultural psychology.

In the classes, students engaged in group discussions for each unit and presented the outcomes. The self-introduction session on Day 1 and the lunch meeting on Day 2, along with other interactions among students and between students and staff, gradually fostered a relaxed atmosphere, making discussions increasingly lively.

University of Alberta and Hokkaido University who served as teaching assistants (TAs). These approachable TAs actively addressed student questions and concerns.

The vibrant discussions over the course of five days enhanced mutual understanding among the students, leaving everyone appearing fulfilled at the end of the course.