IGESSIGESS (Institute for Global Economics and Social Sciences)

Big Data is a rapidly developing field which is changing our world in ways which are still difficult to predict. Our first objective will be to gain an understanding of current trends, both positive and negative, from detailed studies of current news reports. Technical background will only be discussed where it is absolutely necessary for understanding the impact of Big Data on society and business. Our main objective is for each student to study those aspects of Big Data which can be expected to impact on the field in which they intend to work. For this reason, each student will be encouraged to make presentations and write reports, including a thesis, so that they can communicate what they are learning, and also so that students can learn from each other.

The goal is to help all students to reach a level of understanding of Big Data (including AI) that will be useful in their job hunting and future careers. This course is held in the belief that an understanding of Big Data and AI can directly translate into future salary raises and promotions, even for those whose work is not directly related to the development of Big Data related technology.

英語 / English

Active learning is central to this course. We will be constantly in discussion. Flexibility of thought and association (working in groups or individually) will be encouraged where meaningful, but always with the goal of helping each individual student to achieve their best. We will also regularly cover the international news regarding Big Data and AI, and all students will be encouraged to report on news stories, particularly from their own country.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[対面/face to face]：What is Big Data?

This will be an introductory lecture followed by a discussion.

2[対面/face to face]：Data privacy

Students should consider what data is being collected about them, and try to estimate the amount.

3[対面/face to face]：Data privacy

Students should investigate laws concerning data privacy in Japan and other countries.

4[対面/face to face]：Data privacy

Medical and Genomic Data: Lecture

5[対面/face to face]：Data privacy

Student group or individual work: Preparation of presentations relating to data privacy.

6[対面/face to face]：Data privacy

Student presentations (group or individual).

7[対面/face to face]：Impact of Big Data on Business

Students should work in groups or individually, studying the impact on their own field of interest.

8[対面/face to face]：Impact of Big Data on Business

Student presentations (group or individual).

9[対面/face to face]：Impact of Big Data on Business

Students should investigate laws concerning Big Data in business in Japan and other countries.

10[対面/face to face]：Project work

Students must decide whether to work individually or in groups, and also decide on a topic.

11[対面/face to face]：Project work

All groups/individuals must describe their topic to the class.

12[対面/face to face]：Project work

All groups must make a detailed presentation of their project’s current status.

13[対面/face to face]：Project work

Writing of reports.

14[対面/face to face]：Project work

Completion and submission of final reports.

All students should be checking the international news daily, looking for reports relating to Big Data and/or AI. If the report is specific to a language other than English, students should be prepared to give a summary of the news in class in English. This will require at least four hours of work outside of class per week.

No textbook will be required.

The field of Big Data is changing so rapidly that we will not have any fixed references. Instead, up-to-date references will be provided when appropriate.

There will be no examination.
Reports written for project work (every student must write their own report) will count for 50%.
Presentations made in class will count for 20%.
Homework assignments will count for 20%.
Class participation in discussions will count for 10%.

This course is for the benefit of the students, and student feedback will be expressly encouraged. Since the field of Big Data and AI is changing very quickly, it will be important to have the flexibility to make changes to the course, even on a weekly basis when appropriate. Student comments will be a vital consideration in making changes, since any changes must be motivated by the goal of helping students in their future careers. Those students who wish to learn about technical aspects, such as advanced usage of Excel or database software, will be encouraged to do so.

Students must always bring notepads and pens/pencils. It would be useful if students could bring their own laptop computers to class.