IGESS (Institute for Global Economics and Social Sciences)

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教養ゼミⅠ(Liberal Arts Seminar I)

James LASSEGARD

Class code etc
Faculty/Graduate school IGESS (Institute for Global Economics and Social Sciences)
Attached documents
Year 2022
Class code F1981
Previous Class code
Previous Class title
Term 春学期授業/Spring
Day/Period 火3/Tue.3
Class Type
Campus 市ヶ谷
Classroom name 各学部・研究科等の時間割等で確認
Grade 2-4
Credit(s) 2
Notes
Open Program
Open Program (Notes)
Global Open Program
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers (Notes)
Class taught by instructors with practical experience
SDGs CP
Urban Design CP
Diversity CP
Learning for the Future CP
Carbon Neutral CP
Chiyoda Campus Consortium
Category General Education Courses/総合教育科目
Global Open Program/グローバルオープン科目
Faculty Sponsored Department

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Outline and objectives

This intermediate to advanced course examines various aspects of Japanese society (education, economy, immigrants, etc.) using mostly materials written by non-Japanese writers. The purpose of the course is to enable students to think deeply about important societal issues that affect them and to give students the opportunity to discuss them in English.

Goal

This intermediate to advanced English course (Level 4) examines various important issues in modern Japanese society. Students will learn about different societal problems facing Japan and to give their own opinion in English.

Default language used in class

英語 / English

Method(s)(学期の途中で変更になる場合には、別途提示します。 /If the Method(s) is changed, we will announce the details of any changes. )

This course is conducted entirely in English. English readings (newspaper and magazine articles) on Japan written by mostly foreign writers, as well as other media, will be assigned prior to every class. Class sessions may include lecture, comprehension check, small and large group discussions, group debates and a final presentation by students.
Feedback to students is provided on written work as well as during class.

Active learning in class (Group discussion, Debate.etc.)

あり / Yes

Fieldwork in class

なし / No

Schedule

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]:Introduction: Defining Quality of Life and Happiness

Self-introductions, course explanation, placement test

2[対面/face to face]:Japanese university education and student ability

Reading and discussion

3[対面/face to face]:The economy, careers and the job hunting of University Students

Reading and discussion

4[対面/face to face]:Gender issues: exploring the low birthrate in Jaapn

Reading and discussion

5[対面/face to face]:Gender Part II: the role of women in Japanese society

Reading,discussion and debate

6[対面/face to face]:Multicultural Japan: accepting foreign immigrants

Reading and discussion

7[対面/face to face]:Immigration in Japan (II)

Reading and discussion, and debate

8[対面/face to face]:Mid-semester Review

Midterm Essay due.

9[対面/face to face]:School education related Issues

Review of writing assignments

10[対面/face to face]:Educational Issues:Conformity and Ijime

Readings and discussion

11[対面/face to face]:School education: the struggle for foreign language aquisition

Reading, discussion & debate

12[対面/face to face]:Various topics

Students presentations and feedback

13[対面/face to face]:Nationalism in Japan

Final papers submitted

14[対面/face to face]:Course wrap up: Pursuit of happiness and life satisfaction

Hand back final papers

Work to be done outside of class (preparation, etc.)

Readings must be done prior to class sessions. Students are responsible for looking up unfamiliar vocabulary and preparing answers for discussion questions.
University guidelines suggest preparation and review should be around an hour a week for a one-credit course

Textbooks

No required textbook. Reading materials will be provided by the instructor.

References

Students should have a good English-Japanese dictionary either in paper or electronic format to use both in and outside of class.

Grading criteria

Students will be evaluated partly their willingness to express themselves in both spoken and written English.
Class Participation: 30%
Midterm essay and Final report: 60%
Presentation (not graded): 10%
Attendance Policy: Students can miss no more than three classes per semester without a good reason (illness, emergency, etc). Coming to late class more than twice=one absence.

Changes following student comments

Students should have some prior experience writing essays and/or reports in English, Students will be doing short debates in groups.

Equipment student needs to prepare

Students should have a good dictionary (paper or electronic) and a file folder for keeping handout materials and notes.

Others

Students are allowed up to 3 unexcused absences. One more absence may be permitted if verification is provided.(job hunting, etc)
In general, auditing the course (聴講) is not allowed and students must register for course credit Students may choose to audit the course after receiving approval from the instructor.
International (ESOP)Students are also welcome to enroll in this course if they have sufficient English proficiency.