SCOPE (Sustainability Co-Creation Programme)

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SOC300HA(社会学 / Sociology 300)
Japanese Society and Sustainability 3

Chuanfei WANG

Class code etc
Faculty/Graduate school SCOPE (Sustainability Co-Creation Programme)
Attached documents
Year 2023
Class code C3504
Previous Class code
Previous Class title
Term 春学期授業/Spring
Day/Period 月4/Mon.4
Class Type
Campus 市ヶ谷 / Ichigaya
Classroom name 市BT‐0701
Grade 1~4
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 展開科目/Disciplinary & Elective Courses
日本社会とサステイナビリティ/Japan & Sustainability

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Outline and objectives

This course provides students with a survey of various facets and challenges characterizing contemporary Japanese society. Topics covered range from class inequality, depopulation and aging society, food security, and disaster management and recovery, technology and social isolation, shortage of natural resources urbanization and rural challenges. It focuses on values, institutions, processes and patterns of social change against the background of history and tradition on the one hand, and on the other, how Japan is now taking actions in achieving sustainability in these terms.

Goal

By the end of the course, students will be able to understand in a comprehensive manner central issues underpinning contemporary Japanese society and develop a foundation for detailed and critical analysis of specific aspects from the perspectives of sustainability. Students will also practice academic analysis of various sustainability issues in the Japanese context through data collection and in-class discussions.

Which item of the diploma policy will be obtained by taking this class?

Among diploma policies, "DP3" is related

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 consists of lectures, discussions, in-class research, oral report and full research presentation. Instructor will lead each class session by giving a lecture on the topic of the day. Students are required to join several rounds of group discussions, research and presentations in each session. Students receive feedback and comments in class and university's online learning system. Students can also seek advice during office hour.

These are very basic. Students are always encouraged to think beyond the box, be creative, and be their own leader of their learning experience!

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。

Week 1[対面/face to face]:Course Orientation

Review syllabus

Opening lecture on Social Challenges in Japan

Week 2[対面/face to face]:"Diffusive" demand and "creative" demand

Learn about capitalism, materialism and class inequality

Week 3[対面/face to face]:Japan’s sustainable practices in addressing over production and class inequality

Research, discuss and present Japan's sustainable solutions on materialism and class inequality

Week 4[対面/face to face]:The twenty-first century paradigm and the role of information technology

Learn information explosion as a feature of contemporary society

Week 5[対面/face to face]:Japan’s sustainable practices in addressing challenges from technological advancement

Research, discuss and present Japan's sustainable solutions on information explosion and social network and isolation

Week 6[対面/face to face]:Vision 2050 to the rescue of a limited earth

Understand the earth is limited by its resources, energy, and various man-made pollutions.

Week 7[対面/face to face]:Japan’s sustainable practices in addressing the shortage of natural resources

Research, discuss and present Japan's sustainable solutions on the shortage of natural resources

Week 8[対面/face to face]:Finding a way out through creative demand I

Learn the role of innovation in capitalist production

Week 9[対面/face to face]:Japan’s sustainable practices in addressing
urbanization and rural challenges

Research, discuss and present Japan's sustainable solutions on industrial and agricultural productions

Week 10[対面/face to face]:Finding a way out through creative demand II

Understand the impacts that the increase of aging population and depopulation have made on Japanese society

Week 11[対面/face to face]:Japan’s sustainable practices in addressing aging and depopulating society

Research, discuss and present Japan's sustainable solutions on aging and depopulating society

Week 12[対面/face to face]:Toward the realization of a platinum society

Learn some solutions used to make a sustainable Japanese society

Week 13[対面/face to face]:Japan’s practices in making a sustainable society

Research, discuss and present Japan's practices in making a sustainable society

Week 14[対面/face to face]:Course conclusion

Students do presentations of critical analysis
of challenges and solutions covered in this course.

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

Although some work may take longer time, students will spend 4-5 hours on average every week on their assignments and work done outside of class, including reading textbook before and after each class, researching and collecting data for discussions and presentations.

Textbooks

Hiroshi Komiyama. Beyond the Limits to Growth: New Ideas for Sustainability from Japan (Science for Sustainable Societies) (English Edition). 2014

References

None

Grading criteria

1. In-class discussions ( including weeks 2,4,6,8,10,12) (4 x 6 times) 24%
2. In-class research and brief oral report (including weeks 3,5,7,9,11,13) (8 x 6 times) 48%
3. Final presentation of analysis report (week 14) 28%

Changes following student comments

Feedback is not available due to the change in instructor.