Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
50554:[2025 Fall]Foundation Course to Policy Science Ⅶ (P) 2025 Fall Fri4 College　Of　Policy　Science TAKAHATA YU 2

Campus

OIC

Class Venue

AS451

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This course focuses on Natural science, especially Ecology (including animal ecology and urban ecology).
We are now living in a unique era, that is Anthropocene. This term was suggested because human activities strongly impacted ecosystems and biodiversity. This also threatens human well-being, so we need to think about the relationship between nature and humans. In this course, I introduce the essential components of ecosystems, wildlife (behavioral ecology), and ecology in urban environments. The course will consist of lectures, group discussions, and some activities (e.g., fieldwork, watching a movie, and presentation).

Student Attainment Objectives

After taking this course, students will be able to
1. understand essential components of ecology and wildlife
2. understand the concept of Anthropocene and get own idea about it
3. think about the appropriate relationship between humans and wildlife in urban environments

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1

 Introduction

【+R-Jugyo】Information for “+R-Jugyo” will be posted on manaba+R.

2

What is the ecology?

3

What is the biodiversity? Why is this important?

4

How to survey local ecosystems

Introduction to the use of camera trap

5

Evolution and adaptation

6

Behavioral ecology

7

Checking camera trap data/ ecosystem service

8

What should we do in this Anthropocene?

We will watch "A Life on Our Planet" form David Attenborough

9

Anthropocene/ Urban ecology

10

Fieldwork on the campus wildlife

11

Could we coexist with wildlife in urban environments?/ Explanation for the final presentation

12

Introduction of research about urban squirrels/ Preparing for the final presentation

13

Final presentation by students (1)

14

Final presentation by students (2)

Class Format

Classes on Face to Face basis,

Recommendations for Private Study

Students are expected to actively participate in classes and group discussions, and write short reports after every class (I will take the time to write reports within class). Also, students need to prepare for the final presentation.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written) 0

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)		 0

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

30%: Short reports (reaction paper) after every class
30%: Final presentation
40%: Class participation and group discussion

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Web Pages for Reference

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students

Other Comments

【科目ナンバリング・カリキュラムマップはこちらから/Click here to see the Curriculum-Map and Course-Numbering】
URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/