Ritsumeikan University Syllabus

Course Name	Year	Term	Period	Faculty / Graduate School	All Instructors	Credits
12758:[2025 Fall]IR18‐CA207 Bridge to International Studies III (RE)	2025	Fall	Wed2	College　Of　International　Relations	BONG HYUNKYUNG	2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

KOSHINKAN　KS203

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

【+R-Jugyo】
Information for “+R-Jugyo” will be posted on the “Course News” on manaba+R by September 20. Be sure to check the “Course News” on manaba+R.

<<<<<Course Outline>>>>>

This elective second-year course (BIS III) aims at developing students' in-depth knowledge of a specialized topic in any of the four content areas. Building on the skills acquired in the previous semester, students will follow academic lectures and do independent reading, discuss the weekly assignments and develop their own research project related to the course theme. In class, students will analyze and comment on the weekly material based on study guides and student-generated questions, develop discipline-specific vocabulary and expressions through close reading and discrete listening, and enhance their academic writing by planning, drafting and revising their research paper over the course of the semester. Formative evaluation is made through class participation including small quizzes and assignments.

This BIS (Bridge to International Studies) III (RE) is a combination of English Academic Communication skills and the studies of "Race and Ethnicity" .. As for English academic skills development, it is designed as an introduction to the basic concepts and skills for improving communication between persons from different minority, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. As for the contents of the course, it is designed to help you understand various aspects of Culture and explain and evaluate Culture by introducing the basic concepts and specialized vocabulary of Race and Ethnicity in Sociology while developing research skills through analyzing and evaluating academic research papers.

<<<<<Method>>>>>

Students will analyse and evaluate assigned reading for contents, structure, facts and opinion language use, implied meaning and contradictions, outside the class. Each student is expected to complete reading assignments before class (HOMEWORK). In class, students will present a summary of their understanding, comparing opposing viewpoints and expressing their own standpoint supported by evidence from the text or other relevant outside sources.

Class activities will include lectures, group discussions on the topic, two or three presentations based on the project (s) (topics) of your choice, and revisions (quizzes) on basic concepts (definitions) and terms (jargons) in the Sociological studies of 'Race and Ethnicity'

Student Attainment Objectives

<<<<<Attainment Objectives>>>>>

1 Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the topic of the course and be able to evaluate its implications for current theory and practice in that area.
2. Students will be able to follow academic lectures and comprehend academic readings related to the topic and extract information, concepts and language for later use.
3. Students will be able to express their opinions on the topic verbally and in writing by making reference to class readings and/or independent research.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to read academic research papers critically and to discuss which area (s) they are interested in or what global issue(s) they’d like to pursue further. That is, students will be able to
(1) Analyse, evaluate, and summarise academic research papers in English
(2) Form questions (learning to clarify what you don’t know and what you do know after reading academic papers in English or listening to lectures in English).
(3) Discuss and express their own opinions and perspectives on the issues in English.
(4) Present idea/opinions on the issues (discussion questions) in English.
(5) Describe basics concepts and terms of culture, communication, intercultural communication in English
(6) Summarise academic research papers by making a poster presentation and/or writing a resume (a summary) (power-point or keynote).
(7) Through engagement in these activities, students will be able to produce an well structured essay (approximately 1500+ words), showing evidence of further reading and not rely upon the textbook (A list of references-APA style- should be included, and demonstrating not only that they have understood the key concepts discussed in the course but also need to show that they have formed their own opinion which must be supported by reasons and examples and expressed clearly.

Recommended Preparatory Course

You must be familiar with the guidelines on writing essays and avoiding plagiarism:
http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/ir/ir-navi/common/pdf/gogaku/gogaku_text_01.pdf
http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/ir/ir-navi/common/pdf/gogaku/gogaku_text_08.pdf

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors)	Theme
Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors)	Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1	Orientation (Syllabus) & Why it matters: Race and Ethnicity
1	Account of Assignments: Reading Assignment, Presentation Assignment, Writing Assignment Think it Over 1. Why understand the social constructiion of race and its implications for Minority groups 2. # BlackLivesMatter (BLM) 3. Define American: Jose's Story Watch it : to be announed in class. Listening & Note-taking, Reading, & Researching, Speaking- Discussion, and Summarising and Presenting
2	Why it Matters: Race and Ethnicity Race, Ethnic, and Minority Groups What is Race?
2	LEARNING OUTCOMES Explain - What is Race? Explain difference between race and ethnicity
3	Why it Matters: Race and Ethnicity Race, Ethnic, and Minority Groups What is Ethnicity?
3	LEARNING OUTCOMES Exaplin-what is Ethnicity? Explain difference between race and ethnicity
4	Why it Matters: Race and Ethnicity Race, Ethnic, and Minority Groups What are Minority Groups?
4	LEARNING OUTCOMES Explain - What ware Minority Groups? Describe minority groups and scapegoat theory
5	Review and Think it over watch it: https:https://youtu.be/7myLgdZhzjo?si=l_jIelWR6q4zT_vU
5	Discussions on the video clip Think it Over : Why do you think the term "minority' has persisted when the word "surbordinate" is more descriptive? How do you describe your ethnicity? Do you include your family's country of origin? Do you consider yourself multiethnic? How does your ethnicity compare to that of the people you spend most of your time with?
6	Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination - racism, prejudice, and discrimination in the United States. watch itL https://www.youtube.com/embed/gSddUPkVD24
6	Learning Outcomes You will learn about racism, prejudice, and discrimination in the United States. Define Stereotype and Prejudice
7	Prejudice and Racism Watch it https://youtu.be/mu_LK_iEFE8?si=kC9Z13OuNHVbbwdP
7	LEARNING OUTCOMES You will learn how the media can shape the stories that are told and reaffirm stereotypes and prejudice. Define Racism & Types of Listening & Note-taking, Reading, & Researching, Speaking- Discussion, and Summarising and Presenting
8	Discrimination Watch it : https://youtu.be/ZLgbw_A1mLI?si=e-0P-1mud5m5HZoy
8	LEARNING OUTCOMES You will learn more about white privilege. Explain descrimination and white previlege
9	Racial Tensions in the United States -the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO on August 9, 2014, -TrayVon Martin -Multiple Identies, Confederation Flag on a purse.
9	LEARNING OUTCOMES •Through three cases, you will learn about racial tensions in the United States as well as the overlap between prejudice, discrimination, and institutional racism
10	Intergroup Relationships
10	Learning Outcomes Explain Genocie, Expulsion, Segregation, Pluralism, Assimilation, Amalgamation,
11	Race and Ethnicity in the United States I Native Americans Blacks and African Americans Asian Americans
11	Learning Outcomes What you'll learn: Compare and contrast the experiences of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Describel the historical context and current experience of Native Americans in the United States Describe the historical context and current experience of Black and African Americans in the United States Describe the historical context and current experience of Asian American in the United States
12	Race and Ethnicity in the United States II Hispanic/Latino Americans Arab Americans White Americans
12	Learning Outcomes What you'll learn: Compare and contrast the experiences of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Describel the historical context and current experience of Hispanic/Latino Americans in the United States Describe the historical context and current experience of Arab Americans in the United States Describe the historical context and current experience of White American in the United States
13	Review & Putting it Together: Race and Ethnicity
13	Preparing for the Finals Evaluating Topics Essay Writing; Outlining, Drafting Presentation Skills: Poster Presentation - making an academic poster (Drafting a poster using an outline for the final essay).
14	The Finals
14	The Finals - Part I - Poster/Oral presentation The Finals - Part II - Written Presentation (essay 1200+ words)

Class Format

All classes are to be conducted face to face; however, in the case of an emergency, the instructor may elect to provide online (live-streamed) classes. Please note that the maximum number of online classes must be less than 1/2 of the total number of classes for the specified course. If an instructor does conduct a live-streamed class, then the link will be posted on Manaba+R.

Recommendations for Private Study

Daily consultation of international media of several countries, political persuasions and levels of depth is strongly recommended. Besides browsing headlines, reading of investigative journalism and reports is essential in order to understand the background of an issue. Finally, purposeful comparative reading/watching (e.g. Japanese vs. American views on a controversial issue) should become a habit.

1 Questions/Quotes (student generated questions): To help guide our discussions, please bring typed questions and or quotes from the assigned reading. These questions and quotes should be explored in advance (before submitting) whether you agree or disagree with. Class discussions will be based on student-generated questions. I shall provide some quotes and questions if necessary.
2 Participation/Discussion: Discussion-participation is a vitally important component of the class. Throughout the semester, you will be asked to participate actively in the form of class discussions, case study analyses, and reflections about your experience or your thoughts on topic related questions.
3 Quizzes: Quizzes may include reviewing English expressions (words and phrases) from the reading material, comprehension multiple choice questions, true-false questions, short answers, and essay questions drawn from the lecture and discussions based on the topic in class.
4 Presentation (Oral & Poster) Practice: You will be expected to present and exchange insights, observation, and ideas (opinions) actively with your classmates in either small group or whole class discussions.
5 Writing Assignments: To help you figure out main ideas and opinions in the form of research questions implicated in the assigned research papers, and to equip you with ability to formulate research questions of your own, please analyse a research paper of your choice from the papers assigned, and write a 1500+ word essay (research paper) on a topic of your choice, integrating a wide range of academic sources, and present your findings in the form of substantial academic paper accompanied by a conference-ready oral/poster presentation.
6 The Finals-Part I: Conference-ready oral/poster presentation.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind	Percentage	Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written)
Report Examination (A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)
Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　 (Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)	100	Questions/Quotes/Participation-Discussion/Presentation Practices/ Quizzes (50%) Writing Assignments (30%) Formal (Oral/Poster) Presentations (20%)

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Formative evaluation is performed through class participation, including small quizzes and assignments as well as one or more essays, papers, and presentations, based on a rubric that targets each skill.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

(1) Be responsible for your owning learning (Responsibility/Self Management);
(2) Keep up with the assignments and do not fall behind (Meeting the deadline/Time Management);
(3) Read (understand) the designated readings in the textbook thoroughly (Preview).
(4) Make vocabulary notes and terminology notes (Organizing Skills).
(5) Make notes on quotes that you do not understand, and form questions or explain why you find it difficult to understand or unsure in 2-3 sentences. (Preview, Critical Thinking Skills)
(6) Type/copy quotes from the reading that either you are interested or you really disagree with. (Critical Thinking Skills, Academic Communication Skills)

Textbooks

Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN Code	Comment

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Main reading materials will be posted on manaba+R.You can download the e-Textbook from the manaba course tool. Students are required to make copies of the reading

Reference Books

Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN Code
Basic Stepts to Writing Research Papers	David Kluge, Matthew Taylor	Cengage Learning ELT	978-4-86312-308-3
Student Research and Report Writing	Gabe Wang & Keumjae Park	Wiley Blackwell	978-1-118-96391-3
Cambridge International AS & A level Sociology	Michael Haralambos, Martin Holborn, et. al.	Collins	978-0-00-828762-7

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Students are required to make copies of reading if necessary. The books are reserved at the library.

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 (Separate instructions will be provided)

Other Comments

Note: This syllabus is subject to change based on the needs of the class.

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URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/