Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
13089:[2025 Spring]IR18‐EE331 Global Sociology (RA) § 13090:RUIR-3515 Global Sociology(RA) § 13091:IR-DS203 Global Sociology (RA) 2025 Spring Tue5 College　Of　International　Relations KIM VIKTORIYA 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

KOSHINKAN　KS306

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

【+R-Jugyo】
Information for “+R-Jugyo” will be posted on the “Course News” on manaba+R by April 1. Be sure to check the “Course News” on manaba+R.

This course examines various social problems prevalent in contemporary society. Students will explore the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to issues such as poverty, inequality, crime, discrimination, environmental degradation, and more. We will build a collection of conceptual tools to understand social problems by applying constructionist and human rights perspectives to examine issues people face. This means that we will analyze historical development of different issues, as well as how they can be interpreted from the human rights perspective. Through theoretical analysis, empirical research, and case studies, students will develop a deeper understanding of the complex social structures and processes that contribute to the emergence and persistence of social problems. Overall, the course will provide students with tools for understanding their positioning within society and help them in re-examining taken-for-granted ideas.

Student Attainment Objectives

Knowledge. After studying this course the students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of key themes and issues in contemporary global sociology and identify/define sociological perspectives and concepts.
- Develop an ability to apply sociological concepts, terms, and theories to global processes.
- Understand the ways of conducting sociological research.
- Develop a sociological imagination and analytical abilities.

Skills. After studying this course the students will be able to:
- Develop an ability to critically evaluate theories, sources, and findings in a global sociology.
- Develop an understanding of our positioning within global society and how global society influences our decisions and actions.
- Improve an ability to articulate thoughts about course materials during class discussions and in written and oral assignments.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

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

Introduction to the course, learning goals, questions for the course

What is sociology of social problems? How can we approach studying social problems? We will discuss strategies for approaching course readings. We will also go over the syllabus and discuss the logistics of the course.

2

Lenses for studying society 1

Why do we study theory, or even sociology? We will discuss the value of theory.

3

Lenses for studying society 2

How to apply sociological lenses to the studies of society?

4

Construction of social problems and social problems from human rights perspective

Why do we study theory, or even sociology? We will discuss the value of theory.

5

Poverty and wellbeing

Growing income inequality, high poverty rates, wealth and the role of governments.

6

Race and ethnicity in terms of global domination

“Black lives matter” and other minority issues

7

Women’s and LGBTQ rights

How did our views on gender and sexuality change in the last century?

8

Health and healthcare

Social meaning of health and illness, healthcare as a human right

9

Pollution and climate change

Environmental issues, climate change and its effect on society

10

Immigration policies and migrants

Migration flows worldwide and their effects on sending and receiving societies

11

Media and freedom of speech

The rise of the global information society and its effect on us

12

Global inequalities

How did the world order change in the last 500 years? What is the relation between globalization and poverty?

13

Social movements and activism

The nature of social change and bottom up activism

14

Social problems and policymaking. Course review, report Q&A

Changing social arrangements through policies. Recap of the topics discussed throughout the course.

Class Format

Classes will be held in a face-to-face format. If there are any changes to the format, I will notify you beforehand.

Recommendations for Private Study

- This course requires that students devote four academic hours a week to readings, preparations, and other activities outside of the class;
- The classes will consist of a mix of lectures, practical activities, audio-visual presentations, group discussions, and case studies. For this reason, thorough preparation by reading assigned texts and participating in before-class activities is required. It is highly recommended that students take notes during each class session, noting particular concepts/ideas/information that contributes to their learning about the course subject.

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

30% - report. Critical analysis of five academic articles related to social issues from global perspective.
30% - class participation and reflections. Students’ participation grade is based on active participation in lectures, discussions, submission of class reflections, and consistent, thorough reading of course material.
20% - Depending on the class size, there will be either group or individual discussion leadership activities related to topics discussed in class. In these activities, you will be asked to discuss global sociology issues that we cover throughout the semester. Please include: reflections on your initial questions on the topic and your present understanding - did you find answers to your questions? If yes, what are these, if not, what do you need to learn to find answers to these questions? What other questions did you get in the process of learning? Have your initial impressions and questions changed during your preparation? Your discussion leadership should consist of (1) your original questions on the topic; (2) your findings and how your ideas have changed; (3) questions that still need to be answered and how you can do it; (4) discussion questions to the class.
20% - The post-discussion write-up is 1,000-1,500 word essay, which should include an overview of the discussion, reference to at least 3 additional readings, and a post-discussion self-evaluation of its quality. Include handouts or PPt files, if relevant.

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

[BCP level 3+] Alternative assessment
15% - online discussion board participation
20% - real-time group or individual discussion leadership activities
20% - post-discussion write-up
45% - report

Evaluation criteria:
90-100% Excellent contextualization of question and a clear indication of the scope of the discussion, confident use and application of terminology/keywords; A creative and critical approach to the question, critical use of perspectives, concepts, theories, and their elements, develop logical arguments; Well-defined summary, an appropriate comparison of issues discussed, clear evidence of wide-ranging background reading and additional research, excellent discussion questions, and ability to moderate the discussion.

80-89% Good attempt to contextualize the question, but a rather brief description of the scope of the discussion, confident use and application of terminology/keywords; The approach to the topic is well-informed, showing evidence of critical thinking, generally coherent and well-structured arguments; Good attempt at summarizing key points, a limited analytical discussion of the differences between theoretical approaches, evidence of appropriate reading that goes beyond class texts, good discussion questions, and moderation of the discussion.

70-79% Contextualization of the question and outline of the scope of the discussion, use of terminology and keywords; Competent use of source material to analyze the topic, the overall argument is discernable; Competent attempt to summarize key points, but unclear analytical comparison or discussion, questions are not well-thought, lack of attention to the discussion contents.

60-69% Some attempt at introducing the question and an attempt to define the scope of the discussion, an attempt to use terminology and keywords; Limited grasp of basic issues, lack of attention paid to the sequencing of arguments; A reasonable attempt at summarizing key points, but largely devoid of analytical comparison and discussion, attempts to pose questions and facilitate discussion.

Below 59% No attempt to introduce or define the topic; No attempt at critical discussion and over-reliant on undigested source materials fails to provide a clear line of argument; Summary of key points, no analytical comparison or discussion.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Make sure to prepare for each class by doing all required readings and assignments. In this way, you will manage your time well without feeling overwhelmed during busy periods and will be able to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the course subject.

Textbooks

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
Social Problems: A Human Rights Perspective. Second Edition Bonds, Eric Taylor and Francis 978-1-138-04091-5 Major course textbook
Sociology. 9th Edition Giddens, Anthony and Philip W. Sutton Cambridge: Polity Press

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

We will use chapters from the abovementioned textbook in our classes. I will provide with all the necessary materials throughout the course.

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

You will be provided with additional readings, like articles, book chapters and etc. throughout the course. All Required Course Readings will be available as PDF full-text files.

Web Pages for Reference

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

Interactive Sheet,Learning Management System （manaba+R）

Other Comments

Students can reach me at vkim[at]fc.ritsumei.ac.jp
I usually respond within 72 hours, except on weekends and holidays.
【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】
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