Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
50972:[2025 Fall]Policy Studies 2 (EPS-A) (B) 2025 Fall Fri2 College　Of　Policy　Science CHEN DAVID 2

Campus

OIC

Class Venue

AS453

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This intermediate level course takes a more in-depth look at key policy science related issues, introducing case studies and comparative analysis of key current environmental, political, health, culture, economic, and social policies in the local, regional and global context. Many of the themes are drawn from the UN Millennium Development Goals. Basic political theories and philosophies with be studied in order to gain a deeper understanding of local and global issues. This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to study so that students may begin to understand links between different issues. Students will research on a variety of topics to be decided by or supervised by the instructor. This content-based learning course is conducted 100% in English; and students are expected to engage in active learning for the entire 90 minutes of class time. This is an excellent course to prepare students for enrolling in a CRPS course, academic study abroad, seminar study in English, and to improve overall understanding of issues related to policy science.



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Student Attainment Objectives

The aims of this course are to:

●improve communicative competency and confidence in speaking English
● improve listening, reading and writing skills in English
●increase English vocabulary
●learn how to analyse and compare policies and practices across nations
●gain an understanding of the probable causes, consequences and potential solutions to issues
●gain critical thinking and analytical skills
●learn how to build logical arguments.

＜政策科学部学生のためのCEFR Can-Do listを参照のこと＞
[S(B2.1-B2.2)], [L(B2.1-B2.2], W(B2.1-B2.2)]

Recommended Preparatory Course

It is recommended to take Policy Studies 1 but not mandatory.

Students should practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in English as much as possible. Students can listen to a recording in English and repeat in a spoken voice in order to practice pronunciation and fluency.

Course Schedule

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

Class guidance

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1-4

SDG 3 (Good health and well-being). Social welfare policies and why they are different. SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities)

Case studies may include mental health, poverty and homelessness, gender equality and LGBT rights. What are the most important challenges hindering progress? How does Japan compare to other countries.

Case studies and policies related to different types of inequality in society including Japan.

Review of selecting and writing references.

5

Graded discussion.

Assessed discussion.
Quiz on SDG 10 and 3.

6-7

SDG 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions)

Case studies of justice and related policies including Japan.
Review of primary and secondary sources.

8-9

SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure)

Case studies and policies related to each including Japan.
Review of using outside sources and data.

10

Graded discussion.

Assessed discussion using visuals.
Quiz on SDG 9 and 16.

11-12

SDG 14 (Life below water)

A look at policies in society which may impact marine life including Japan. Review of original research studies.

13

SDG 15 (Life on land)

Policies related to protecting the environment and how some countries have been more successful than others. Fundamental ideas which support creative solutions at a micro-level of society.

14

Final graded discussion.

Assessed graded discussion and course feedback.

Class Format

1. Conduct face to face classes from lecture 1 to 14.

Recommendations for Private Study

Students should practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in English as much as possible. Students can listen to a recording in English and repeat in a spoken voice in order to practice pronunciation and fluency. The use of English-English dictionaries (online or paper) is recommended to utilize existing English and to stimulate thinking in English and avoiding translating. Using research databases and other materials accessible through Ritsumeikan library is highly recommended.

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

Continuous assessments may be based on:
●Participation and preparation
● Homework assignments
● Skills tests
● Final assignments

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

The instructor will give a more detailed course outline in the first week of class including topics for discussion, evaluation criteria and learning methods.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

If you do not understand the teacher’s instructions make sure you ask for clarification. Teachers want to support their students whenever and however they can. Make sure you are prepared for each class but if for some reason you cannot do your homework please attend class anyway. The time you spend in the class is very important to your learning and improving.

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

No textbook is assigned. Supplemental handouts will be provided.

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

To be announced by instructor.

Web Pages for Reference

To be announced by instructor.

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

Communication Paper,Interactive Sheet,Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students,Other (Separate instructions will be provided)

Other Comments

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