Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
12555:[2025 Spring]IR18‐BA102 English for International Studies II (Advanced)(RF) 2025 Spring Tue2,Fri1 College　Of　International　Relations MULLER STEPHEN 2

Campus

KIC/KIC

Class Venue

RYOYUKAN　RY209/RYOYUKAN　RY209

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 is for students with advanced English ability and will focus on oral expression, listening, and reading, although writing skills will also receive attention. Tasks will include journal writing, discussion and presentation, reading and listening assignments, viewing and discussing DVD material, and short academic writing assignments. Emphasis will be placed on active participation in class and thinking critically about various themes relevant to student interests and international relations. The course will focus on issues related to revitalizing and enriching society through pluralism, equity, and cultural transformation as embodied in the Japanese concept of "Kyosei" (共生): co-existence.

Student Attainment Objectives

In this course students should develop the ability to work both as individuals and in pairs or groups; to express themselves clearly and defend a point of view in formal and informal discussions, debates and presentations; to read (various articles) and listen (to DVD material) for gist, main points, and for detailed information; and to write short academic paragraphs and essays in APA style. Students will also be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills by researching various themes, by asking and answering questions, and by looking at materials and themes presented in class from different points of view.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
Week 1: classes 1-2

Introductions. Introduction to the instructor, course, and students who will introduce themselves and describe their interest in international relations. This course will center on revitalizing and enriching societies through pluralism, equity, and cultural transformation, focusing on the Japanese concept of "Kyosei" and its equivalent manifestation in other cultures and societies throughout the world.

Introduction to the concept of "Kyosei" (共生 : co-existence) which is also reflected in the Ritsumeikan Charter with its emphasis on “building an institution where many cultures coexist in the spirit of international mutual understanding”.

Week 2: classes 3-4

An investigation of culture. Understanding the difference between high and low context communication.

Continue to investigate communicating across cultures. The instructor will provide the first chapter from the book "The Culture Map" by Erin Meyer as a reference.

Week 3: classes 5-6

Discuss students' research on high and low context communication. Continue to investigate the topic of culture

Investigate the topic of multiculturalism worldwide with readings and discussion.

Week 4: classes 7-8

Discuss the student's research on multiculturalism. Continue to investigate the positives and negatives of multiculturalism

Investigate and critique the policy of multiculturalism in Canada. The teacher will provide readings and videos for the students.

Week 5: classes 9-10

Discuss the students' research on the policy of multiculturalism in Canada and how it compares with other policies of multiculturalism worldwide.

Summarize all the findings and begin to prepare for the first student presentation on culture and multiculturalism. The students will also be taught techniques of effective presentations and how to communicate with confidence and impact.

Week 6: classes 11-12

First student presentations with Q & A and feedback.

First student presentations with Q & A and feedback.

Week 7: classes 13-14

Investigate other aspects of diversity including gender and minorities, the aged and disabled. This class will start with investigating gender.

Continue to investigate international policies towards gender, in particular looking at the role of male dominance.

Week 8: classes 15-16

Discuss students' research into gender and male dominance in societies worldwide.

Investigate international policies towards minorities, particularly the LGBTQ community.

Week 9: classes 17-18

Discuss students' research on minorities. Investigate the subject further with readings and other resources.

Investigate international policies towards the aged. Many societies are facing an increase in "greying" populations and a drop in the birth rate impacting economies and the health sector. What is being done and what should be done.

Week 10: classes 19-20

Discuss students' research on the aged in international societies.

Investigate international policies towards the disabled with particular reference to barrier-free access and employment.

Week 11: classes 21-22

Discuss students' research on the aged in international societies.

Prepare for the second student presentation with more work on techniques to ensure an effective presentation and to communicate with confidence and impact.

Week 12: classes 23-24

Second student presentation on diversity with Q & A and feedback.

Second student presentation on diversity with Q & A and feedback.

Week 13: classes 25-26

Overview of the whole course with additional material and resources.

Overview of the whole course with additional material and resources.

Week 14: classes 27-28

Students' final presentation. You will describe what you have learned throughout the course, giving detailed examples and explanations and how you intend to implement this knowledge in your future careers.

Students' final presentation. You will describe what you have learned throughout the course, giving detailed examples and explanations and how you intend to implement this knowledge in your future careers.

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.

Recommendations for Private Study

Students will be expected to read the newspaper (print or online) and academic articles or other materials, related to International Relations and co-existence, keep a journal of news events, and make a brief news report in every class. Students are also advised to keep a record of useful vocabulary learned in and outside of the class (this can be done in the back of the journal). Listening to English news broadcasts, and watching English TV programs, documentaries or movies to supplement the listening practice done in class would also be very helpful. Preparation for discussion, presentation and writing assignments will be done at home and research will be required.

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

Class Participation (20%)
Journals (20%)
Discussion, discussion preparation (20%) Edit
Written assignments (20%)
Presentations (20%)

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Regular attendance is essential as a substantial amount of assessment will take place during the
class time.
Late assignments: Assignments submitted after the due date will receive a lowered grade.
Any assignment that has been influenced by AI software will receive a zero grade which will greatly impact the final grade, possibly leading to failure in the course.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

No textbook. All materials will be supplied by the instructor.

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)

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

Other Comments

The syllabus contents, schedule, or format may be altered as the semester progresses, to suit the
needs and learning pace of the class. Owing to the importance of the subject matter, more time
may be given to particular topics in which case any topics that are not covered by the end of the
semester will be studied in the second semester.
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