Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
15565:IR18‐FE201 Special Lecture (Core Related Course) (RB) § 15566:IR-EDS201 Special Lecture (Core Related Course) (RB) § 15568:Vision Building Special Lecture （Core Related Course)(RB) § 18107:Vision Special Lecture (RB) 2023 Spring Tue3 College　Of　International　Relations,College　Of　Policy　Science MORISHITA AKIKO 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

KOSHINKAN　KS303

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

[IMPORTANT!]
・Students who want to take this course must apply through online application forms in advance. Course participants will be selected based on the results of the document screening. Preference will be given to PBL students.
・The selected students must take the course "Special Lecture (Area Studies Course)" in the same semester to enhance their comparative perspective by exploring the cases in Thailand and Indonesia.

.......................................
This course aims to understand in-depth social issues, which Japan are facing, and suggest solutions based on the Problem-Based Learning (PBL). The course includes lectures, group work and presentations.

The course will focus on several social issues in Japan: Rural depopulation; Ageing society; Foreign residents and workers; Disparity and Poverty; and Hikikomori (Social Recluses) and the NEET Problem. Social issues in Thailand and Indonesia may also be included. Students will select and explore one of these social issues and suggest a possible solution.

The ultimate objective of this course is to cultivate students' skill to work together and create outputs effectively and efficiently from multifaceted perspectives and a deep understanding of other cultures. Not only identifying the problems, but suggesting and working out solutions with other students from different cultural backgrounds are key elements in this course.

Student Attainment Objectives

1. The students will be able to develop their thoughts on social issues in Japan and their own country by exchanging ideas and opinions with other students who have different cultural, social, and religious backgrounds.
2. The students will be able to consider practical and creative solutions in group from global and local viewpoints.
3. The students will be able to cultivate their skill to work together and create outputs effectively and efficiently from multifaceted perspectives and a deep understanding of other cultures.
4. The students will be able to expand his/her network of students who are interested in social issues in Japan and Southeast Asia (particularly Thailand and Indonesia).

Recommended Preparatory Course

Students must take the course "Special Lecture (Area Studies Course)" in the same semester to enhance their comparative perspective by exploring the cases in Thailand and Indonesia.

Course Schedule

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

Course introduction

Class objectives, how classes will proceed, how grades are assigned
Self-introduction

2

Lecture: What is the PBL approach?

Introduction to Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

3

Lecture: Useful framework to think of a practical solution

PCM (Project Cycle Management)

4-5

Lecture: Social issues in Japan

The instructor will provide an outline of social issues in Japan, which students will explore in this course.

6

Deciding group members
Group work: Make a research plan

Students will be divided into groups.
Each team is required to: (1) Discuss what your team have to know about the social issue; (2) List out what information is required; and (3) Decide which information will be assigned to which team member.

7

Group work: Share the research results among your group members

Each team is required to: (1) Share information and resources, which each group member obtained; and (2) Prepare for group presentation in the following week.

8

Group presentation: Social issue in Japan

Each team is required to make a presentation on their research results.

9-10

Group work: Identify the underlying causes of the issue

Each team is required to: (1) Identify the underlying causes (the core problems) of the issue; and (2) List out possible actions and solutions to the problem, using the PCM framework.
In the 10th lecture, each team is also required to prepare for group presentation in the following week.

11

Group presentation

Each team is required to make a presentation on the results of group work.

12-13

Individual research
Group work: Share the research results among your group members

[The 12th lecture]
Each team is required to: (1) Discuss and list out necessary information and resources, which will help in formulating a solution to the problem; and (2) Decide which information can be assigned to which team member.
[The 13th lecture]
Each team is required to share information and resources, which each group member obtained.

14

Group work: Formulate a practical solution

Each team is required to: (1) Formulate a specific, practical solution; and (2) Prepare for final group presentation in the following week.

15

Group presentation: Propose a solution

Each team is required to propose a solution.

Class Format

BCP停止の場合は、BCPレベル0～2の記載どおりに授業が行われます。
During the suspension period of BCP, classes will be as described in BCP levels 0-2.

The class Format for each class will be announced on manaba+R’s course news. Also, the class format for the first class will be notified on manaba+R’s course news before the first class(*).
For “Special Consideration”, please check manaba+R’s College of IR Student Page and the “Study Support Site”.

College of IR Student Page：https://ct.ritsumei.ac.jp/ct/course_1728150
Study Support Site：https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/pathways-future/eng/

(*)To check the class format for the first class of the course, you will need to apply for the “early use request function.” Refer to the Registration Guidebook AY 2023 for details. Please be careful that applying for the early use request does not sign you up for the course. You will need to register for courses during the designated period separately.

Recommendations for Private Study

An individual research will be assigned in the 6th and 12th lectures.
Students are required to actively participate in group work.

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 attendance 40%
- Students who are absent five (5) times or more will be given F grade automatically.

Contribution to group work (discussion, preparation for presentation, presentation) 30%

Individual research assignments 30%
- An individual research will be assigned in the 6th and 12th lectures.

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Contribution to group work will be evaluated based on peer review and the instructor's observation.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

The instructor provides guidance to acquire basic knowledge and advice to students, but it is up to the students to play the main role in group research and discussion, identifying the problems and suggesting solutions.

Using Japanese will be acceptable in oral and mail communication if all the group members understand Japanese.

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/