Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
12698:[2025 Fall]IR18‐CB101 Academic Skills I (Proficient) (RE) § 12699:RUIR-1101 Academic Skills I (Proficient)(RE) 2025 Fall Mon4,Thu1 College　Of　International　Relations KIM WACHUTKA JACKIE J 4

Campus

KIC/KIC

Class Venue

RYOYUKAN　RY308/RYOYUKAN　RY308

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.

The aim of Academic Skills I is to solidify students' writing, research and academic interaction skills. The course will emphasize a combination of practical academic skills for the purpose of gathering primary and extensive secondary data within the framework of theoretical content and analysis.

With this as the main foundation, we will consider the following:
In connection to the readings on culture, identity, collective and individual identity, nation and nation-states, hegemonic discourse, power-relations, legitimacy, authority, agency; we are provided with the tools of theory to recognize and analyze the social structures that we are a part of. The specific concepts that we reflect upon as individuals are identity, both individual and collective, society and its structures and various impetus for agency. Identity symbols or markers, language and narrative, dominant values of society, culture as a system and map of meaning, interpellation and media, nation and nation-states, discrimination and race, to name a few are some of the concepts that help us to make sense of our everyday. The various systemic methodologies that nations and nation-states utilize to construct a collective narrative triggers us to look upon the spaces of “center” and “periphery” within our society. As an important tool of analysis we must consider the important intersections of history and biography and their fluidity; in other words, objective view brought to focus into subjective experiences and the subjective view expanded into the grander realm of the objective. This constant duality and interconnection of objectivities and subjectivities in diverse experiences are essential for helping us to understand that our social structure is never a singularity but an intersection of multiplicities. In other words, as we consider for example ethnic minorities, we must not overlook the intersection of gendered ethnic minorities; or in the case of sexual minorities, the possibilities of ethnic, sexual and gendered minorities, who also speak of experiences of another dimension.
Among a plethora of information and references on singular topics of minority, race, ethnic and gender studies, an interdisciplinary examination of marginalized peoples often takes a secondary position in prominence and importance. Who are these marginalized peoples within the Japanese context? Indeed, the ever-increasing flow and movements of peoples between states, nations and boundaries demands an understanding of the implications and complexities of gender, ethnicity and marginality. However, along with the inquiries of race or ethnicity, disparate lived experiences of diaspora, migration, and life-choices also contribute their divergent realities to the social “norms” of the mainstream society. This course will examine the concepts of nation, gender, ethnicity and difference, giving us another view of the diversity, complexities and challenges of living at the periphery of Japan's civil society.

One of the main aims of academic skills is being able to closely read a text concerning concepts and theories. A way to demonstrate one’s understanding of the text is to be able to systematically summarize and explain in detail the given theories and discussion in a clear and concise manner. Furthermore, this demonstration of an individual’s comprehension is revealed through connecting complex theories with practical issues by providing relating examples. Successfully interweaving theories that are often based on humanistic philosophies of personhood and society with the daily activities of everyday life is the starting point of critical thinking that is a crucial and essential component of academic skills.
In this course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of gender and minority struggles and activism within the Japanese social context. Students will learn to conduct various supplemental research in order to make their topic presentations richer and more informative. Students will practice the techniques of reading and gathering various information, writing concise and clear hand-outs and presentation skills.

Student Attainment Objectives

1) Students will be able to attain critical thinking skills by reading, analyzing, deciphering challenging academic texts depicting social and philosophical theories that are the bedrock of international relations.
2) Students will be able to utilize these obtained theories in order to formulate a hypothesis and design an academic research methodology to analyze a group of people, for example, ethnic, sexual, class and other minorities and their positionality in their community, society, and nation. The students will also familiarize themselves with the dynamics of institutions, community organizations, and grassroots civic groups and their activism that reflect local and regional aims, as well as a common international global agenda.
3) Students will be able to present their findings through an academically researched paper utilizing the in-class readings, as well as independently researched books, on-line journals, and multi-site periodicals. Students will use quantitative and qualitative methods. They will be able to deliver a detailed analysis of the subject and demonstrate their own interpretation or assessment of the collected data.
4) Students will practice their academic writing skills by paying close attention to: a) highlighting the main overall thesis statement b) following a specific, organized table of contents c) writing succinct sentences d) emphasizing topic-focused paragraphs e) making efforts toward smooth paragraph transitions f) understanding the importance of accurate citations of sources g) building a reference/bibliography page following the APA style 7th edition.
5) Based on the idea that writing is a recursive series of choices, students will make sophisticated choices in their own writing.
6) Students will give critical feedback to their peers' writing and apply critical feedback on their writing.
7) Students will formulate an original, increasingly complex thesis in their writing projects and develop that thesis into a well-supported argument.
8) Students will use a range of research methods and incorporate source material into their writing so that it develops and supports their ideas.
9) Students will develop effective and appropriate organizational strategies for their writing.
10) Students will practice critical thinking and reading skills, so that they can devise original ideas, rather than simply echo the ideas of others.
11) Students will evaluate the credibility of sources, use academic/scholarly resources, and incorporate sources effectively and ethically.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

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

+R Jugyo
Orientation Video
Explanation of Syllabus and Reading List, Keys of conducting research.
Notebook Entry #1 Write an autobiography of yourself, emphasizing what you find to be the most important social elements that influence and structure your life. Answer personally, “What is “Academic Skills” and what does “Intermingling of theory and Practice mean?” Briefly answer the question of what you think “academic skills” pertain to. Then, elaborate your own interpretation of the phrase “intermingling of theory and practice” in our daily lives as both students of higher academia and as human beings in daily life. How is theory and practice interrelated?

Qualitative and quantitative research
APA Style review (Group activity)

2-2

-Key Issues in the Study of Self and Identity: Read Kidd and Teagle (2012, pp.6-29)
Notebook Entry #2: Answer the five questions on p. 7 that start with “How is culture patterned? Write your own thoughts and also incorporate the ideas from the readings with proper citations.
-Generating a RESEARCH paper

Choosing appropriate research topics: Effective ways of gathering, reading, paraphrasing and citing
Explain reading presentation and distribution of dates

3-3

-Look through the uploaded reading list. There are 6 readings in total. Choose 4 of the readings and start writing a short annotated bibliography. Tentative reference list and Research Proposal (Due Week 6)
-Start thinking about ideas for the final research project in relation to the readings
-Organizing a research paper
-Mini-Lit Review Presentation Explanation and Prep. In-class “10-minute short mini-presentation” of Literature review of the readings

Annotated bibliography, research proposal, outline, thesis statement
APA Style Group presentation

4-4

-Notebook Entry #3 Look through the uploaded reading list. There are 6 readings in total. Choose 4. Start writing a short 100-150 words annotated bibliography (summary) of each reading separately. Afterwards, write one Literature Review incorporating, as much as possible, the eight readings together. The literature review should be approx. 800 words, reflecting a common theme, for example, minorities in Japan.
- Brain storm for the final research topic. Research Proposal explanation and prep.
Literature Review and Research Proposal (Due Week 7)

Analyzing the concepts of nation, borders, modernization, society

5-5

-Notebook entry #4 a) Think deeply about the concepts of culture, identity, society, modernity, globalization and its numerous challenges that affect – on a macro level, humanity and on a micro-level, individual selves. Focus on specific themes vis-à-vis the broader concepts listed above. Search in the OPAC and on the internet academic writings that pertain to your theme. Having ownership of your own search is crucial because it will help you to locate and navigate the direction of the paper according to subjects that invite your interest. For example, self, identity, culture, society, and a sense of loss (anomie) in modernization or self, identity, culture, society, and globalization and rise of ultra-nationalism.
b) Write a brainstorming discussion of what theme/topic/argument that you want to focus on. Write a very simple, condensed “Research Proposal,” approx. 800 words. Also, insert a working bibliography of the sources that you have found and looked through in APA


Defining the concept of the construct of society: Questioning modernity
 

6-6

Gather materials for Final Research Proposal. Write an effective thesis statement: What is the big question? What is the answer? Write an approx. 800 word research proposal with a thesis statement. *** This research proposal can be used as an abstract with revision.

Writing effective thesis statement, research proposal, literature review

7-7

Prep for NB submission
-Mini-Lit Review Presentation. In-class “10-minute short mini-presentation” of Literature review of the readings starts.
-Writing the first draft

Organizing paragraphs, collecting sources, strengthening argument

8-8

Mini-presentation of literature review
-Fine-tuning the first draft

Organizing paragraphs, collecting sources, strengthening argument

9-9

Prepare for the Research Presentation. Oral presentation with PowerPoint will start
(Due Week 10)

Effective APA style presentation

10-10

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion

11-11

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion

12-12

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion

13-13

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion

14-14

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion
Final Paper Due (1,800-2,000 words), Class wrap-up

Final Research Presentation, Q&A, Discussion

 

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 provided that the maximum number of online classes remains 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.

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

Students must keep up with the intensive reading and be prepared for periodic surprise reading tests. Do not procrastinate, read, take notes during lectures and discussions and maintain an organized notebook.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written) 0

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)		 0

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

•Assignments 30% [Group APA Style PowerPoint, Research Proposal, Literature reviews, Final Paper First Draft, other written works, reading quizzes, Active verbal participation etc.]
•Notebook20%
•Final Paper (1,800-2,000 words) 30%
•Final Presentation [PowerPoint with presentation] 20%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

The students are required to read and write extensively. Students must keep a notebook journal of the readings that are distributed in class. Also, students must fulfill five short required writing entries in the journal. Students are asked to write summaries with questions and analysis of the arguments that are presented from the readings that will be distributed in class. The students are also asked to take extensive notes of peer presentations and also write two to three questions of their own concerning the specific reading.

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Students will receive a reading packet in PDF. Below are supplementary reading sources.

Reference Books

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
Hidden Treasures: Lives of First Generation Korean Women in Japan Kim, Jackie J. Rowman and Littlefield 9780742535954
Nationalism and Gender Ueno, Chizuko Transpacific Press 1876843594
Multi-Ethnic Japan Lie, John Harvard University Press 0674013581
Diversity in Japanese Culture and Language Maher, J, & Macdonald, G. Routledge 978071030477390000
Zainichi Korean Women in Japan: Voices Kim-Wachutka, Jackie J. Routledge Press 9781138584853
Illicit flirtations : labor, migration, and sex trafficking in Tokyo Parreñas, Rhacel Stanford University Press 9780804777117
Male homosexuality in modern Japan : cultural myths and social realities McLelland, Mark Curzon Press 0700714251
"We are not garbage!" : the homeless movement in Tokyo, 1994-2002 Hasegawa, Miki Routledge Press 0415976936
Living cities in Japan : citizens' movements, machizukuri, and local environments Sorenson, Andre & Funck, Caroline Routledge Press 9780415402378
Constructing civil society in Japan : voices of environmental movements Hasegawa, Koichi Transpacific Press 1876843675
Disability in Japan Stevens, Carolyn Routledge Press 9780415517010
Faces of aging : the lived experiences of the elderly in Japan Matsumoto, Yoshiko Stanford University Press 9780804771481
Fanaticism, racism, and rage online : corrupting the digital sphere Klein, Adam Palgrave Macmillan 9783319514239
Japan's minorities : the illusion of homogeneity Weiner, Michael Routledge 9780415772648
Transcultural Japan : at the borderlands of race, gender and identity Willis, David, Shigematsu, Stephen Murphy Routledge 9780415368902
Critical readings on ethnic minorities and multiculturalism in Japan Siddle, Richard Routledge 9789004235205
Multicultural Citizenship Kymlicka, Will Oxford University Press 0198290918
Embodying difference : the making of burakumin in modern Japan Amos, Timothy, D. Navayana Press 9788189059293
Islands of discontent : Okinawan responses to Japanese and American power Hein, Laura & Selden, Mark Rowman and Littlefield 0742518655
Identity and resistance in Okinawa Allen, Matthew Rowman and Littlefield 9780742517158
When Women Perform Hate Speech: Gender, Patriotism, and Social Empowerment in Japan Kim-Wachutka, Jackie The Asia-Pacific Journal | Japan Focus Volume 17 | Issue 11 | Number 1 | Article ID 5285 | Jun 01, 2019 1
Embedded racism : Japan's visible minorities and racial discrimination Arudou, Debito Lexington Books 9781498513906
Shutting out the sun : how Japan created its own lost generation Michael Zielenziger Nan A. Talese 9780385513036
Japan and global migration : foreign workers and the advent of a multicultural society Douglass, Mike & Roberts, Glenda University og Hawaii Press 0824827422
Culture and Identity Kidd, W. & Teagle, A. Palgrave Macmillan 9780230281028

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Other books will be announced in class

Web Pages for Reference

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

Talk with Students,Other (Separate instructions will be provided)

Other Comments

***Course studies and submission of assignments will be conducted via manaba+R.
***“Reading materials” will be uploaded on either Manaba or One-Drive and submissions will be made through the same portals.
*** This is a tentative schedule and changes may occur according to circumstances and levels of students.
*** Attendance will be taken during each class through Manaba. All important submissions such as quizzes, tests, and written works will be explained in full detail through written instructions and in class.
*** No late submission will be accepted without a legitimate reason.
*** No submissions through e-mail without instructor's permission,
【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/