Ritsumeikan University Syllabus

Course Name	Year	Term	Period	Faculty / Graduate School	All Instructors	Credits
51345:Contemporary Issues in Policy Science 2 （EPS-A） (B)	2024	Fall	Fri3	College　Of　Policy　Science	GERRY YOKOTA	2

Campus

OIC

Class Venue

AS451

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This is a survey course of contemporary issues related to policy science with emphasis on academic discussion skills. The course builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the spring semester focusing on a variety of current issues chosen by the instructor related to topics such as economics, the environment, human rights, politics, health, culture, media, globalization, education, gender and society in order to increase students’ basic local, regional and global knowledge, as well as critical thinking and understanding. Students will also improve their reading and listening by preparing short articles for learning, as well as practicing writing of short reports/essays in English. Students will conduct supplementary research on topics studied. This class will be conducted 100% in English which will be very useful for students interested in enrolling in a CRPS course, study abroad, or preparing for a field research abroad project in their second academic year.

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
- gain an understanding of contemporary local, regional and global issues
- practice critical thinking and analytical skills

<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]

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors)	Theme
Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors)	Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
	Week 1. Orientation
	Introduction to course goals, assignments, and teaching methods.
	Week 2. SDGs 1-2
	Basic training to prepare to discuss issues of poverty and hunger.
	Week 3. SDGs 3-4
	Basic training to prepare to discuss issues of health and education.
	Week 4. Presentations
	Short presentations on news items related to SDGs 1-4.
	Week 5. SDGs 5 & 10
	Basic training to prepare to discuss gender and inequality issues.
	Week 6. SDGs 6-7
	Basic training to prepare to discuss water and energy issues.
	Week 7. Presentations
	Short presentations on news items related to SDGs 5, 6, 7 & 10.
	Week 8. SDGs 8-9
	Basic training to prepare to discuss issues of work, economic growth, industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
	Week 9. SDGs 11 & 16
	Basic training to prepare to discuss issues of sustainability and just peace.
	Week 10. Group Work
	Short presentations on news items related to SDGs 8, 9, 11 & 16.
	Week 11. Presentation Skills 1
	Topic selection and outlining.
	Week 12. Presentation Skills 2
	PowerPoint design & scriptwriting.
	Week 13. Final Presentations

	Week 14. Pair interviews
	Follow-up interviews.
	Week 15. Closure
	Evaluation and reflection.

Class Format

In principle, 15 classes face-to-face.
However, media classes (either live-streamed classes or on-demand classes) may be held when necessary.
Consult Manaba weekly schedule and news announcements for class format updates.

* In order to protect public health and reduce the spread of disease, remember to wear a mask if you feel any virus-type symptoms.

Recommendations for Private Study

Listen to lectures such as TED talks, news shows, and podcasts in English. Collaborate with a study partner or group.

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 assessment based on participation, presentations, and writing assignments.

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Further details will be given in the first week of class.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

No textbook purchase is required.

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)

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

Other Comments

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URL:http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp//students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html