Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
15362:IR18‐CA206 Bridge to International Studies II (Cultural Understanding)(RE) § 15363:IR-CA206 Introduction to International Studies in English Ⅱ(RE) 2022 Spring Thu1 College　Of　International　Relations LUDVIK CATHERINE 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

RYOYUKAN　RY308

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This course will explore selected aspects of religion and religion-related culture, such as architecture, pilgrimage-travel and tourism, festivals, food, dress, and sports, in comparative perspective, by comparing Japanese examples with corresponding examples from all over the world. We will study, for instance, the Shikoku Henro in comparison with the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage (Spain), food and dress regulations in different religions, and so on. We will examine the effects of globalization on religion by looking, for example, at foreigners on the Shikoku Henro and Japanese on the Camino de Santiago. We will discuss the impact of World Heritage status, of tourism, of COVID-19, of social networking, and of film/television on religious sites and practices. Assignments will each consist of about 200-250 words of writing based on target questions. There will be two group presentations, for which each student will be expected to speak for about 3-4 minutes.

Student Attainment Objectives

This course aims to provide students with an introduction to cultural understanding through comparative religion-related culture.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Reasonable English language ability

Course Schedule

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

Course Introduction

Course contents, syllabus, Japanese religions

2

Religious Architecture

Symbolism, preservation, reconstruction

3

Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage

Kobo Daishi Kukai, Henro history and modern practice

4

Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage

St. James, France to Spain walking route, modern pilgrims
Documentary film: "Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago"

5-6

Group Presentations on World Pilgrimages

Group study and presentation of pilgrimages to Mt. Kailas, Mt. Putuo, Benares, Jerusalem, Mecca, etc.

7

Discussion on Comparative Pilgrimage Cultures

Discussion on pilgrimage clothing, stamps, accommodation, motivations, and globalization of pilgrimage.

8

Seasonal/Agricultural Festivals; Festivals of the Dead

Festival typology, Kyoto's Three Big Festivals, Halloween and Obon

9

Reenactment Festivals

Jidai Matsuri, Kumbha Mela

10

Transplanting Festivals and Sacred Sites

Ganges River in New York

11

Religion and Food

Offerings and their symbolism, food taboos, fasting, feasting

12

Religion and Dress

Definition of dress (clothing, hair, accessories, tattoos), religious rules and customs, dress and identity, what dress expresses and how it impacts the wearer

13-14

Group Presentations on Selected Topics

Group presentations on cases studies of religion and food, or religion and dress, or religion and another topic

15

Course Review Test

Based on class contents

Class Format

[[BCP Level 1 or 2]
・In principle, all 15 weeks (15 classes for once a week course, 30 classes for twice a week course) will be face-to-face.
・When a student is unable to attend face-to-face classes due to any of the following conditions, web-based follow-up will be provided for all classes. Students who fall under this category should notify their instructor by the first class.
 
[Conditions for web-based follow-up]
(1) When a student has a pre-existing condition/underlying health condition.
(2) When it is difficult for a student to commute to university due to concerns over putting cohabiting
family members at risk.
(3) When a student is unable to enter Japan due to international travel restrictions.
(4) Other valid reasons when a student has been impacted by COVID-19 and is under an unavoidable situation for which they are not responsible for.
 
 
[BCP Level 3 or 4]
・All 15 weeks (15 or 30 classes) will be web-based (Live-Streamed, using ZOOM): 15 or 30 ZOOM live-streamed lectures at the designated class hours/periods (i.e., 15 live-streamed classes for the once-a-week courses; 30 live-streamed classes for the twice-a-week courses).
 
※For more information on Ritsumeikan University's BCP Level, please refer to the following URL, Point No.1 “Measures to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).”
http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/news/detail/?id=475

Recommendations for Private Study

Readings will be posted on manaba.

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

Class participation and assignments (35%)
Group Presentations (40%)
Course Review test (25%)

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Students will be expected to make two short group presentations.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

There is no textbook. Selected readings and other resources will be posted on manaba+R.

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


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