Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
52653:Policy Studies 1 (EPS-A) (B) 2023 Spring Fri2 College　Of　Policy　Science CHEN DAVID 2

Campus

OIC

Class Venue

AS364

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This intermediate-level course examines some key policy science-related issues. Many of the themes are drawn from the UN Millennium Development Goals. Case studies and policies from different countries may be compared in order to gain a broad understanding of diverse and effective ways of dealing with common global issues. Basic political theories and philosophies with be studied in order to gain a deeper understanding of local and global issues. This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to study so that students may begin to understand links between different issues. Students will research, discuss (face-to-face and online) and complete assignments on a variety of topics to be decided by or supervised by the instructor. This is an excellent course to prepare students for enrolling in a CRPS course, academic study abroad, seminar study in English, and to improve overall understanding of issues related to policy science.

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
●learn how to analyse and compare policies and practices across nations
●gain critical thinking and analytical skills
●learn how to build logical arguments

<政策科学部学生のためのCEFR Can-Do listを参照のこと> [S(B2.1)], [L(B2.1], W(B2.1)]

Recommended Preparatory Course

Contemporary Issues in Policy Science I and 2 are recommended but not mandatory.

Students should practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in English as much as possible. You can listen to a recording in English and repeat in a spoken voice in order to practice pronunciation and fluency. You can also record your voice or make videos and then watch and try to improve pronunciation, expression and fluency.

Course Schedule

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

Course introduction.

• Meeting your classmates and instructor
• Introduction to course content, methods, evaluation
• more detailed syllabus given in first class

2-3

COVID-19 and its effects.

A general look at different policies related to the pandemic and which countries have been more effective at curbing its spread. Comparing Japan's approach to other countries.

4-5

Security in a modern age.

Case studies on the theme of security and the varying policies on a global level. Problems posed and how it may be problematic for the Olympics and other international events.

6-7

Equality and what this means in different parts of the world.

Comparing different policies at both a national and international level for people who live on the margins, the poor and those with mental or physical challenges, LGBT and foreign residents. Gender equality issues in Japan and other parts of the world.

8-9

Economic policies: who has it right?

Comparing different policies in the world related to the topic of consumer taxation, lack of equality in salary and employment, travel and business. Case studies of effective and innovative approaches.

10-11

The weight of human rights.

Varying policies in the world related to the fundamental right of food, shelter and education. The possible effects of COVID-19 on developing countries in terms of humanitarian aid. Which countries and their policies are working and why. How Japan compares.

12-14

Policy and the environment.

Case studies on environmental issues. Which countries have been the most active and effective. Comparing different approaches and solutions to protecting nature. Leaders in raising awareness for its protection. Japan's role to this point.

15

Final presentations.

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.


Japanese

BCPレベル1〜2 :対面授業8回以上、メディア授業7回以下
第1回目講義は、メディア授業となります(詳細はmanaba+Rコースニュースで通知)

BCPレベル3以上:メディア授業

※ Students should follow safety protocols and behaviour carefully and conscientiously.
English

BCP level 1-2: in principle 8 or more face-to-face lessons
Hybrid classes (combine use of face-to-face basis and online basis) might also be provided depending on the situation.

※ Students should follow safety protocols and behaviour carefully and conscientiously.

BCP Level 3 and above: all classes will be conducted online [using Zoom or other media]

Recommendations for Private Study

Students should practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in English as much as possible. Students can listen to a recording in English and repeat in a spoken voice in order to practice pronunciation and fluency. The use of English-English dictionaries (online or paper) is recommended to utilize existing English and to stimulate thinking in English and avoiding translating. Using research databases and other materials accessible through Ritsumeikan library is highly recommended.

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 Assessments may be bases on:

●Participation and preparation
● Homework assignments
● Skills tests
● Student presentations and written assignments

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

The instructor will give a more detailed course outline in the first week of class including topics for discussion, evaluation criteria and learning methods.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods


If you do not understand the teacher’s instructions make sure you ask for clarification. Teachers want to support their students whenever and however they can. Make sure you are prepared for each class but if for some reason you cannot do your homework please attend class anyway. The time you spend in the class is very important to your learning and improving.

The use of English-English dictionaries is recommended (online or paper) both to use English regularly in studying and enable critical and creative thinking in English.

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

There is no textbook for this course. Handouts will be provided.

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

To be announced by the instructor.

Web Pages for Reference

To be announced by the instructor.

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

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

Other Comments

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URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/