| Course Name | Year | Term | Period | Faculty / Graduate School | All Instructors | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50548:Foundation Course to Policy Science Ⅰ (P) | 2025 | Spring | Thu4 | College Of Policy Science | HICKS KIMBERLEY ANNE | 2 |
Campus
Class Venue
Language
Course Outline and Method
This foundational course examines the political complexities and expressions of cultural values, practices, beliefs and norms. It aims to explore why understanding culture is critical to doing research. After studying some of the basic theoretical concepts, we will then examine how culture is manifested in a variety of policies and issues across cultures. As cultures are dynamic and are increasingly vulnerable to the challenges and benefits of globalization, a critical understanding of culture is fundamental to our pursuit of sustainability and stability.
Student Attainment Objectives
-Understanding how culture is used as a dimension in research
-Understanding the relationship between culture and policy
-Understanding how to use cross-cultural comparison frameworks
-Understanding cultural determinants of gendered norms and roles
- Increasing critical and logical thinking
Recommended Preparatory Course
Course Schedule
| Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) | Theme |
|---|---|
| Keyword, References and Supplementary Information | |
| 1 | Introduction to course and key concepts; |
more detailed syllabus given in first class.
|
|
| 2-3 |
Culture as a Contentious Concept: 3 main approaches to how culture is studied
|
Political Culture; Cultural Studies; Cultural Identity
|
|
| 4-5 | Political Cultures |
Populism; Democracies
|
|
| 6-7 | National Cultures, Sub Cultures |
Values, beliefs, norms across cultures
|
|
| 8-9 | Cross-cultural comparison frameworks |
Value Orientations Theory
|
|
| 10-11 | How Culture Shapes Human Stereotypes |
Cross Cultural Understandings of Equality
|
|
| 12-14 | Cultural Relativism, Universal Values and Sustainability |
Understandings of Diversity; DEI policies
|
Class Format
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
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 | • Short weekly preparation assignments
|
Grade Evaluation Method （Note）
Keeping an open mind and using critical thinking strategies.
Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods
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)
Other Comments
URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/