Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
14567:[2025 Fall]Understanding Contemporary Society through English Films(JB) 2025 Fall Thu3 College　Of　Law JACKSON LACHLAN 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

ZONSHINKAN　ZS403

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This course uses the medium of film to explore a range of social issues in contemporary society. Over the semester, students will view three films, and will explore various social issues that these films raise (i.e. gender roles, sexual orientation, family function & dysfunction, discrimination, animal rights etc.)
In this course, students will be expected to work cooperatively and respectfully with classmates in pairs/small groups to share their opinions about these complex social issues.

Student Attainment Objectives

It is intended that students who enroll in this course will:

1) be exposed to films that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to view
2) improve their ability to discuss complex social issues using film as a reference point to frame opinions and ideas
3) develop critical thinking skills and an ability to consider social issues from a range of different perspectives.
4) learn to view social issues through a 'critical lens' - to think about power structures in society, and what might be done to improve the lives of marginalized groups in society.
5) deepen their understanding of the term 'social justice' as it might apply to their lives and the people around them.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

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

BEFORE CLASS: 【+R授業】詳細はmanaba+Rを参照
IN CLASS: Course outline and introductions

What does it mean to think "critically?"
How to view films "critically"

Introduction to Production One: Family Function and Dysfunction

Class 2

Production One: Family Function and Dysfunction (Part 1)

Students will watch the first portion of Production One.
We will discuss our ideas about relationships, love and family.
We will consider issues of family function and dysfunction.

Class 3

Production One: Family Function and Dysfunction (Part 2)

Students will watch the second portion of Production One
We will discuss issues relating to marriage, divorce and custody

Class 4

Production One: Family Function and Dysfunction (Part 3)

Students will watch the third portion of Production One.
We will discuss issues relating to gender roles and family forms.

Preparation for Short Test #1
Reading Response #1 Due

Class 5

Production 1: Family Function and Dysfunction (Continued)
Short Test #1

We will continue to discuss issues relating to gender roles and families.

Students will complete Short Test #1
Learning Journal #1 Due

Class 6

Production Two: The Global Food System (Part 1)

Students will watch the first portion of Production Two.
We will consider the ways in which the production and function of food has changed, and some of the ethical questions that that these changes raise.

Class 7

Production Two: The Global Food System (Part 2)

Students will watch the second portion of Production Two.
We will consider the effects that the industrialization of the global food market has had on society in terms of health, the environment, labor rights, and the global economy.


Class 8

Production Two: The Global Food System (Part 3)

Students will watch the third portion of Production Two.
We will consider what has been termed "the politics of food" and how this term might relate to our own lives.
Preparation for Short Test #2
Reading Response #2 Due

Class 9

Production Two: The Global Food System (Continued)
Students will complete Short Test #2
Learning Journal #2 Due

We will continue to discuss issues raised in the documentary (Production Two)
We will examine our own food consumption practices.
An Action Plan: What can we do?

Students will complete Short Test #2

Class 10

Production Three: Sexual Minorities, HIV, and AIDS (Part 1)

Student will watch the first portion of Production Three.
We will consolidate our understand of HIV-AIDS and the current state of the disease globally.

Class 11

Production Three: Sexual Minorities, HIV, and AIDS (Part 2)

Student will watch the second portion of Production Three.
We will consider issues relating to heteronormativity and homophobia.

Class 12

Production Three: Sexual Minorities, HIV, and AIDS (Part 3)

Student will watch the third portion of Production Three.
We will consider issues relating to the discrimination/ acceptance of sexual minorities in society.
Reading Response #3 Due

Class 13

Production Three: Sexual Minorities, HIV, and AIDS (Part 4)
Short Test #3

Students will complete Short Test #3
Preparations for Short Presentations
Learning Journal #3 Due

Class 14

Short Presentations

Students will deliver a short presentation to the class related to one of the themes explored in the course.

Class Format

この授業は全授業回を対⾯で実施します。
All clases will be face-to-face

Recommendations for Private Study

It is very important that students catch up any work missed BEFORE the next class. There is NO POINT in only watching, for example, the first and final portions of a film! If you are absent, please contact me to make arrangements to borrow the film/documentary to watch it independently. Also, it is important to do the required reading and complete all assignments on Manaba for homework. You will need to prepare for each class in order to participate fully in it.

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 Tests (3 X 10%) 30%
Learning Journal Entries (3 X 5%) 15%
Set Reading Responses (3 X 5%) 15%
Short Presentation 10%
Attendance, Effort, & Participation 30%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

You need to access Manaba regularly and read all course announcements. Many of the assignments must be submitted through Manaba. It is your responsibility to complete assignments and tests before the due date. You will not be able to access the tests and assignments after the due/ end dates.

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

There is no set text for this course. The instructor will provide all materials either in class or through Manaba.

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