Do you enjoy watching good movies? Are you interested in global environmental issues such as the SDGs? If your answer to both questions is "yes", this course is for you! First, we will explore academic literature in the field of political ecology relevant to sustainability and the SDGs; then, we will put the knowledge gained into practice by watching (good) movies and discussing how the films that we as global citizens consume can help us understand environmental and sustainability issues, and in which ways our own personal perceptions and academic views on nature society links are shaped by the process. Concepts from political ecology that will be covered in the course include environmental justice, ecosystem services, nature contributions to people, ecological economics, de-growth, or ecofeminism, among others. This is a fun, rewarding course both personally and academically. To take this course you do not need to have any specific background (students across any arts & sciences fields are all welcome); yet students are required to take the time to diligently watch all the movies in whole, with a critical, academic eye. While some (initial) films will be chosen by the instructor, as the semester advances, students will propose films to watch and will lead the follow-up class discussion about them.

Do you enjoy watching good movies? Are you interested in global environmental issues such as the SDGs? If your answer to both questions is "yes", this course is for you! First, we will explore academic literature in the field of political ecology relevant to sustainability and the SDGs; then, we will put the knowledge gained into practice by watching (good) movies and discussing how the films that we as global citizens consume can help us understand environmental and sustainability issues, and in which ways our own personal perceptions and academic views on nature society links are shaped by the process. Concepts from political ecology that will be covered in the course include environmental justice, ecosystem services, nature contributions to people, ecological economics, de-growth, or ecofeminism, among others. This is a fun, rewarding course both personally and academically. To take this course you do not need to have any specific background (students across any arts & sciences fields are all welcome); yet students are required to take the time to diligently watch all the movies in whole, with a critical, academic eye. While some (initial) films will be chosen by the instructor, as the semester advances, students will propose films to watch and will lead the follow-up class discussion about them.

This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research or evaluation that contributes to positive social change. By the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the role of research and evaluation in addressing social issues and promoting social change. 2. Identify and articulate research problems related to social change. 3. Formulate appropriate research questions. 4. Apply research methodologies and data collection techniques for social research. 5. Analyze and interpret research data to draw meaningful conclusions and insights. 6. Present research findings effectively to diverse audiences. 7. Reflect critically on ethical considerations in social research and incorporate ethical practices throughout the research process. 8. Collaborate effectively in research projects and engage in constructive discussions on research and inquiry for social change.

This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research or evaluation that contributes to positive social change. By the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the role of research and evaluation in addressing social issues and promoting social change. 2. Identify and articulate research problems related to social change. 3. Formulate appropriate research questions. 4. Apply research methodologies and data collection techniques for social research. 5. Analyze and interpret research data to draw meaningful conclusions and insights. 6. Present research findings effectively to diverse audiences. 7. Reflect critically on ethical considerations in social research and incorporate ethical practices throughout the research process. 8. Collaborate effectively in research projects and engage in constructive discussions on research and inquiry for social change.

This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research or evaluation that contributes to positive social change. By the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the role of research and evaluation in addressing social issues and promoting social change. 2. Identify and articulate research problems related to social change. 3. Formulate appropriate research questions. 4. Apply research methodologies and data collection techniques for social research. 5. Analyze and interpret research data to draw meaningful conclusions and insights. 6. Present research findings effectively to diverse audiences. 7. Reflect critically on ethical considerations in social research and incorporate ethical practices throughout the research process. 8. Collaborate effectively in research projects and engage in constructive discussions on research and inquiry for social change.

This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research or evaluation that contributes to positive social change. By the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the role of research and evaluation in addressing social issues and promoting social change. 2. Identify and articulate research problems related to social change. 3. Formulate appropriate research questions. 4. Apply research methodologies and data collection techniques for social research. 5. Analyze and interpret research data to draw meaningful conclusions and insights. 6. Present research findings effectively to diverse audiences. 7. Reflect critically on ethical considerations in social research and incorporate ethical practices throughout the research process. 8. Collaborate effectively in research projects and engage in constructive discussions on research and inquiry for social change.

How does race and language impact the way people are seen and treated in society? In this course, we examine the field of raciolinguistics—how language shapes our ideas of race and how ideas of race influence language and language use. We look at examples within Japan, China, the U.S., Brazil, and other countries, where “standard English” is often associated with Whiteness and nonnative speakers are often considered “deficient” language users, even when they are skilled communicators. We will debunk common myths about race and language and in doing so, consider ways to improve diversity and inclusion for racial and linguistic minorities in Japan. Towards the end of the course, students will choose one case to explore in depth and present their findings to the class.

How does race and language impact the way people are seen and treated in society? In this course, we examine the field of raciolinguistics—how language shapes our ideas of race and how ideas of race influence language and language use. We look at examples within Japan, China, the U.S., Brazil, and other countries, where “standard English” is often associated with Whiteness and nonnative speakers are often considered “deficient” language users, even when they are skilled communicators. We will debunk common myths about race and language and in doing so, consider ways to improve diversity and inclusion for racial and linguistic minorities in Japan. Towards the end of the course, students will choose one case to explore in depth and present their findings to the class.

How does race and language impact the way people are seen and treated in society? In this course, we examine the field of raciolinguistics—how language shapes our ideas of race and how ideas of race influence language and language use. We look at examples within Japan, China, the U.S., Brazil, and other countries, where “standard English” is often associated with Whiteness and nonnative speakers are often considered “deficient” language users, even when they are skilled communicators. We will debunk common myths about race and language and in doing so, consider ways to improve diversity and inclusion for racial and linguistic minorities in Japan. Towards the end of the course, students will choose one case to explore in depth and present their findings to the class.

How does race and language impact the way people are seen and treated in society? In this course, we examine the field of raciolinguistics—how language shapes our ideas of race and how ideas of race influence language and language use. We look at examples within Japan, China, the U.S., Brazil, and other countries, where “standard English” is often associated with Whiteness and nonnative speakers are often considered “deficient” language users, even when they are skilled communicators. We will debunk common myths about race and language and in doing so, consider ways to improve diversity and inclusion for racial and linguistic minorities in Japan. Towards the end of the course, students will choose one case to explore in depth and present their findings to the class.