This course focuses on the indigenous society and culture of Japan, with particular attention to the Ainu people, who are regarded as indigenous to the island now called Hokkaido. It discusses the definition of indigenous, the history of settler colonialism, and contemporary Ainu culture. No prior disciplinary knowledge is required--students who are interested in the topic and are able to travel to Hokkaido are welcome to register.

This course focuses on the indigenous society and culture of Japan, with particular attention to the Ainu people, who are regarded as indigenous to the island now called Hokkaido. It discusses the definition of indigenous, the history of settler colonialism, and contemporary Ainu culture. No prior disciplinary knowledge is required--students who are interested in the topic and are able to travel to Hokkaido are welcome to register.

The first objective of the course if for students to acquire conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge of autocratization in current global politics. The concept of autocratization will be discussed and contrasted to that of democratization. Students will learn and discuss how autocratization is measured by leading independent assessing institutions (e.g. V-Dem, EUI, Freedom House). The second objective of the course is for students to acquire conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge of the meanings, causes, and effects of populism as well as its historical and current character in various contexts. Thereby, students will be able to understand the role of populism, if any, in countries undergoing a reversal in the quality of democracy. The students will also develop the ability to assess different academic perspectives on populism and to independently and critically analyze populist rhetoric, as well as the social, economic and political conditions that promotes the growth of populism. The course includes and analyzes prominent recent examples of populist leaders and regimes, including tools they have used to come to power and keep it.

-The first objective of the course if for students to acquire conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge of autocratization in current global politics. The concept of autocratization will be discussed and contrasted to that of democratization. Students will learn and discuss how autocratization is measured by leading independent assessing institutions (e.g. V-Dem, EUI, Freedom House). The second objective of the course is for students to acquire conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge of the meanings, causes, and effects of populism as well as its historical and current character in various contexts. Thereby, students will be able to understand the role of populism, if any, in countries undergoing a reversal in the quality of democracy. The students will also develop the ability to assess different academic perspectives on populism and to independently and critically analyze populist rhetoric, as well as the social, economic and political conditions that promotes the growth of populism. The course includes and analyzes prominent recent examples of populist leaders and regimes, including tools they have used to come to power and keep it.

This is a course on visual culture in the 20th and 21st century, with a particular focus on the interplay between media technology, culture and society. This course will also be multidisciplinary in nature, as we reflect on our discursive assumptions in the historical, sociological, anthropological, philosophical disciplines among others. While the readings may primarily cover phenomenon in the United States, participants will be strongly encouraged to think of the specificity of the impact of globalization on media and society in various regions of the world including Japan. The course objectives are the following: -Gain a better understanding of the relationships between society, media, people, institutions and how they function as agents of maintaining the status quo or for fostering change -Learn about the transformative faculties and social implications of quotidian applications of technology -Gain deeper understanding of the academic disciplines Topics will include (but are not limited to): -representation of human-computer interaction in culture -regional, transnational and international ecosystems of information technology -artificial intelligence and algorithmic bias -representation of race, ethnicity and gender and other minorities -technological advancement and implementation in everyday life and the powers at play

This course introduces qualitative research methods and provides hands on opportunities to experience research practice, focusing on interviewing. It involves thorough discussions of qualitative research methodology including its nature, design, data collection procedures, and conceptualization. The course further familiarizes students with and guides them through the process of conducting their own pilot study including interview data collection and analysis related to each students' discipline and interests. At the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. define what qualitative research and data are 2. design effective qualitative research in relation to their research questions 3. collect and organize qualitative interview data under ethical consent practices 4. analyze qualitative data and ensure its validity 5. report their conceptualization of qualitative data as research findings

This course introduces qualitative research methods and provides hands on opportunities to experience research practice, focusing on interviewing. It involves thorough discussions of qualitative research methodology including its nature, design, data collection procedures, and conceptualization. The course further familiarizes students with and guides them through the process of conducting their own pilot study including interview data collection and analysis related to each students' discipline and interests. At the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. define what qualitative research and data are 2. design effective qualitative research in relation to their research questions 3. collect and organize qualitative interview data under ethical consent practices 4. analyze qualitative data and ensure its validity 5. report their conceptualization of qualitative data as research findings

Students are welcome to this class where we will learn about and discuss issues surrounding global society and language. Sociolinguistics explores how language and society are connected. It looks at how language shapes, and is shaped by, factors like identity, gender, ethnicity, education, class, sexuality, power, and culture. These are topics that both students and teachers have real-life experience with. In this course, we will share our experiences, thoughts, and opinions on them. Different languages and the social and historical backgrounds of the people who speak them affect how policies are made, especially as we work toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Because of this, it is very important to understand the role language plays in society, and how this understanding can help us reach our global development targets. For example, recognizing language diversity is crucial at a time when many populations around the world are vulnerable. Understanding their varied linguistic needs allows us to create inclusive policies that respect multiple languages and benefit everyone. By the conclusion of this course, it is hoped that you will have obtained knowledge of sociolinguistics and the role language plays in sectors relevant to global society through readings and class discussions. You will have ample opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions on these issues as we gain a collective understanding of how language will enable us to work towards the SDGs and navigate obstacles along the way.

Students are welcome to this class where we will learn about and discuss issues surrounding global society and language. Sociolinguistics explores how language and society are connected. It looks at how language shapes, and is shaped by, factors like identity, gender, ethnicity, education, class, sexuality, power, and culture. These are topics that both students and teachers have real-life experience with. In this course, we will share our experiences, thoughts, and opinions on them. Different languages and the social and historical backgrounds of the people who speak them affect how policies are made, especially as we work toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Because of this, it is very important to understand the role language plays in society—and how this understanding can help us reach our global development targets. For example, recognizing language diversity is crucial at a time when many populations around the world are vulnerable. Understanding their varied linguistic needs allows us to create inclusive policies that respect multiple languages and benefit everyone. By the conclusion of this course, it is hoped that you will have obtained knowledge of sociolinguistics and the role language plays in sectors relevant to global society through readings and class discussions. You will have ample opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions on these issues as we gain a collective understanding of how language will enable us to work towards the SDGs and navigate obstacles along the way.

This is a course on visual culture in the 20th and 21st century, with a particular focus on the interplay between media technology, culture and society. This course will also be multidisciplinary in nature, as we reflect on our discursive assumptions in the historical, sociological, anthropological, philosophical disciplines among others. While the readings may primarily cover phenomenon in the United States, participants will be strongly encouraged to think of the specificity of the impact of globalization on media and society in various regions of the world including Japan. The course objectives are the following: -Gain a better understanding of the relationships between society, media, people, institutions and how they function as agents of maintaining the status quo or for fostering change -Learn about the transformative faculties and social implications of quotidian applications of technology -Gain deeper understanding of the academic disciplines Topics will include (but are not limited to): -representation of human-computer interaction in culture -regional, transnational and international ecosystems of information technology -artificial intelligence and algorithmic bias -representation of race, ethnicity and gender and other minorities -technological advancement and implementation in everyday life and the powers at play