Immerse yourself in the vibrant and evolving field of visual and media ethnography, where theoretical exploration seamlessly intertwines with hands-on application in photography and filmmaking for scientific research. This comprehensive course delves into the nuanced realms of social documentation and cultural examination across global contexts, fostering a deep appreciation for the synergy between research methodologies and artistic expression. Guiding students through a multifaceted learning journey, this course embarks on "mini-fieldwork" expeditions that unravel within the tapestry of everyday life. Armed with cameras and microphones, students adeptly collect audio-visual data, capturing the essence of human experiences in diverse settings. These candid recordings lay the foundation for the creative process that follows. The subsequent stages of the course center around collaborative engagement. Screenings of the collected "rushes" form the basis for insightful group discussions, affording students the opportunity to dissect, critique, and appreciate the diverse array of audio-visual narratives that emerge. These exchanges enrich perspectives and contribute to the refinement of individual projects. Harnessing the raw materials from their fieldwork, students transition into the role of editors, weaving together captured moments into coherent and evocative narratives. This transformative process not only encapsulates the essence of the subject matter but also reflects the intricate dance between filmmaking and context-specific storytelling. As the course draws to a close, participants will have acquired more than the skills to create compelling ethnographic and transcultural documentary films. They will have gained a profound understanding of filmic composition, montage intricacies, and the art of seamless editing. Through meticulously curated film screenings, theoretical insights will further elucidate the foundational principles that underscore impactful visual storytelling. Ultimately, graduates of this course will emerge as skillful visual ethnographer and filmmaker of thought-provoking ethnographic documentaries. Armed with the ability to leverage their collected audio-visual materials, they will weave narratives that resonate with authenticity. Simultaneously, they will possess the discernment to critically analyze and appreciate the nuances of film construction, propelling them into the ranks of skilled visual storytellers with a comprehensive and holistic understanding of their craft. Learning Goals: By the end of the course, students will have the skills to: •Display a fundamental understanding of theory and methodology in visual and media ethnography. •Competently employ a video camera as a tool for comprehensive fieldwork research. •Proficiently edit ethnographic and documentary films to convey impactful narratives. •Articulate the intricate connections between filmic narratives and distinct socio-cultural milieus. •Thoroughly prepare for supervised editing processes, organize systematic workflows, and infuse personal creativity to elevate storytelling prowess through the video medium.

This class explores the diverse methodologies and ethical considerations essential for conducting research in the social sciences. The course covers a wide range of topics, including textual and systematic content analysis, qualitative survey design, media ethnography, and research ethics. Students will explore the intricacies of digital databases, media archives, and the basics of web scraping. Advanced techniques in web scraping and social media analytics will be discussed, with particular attention to sentiment analysis and data visualization. The course emphasizes the ethical dimensions of research, ensuring that students are well-equipped to conduct their studies responsibly and effectively. Through a series of lectures and practical workshops, students will gain a thorough understanding of contemporary research methods and their application in the study of information, technology, and society in Asia.

- to grasp the concept/nature of globalisation and its governance - to understand the variety of global issues and conflicts involved in them - to explore the cooperative ways in which to mitigate/settle/solve those conflicts

This is a course on the hegemonic power struggles that play out in leisure, with a particular emphasis on the role of media technology. This course will start with a brief introduction to leisure studies as a discipline followed by the bulk of the semester spent on reading specific studies on leisure and media in the 20th and 21st century. 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 leisure and media in various regions of the world including Japan. The course objectives are the following: - Gain insight into the significance of leisure as a central concept for academic inquiry - Gain a deeper understanding on how power is institutionalized in society through leisure, such as in the form of regulatory structures, normative mechanisms, and representation - Gain insight into the mechanisms of inculcation through everyday media - Gain insight into the impact that globalization has had on leisure and media Topics will include the following among others: racial, ethnic and other social minorities; gender; class; tourism; cinema; television; representation; serious leisure; volunteerism; regional, transnational and international ecosystems of leisure culture; leisure and technology.

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 race, ethnicity and gender and other minorities -regional, transnational and international ecosystems of information technology -artificial intelligence and algorithmic bias -technological advancement and implementation in everyday life and the powers at play

This course provides a critical and interdisciplinary overview of the major legal and political developments that have shaped - and continue to shape - Japanese society. Drawing on perspectives from political science, law, history, and sociology, the course emphasizes both top-down and bottom-up processes in Japanese governance. It focuses on how law operates within society, particularly through constitutional, criminal, and civil law. However, the aim is not to analyze these laws in isolation, but to explore how they function within the social fabric of Japan. Law is a fundamental aspect of everyday life in all societies: it provides predictability, helps avoid anarchy, and secures cooperation among members of society by prioritizing the common good over individual gain (law as a tool for stability in society). Law is also a tool for action when people or groups feel excluded, discriminated against, or believe they are being treated unjustly (law as a tool for social change). This course examines the central features of Japan's legal system, viewing law as a social institution and exploring its relationship with other societal systems. We will focus on the role of key actors in the legal system and the interplay between social stability, and change. Additionally, the course emphasizes the relationship between law and broader economic, political, and social processes. From the perspective of the sociology of law (or socio-legal studies), we will examine how law serves as both a practical resource for addressing social issues (a tool for change) and a set of shared representations and aspirations (for stability). The course will explore how legal professionals (lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers) and ordinary citizens mobilize and use law. Due to time constraints, we cannot cover every aspect of Japan’s legal system or every actor involved. Instead, we will focus on key topics that illustrate the situational and systemic demands placed on actors within the legal system. At the same time, we will seek to identify patterns in how law interacts with and influences society. Some of the topics we will address include Japan’s exceptional record in economic development, crime control, and its low litigation rate. These topics exemplify why Japan's legal system is so efficient; not only by examining how it functions today, but also by tracing its historical roots and understanding why it evolved in this way. We will also address topics such as the death penalty, wrongful convictions, same-sex marriage, and other areas of social activism where law is used to drive social change. These topics reflect the "reverse side of the coin," where law may not function effectively, and social activism seeks to change the situation. In sum, we will analyze the actual evolution of the rule of law in both the past and present, with an eye on the future of Japan and its place in a globalizing world. Therefore, this course combines methodologies from the sociology of law and legal history. We will also critically assess the limitations of law in Japan, asking which social issues remain unresolved by the legal system. Is Japan’s legal system an example for other countries to follow, or not? Ultimately, the goal is to critically examine both the merits and flaws of Japan's legal system in an informed and balanced manner. By studying how conflicts are resolved, how social order is maintained, how movements for social change emerge, and how legal frameworks operate within Japan’s socio-political context, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s legal system from the Meiji era (1868–1945) to the present day. Each class will begin with a methodological introduction, providing students with tools from the sociology of law, followed by the analysis of primary materials (e.g., court decisions, political speeches, legislative texts, personal diaries) and secondary readings that offer academic context.

This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of international politics in East Asia. It covers both specific regional issues, such as the U.S.-China rivalry, the Taiwan issue, the Korean Peninsula issue, and the South China Sea dispute, as well as broader themes, including the historical formation of regional order, Japan’s evolving role, and newly emerging transnational challenges.

In this seminar we practice foundational ways of thinking about the complex relationship between digital technology and society, with a focus on recent developments in software such as AI and automated decision-making and their underlying technical infrastructures. How do artificial intelligence and the pervasive use of algorithms affect culture and society? How is the need for rare earths to drive chip production connected to geopolitical shifts and conflicts? The seminar combines readings of recent studies in software studies and science and technology studies with hands-on exercises.

This graduate-level seminar provides a comprehensive exploration of contemporary media and communication studies, emphasizing the intricate relationship between theory and practice in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. The course navigates key paradigms in media and cultural studies, from classic frameworks to cutting-edge concepts, equipping students with a robust theoretical foundation while encouraging critical engagement with real-world media phenomena. Through in-depth readings, lively discussions, and applied analysis, students will develop the critical thinking skills necessary to interrogate complex media texts, platforms, and practices using a range of theoretical approaches. By bridging the gap between abstract ideas and concrete media practices, the course prepares students to understand the historical development and current state of media and communication studies, apply theoretical frameworks to emerging technologies, and develop original research questions that contribute to the field. This seminar serves as a foundation for fostering the ability to engage in informed discussions about the role of media in shaping society, culture, and individual experiences. Students will emerge from the course well-equipped to analyze and interpret the complex media ecosystems that characterize our contemporary world, laying the groundwork for advanced research and analysis in the field.

This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of international politics in East Asia. It covers both specific regional issues, such as the U.S.-China rivalry, the Taiwan issue, the Korean Peninsula issue, and the South China Sea dispute, as well as broader themes, including the historical formation of regional order, Japan’s evolving role, and newly emerging transnational challenges.