Numbering Code	U-ECON00 20020 SJ43	Year/Term	2022 ・ First semester
Number of Credits	2	Course Type	Seminar
Target Year	2nd year students	Target Student
Language	Japanese	Day/Period	Fri.4・5
Instructor name	KUROSAWA TAKAFUMI (Graduate School of Economics Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course	Focusing on the theme of “industry dynamics,” this seminar will partly examine developed or mature economies and competitive industrial nations such as Japan, or certain countries in East Asia, Europe, or North America. However, we will also be considering other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, which have increased in prominence during the 21st century. Our objective is to develop a more global perspective from which to conduct comparative investigations of industries and their dynamics. We will be looking into how the framework of international specialization and competition has brought about changes at the level of individual nations with respect to “regions” and the network-like relationships that exist between and within regions. We shall also be studying the drivers of the competitive advantages of different regions as well as the dynamics of competitive power. Through the abovementioned program, we hope to help students develop a global perspective and learn how to view economies from multiple angles.
Course Goals	Having a historical perspective, or a historical way of thinking, is highly relevant in this day and age. It is a comprehensive outlook that is comprised of the following three elements: (1) Emphasis on structure and context (particular conditions that arise during specific historical periods, regions, and social groups); (2)attention to complex, reciprocal processes; and (3) consideration of the cognition and behavioral thinking of the social subject (individual and organizational). In this seminar, we will be applying this historical perspective or way of thinking to various problems relating to contemporary economic phenomenon or business administration, with the aim of developing students' ability to understand the world. 　Furthermore, another special characteristic of this seminar is its highly international nature. After first securing sufficient knowledge relating to the world’s diversity, as well as its universal aspects, we will proceed to using both Japanese and English in developing logical arguments about complex social and economic problems. Finally, students are expected to delevop the ability to express these arguments through essays.
Schedule and Contents	Contents and Theme of Seminar 　The core focus of this seminar shall be on group reading and discussion (in Japanese and in English) of texts relating to the aforementioned theme. Globalization, which has currently captured everyone's attention, is working to render competitive conditions more homogenous at a global scale. Yet at the same time, the peculiar competitiveness of specific regions has also become more noticeable as part of this process. In this seminar, we shall be adopting the perspective of economic policy, industry theory, and industrial history, in order to consider issues of industry dynamism. Plan: The seminar will follow the schedule outlined below: (1) Group reading and discussion of texts relating to industry dynamism and regional competitive advantages (around 10 of 15 sessions). As required, we shall also be holding group learning activities to create a space for emergent learning. (2) Study using articles from the English language journal The Economist as learning material. (3) Reports on individual research: Each student will select a topic, prepare a simple paper, and give a presentation (around 4 of 15 sessions). (4) Factory field trip: We shall be visiting factories or other facilities with relevance for the economy within the Kansai area. 　For further details, please refer to the URL listed below.
Evaluation Methods and Policy	Method, standard: Determined by attendance, class participation, and individual reports / presentations.
Course Requirements	The willingness to study independently. Curiosity about what is occurring outside of Japan. A keen interest in society.
Study outside of Class (preparation and review)	Students must make sure to read the chosen sections of specified literature prior to the beginning of each class. In cases wherein students are assigned to give a report, they will need to prepare printouts and other material for the class beforehand. In general, students will be required to independently study the exercises, studies, and literature relating to the subjects covered in class. This will have to take place outside of class hours, so please allot around twice as much time for study as is spent attending the classes themselves.
Textbooks	Textbooks/References	After enrolment has been finalized, I shall be inquiring about what students have previously studied and read, and decide upon further material based on this.
References, etc.	Instructed during class
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