advanced seminar

Numbering Code U-ECON00 30030 SJ43
U-ECON00 40040 SJ43
Year/Term 2022 ・ Second semester
Number of Credits 2 Course Type
Target Year Target Student
Language Japanese Day/Period Wed.4・5
Instructor name TANAKA AKIRA (Graduate School of Economics Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course [Business History and Industry History of Japan]
(1) We will read excellent research in the field of business history and industry history of Japan (including an international comparison and international relations). To cultivate the ability to see long-term trends in a changing business scene, we will read texts that discuss circumstances specific to the industry from a historical perspective. Based on the case method, various factors that determine the characteristics of the industry under changes in the macroeconomic and social environment, and the essence of organizational decision-making and corporate behavior are explored based on a large volume of factual information.
In general, we will select academic texts that while interesting as stories, are also well-received among experts in this field (award-winning texts, etc.). Normally, we read one book each for the first and second semesters.
(2) Assigned students will present the latest economic news in five minutes and everyone will exchange opinions. The Nikkei's "Economic Classes," "From the Economic Archives," or articles with corresponding amounts of information will be focused on. Pay attention to the historical background of the reported facts and economic and managerial analyses.
(3) Individuals or group studies: These are not required to acquire credits for this course, but I encourage proactive efforts based on creativity and autonomy, and I will provide guidance and support so that papers can be completed at the end of the academic year. Field research should be conducted outside of class. During the seminar, the progress of the study will be presented in stages, and all students will discuss it.
(4) Regarding management of the seminar, the motto is respect for students' independence, an emphasis on study prior to the class, discussion based on facts, and high-density management. Based on the agreement within the seminar, collaboration will be conducted with the other seminars.
* As a general rule, regular seminars centered on text reading will be given in the 4th period, and research presentations and research guidance will be given in the 5th period as needed.
Course Goals Through text reading, you will learn how to 1) read the literature, understand the content of the text, summarize the content, and discuss it with others; and 2) how to accurately read information in books, materials, and on-site and physical products, and summarize it in texts. You will also acquire knowledge of industries with multiple characteristics throughout the year and learn how to understand broad-based trends along with industry diversity.
In addition, by exchanging opinions on economic news, as an undergraduate student in economics, you will acquire the ability to discuss current affairs from a professional standpoint.
You will submit reviews of the texts read in class at the end of the first and second semesters.
Third-year students will be encouraged to submit seminar papers in lieu of book reviews at the end of the second semester.
Fourth-year students will be encouraged to submit interim papers in lieu of book reviews at the end of the first semester.
Fourth-year students will be encouraged to submit graduation theses or seminar papers instead of book reviews at the end of the second semester.
Schedule and Contents [First semester]
Week 1: Kick-off meeting. Explain the outline of the exercise and determine the division of roles within the seminar, the plan for the semester, and the person in charge of presentation each week.
Weeks 2-14: We will proceed with learning based on the content shown in "Overview and purpose of the course" and the plan decided at the first meeting.
Week 15: Individual and group study presentation meetings, and first-semester wrap-up.
[Second semester]
Week 1: Kick-off meeting. Explain the outline of the exercise and determine the division of roles within the seminar, the plan for the semester, and the person in charge of presentation each week.
Weeks 2-14: We will proceed with learning based on the content shown in "Overview and purpose of the course" and the plan decided at the first meeting.
Week 15: Theses and seminar papers presentation meetings, and second-semester wrap-up.
Evaluation Methods and Policy [First semester]
Participation points (degree of participation in the seminar, degree of submission of book reviews or interim paper or other assignments taken up in the presentation or reading, content of such book reviews and other issues, and degree of contribution, etc. Evaluation is added to the submission of the interim paper).
[Second semester]
Participation point evaluation (degree of participation in the seminar, degree of submission of book reviews or graduated papers, seminars, other assignments, their content, and other contributions. Commensurate evaluations are added to the submission of graduate papers and seminar papers).
Course Requirements None
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) Preparation for various presentations (applicable persons). Read the relevant part of the text in advance and prepare at least one topic (everyone).
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