Global Economy and Overseas Exchange Seminar A
| Numbering Code |
U-ECON00 20913 SE31 U-ECON00 20913 SE44 U-ECON00 20913 SE43 |
Year/Term | 2022 ・ First semester | |
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| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Seminar | |
| Target Year | From 2nd to 4th year students | Target Student | ||
| Language | Japanese and English | Day/Period | Fri.2 | |
| Instructor name |
KUROSAWA TAKAFUMI (Graduate School of Economics Professor) IVINGS，Steven (Graduate School of Economics Associate Professor) |
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| Outline and Purpose of the Course |
This newly established course aims to develop the practical skills of students and foster global leaders, in line with the internationalization strategy of the Faculty of Economics. In particular it is suitable for: (1) Students who wish to study abroad through inter-university or inter-departmental agreements and have concrete plans to do so, or who aim to enter joint degree programs in cooperation with foreign universities after graduation. (2) Other students who have a strong motivation to acquire skills essential for global leaders. In order to achieve the course objectives, this class will be conducted in a small-group format with an upper limit of 16 students, and will be conducted in a seminar format. The specific objectives of the course are as follows: a) to acquire the minimum level of international knowledge, thinking and analytical skills essential for global leaders, and b) to improve participants’ English language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) with particular emphasis on improving the speaking and academic discussion skills of participants. In today's world of unprecedented globalization (encompassing political, economic, and social aspects) collaboration with diverse people (in terms of background, values, ways of thinking, etc.) across national borders and cultures is an essential part of life, whether in companies or other social organizations. In order to engage in discussions on in such international settings, it is essential to have not only English language skills, but also the skills to understand the logic of the other party and to argue logically while objectively analyzing one's own opinions. In this class, we will discuss and present various topics on global and local economies and societies using English journals and newspaper articles, as well as providing the information and know-how necessary to be active in the international arena in the future, including information on studying abroad. The following types of students are expected to participate: (1) Students who have concrete plans to study abroad or a career path oriented toward working overseas, but lack sufficient (or want to improve their) English language skills, (2) Students who already have a high level of English proficiency but want to improve their knowledge and analytical skills to become global leaders. (More than 80% of the class will be conducted in English, though Japanese is used when necessary depending on the student's ability.) This course has the same objectives and methods as "Global Economy and Overseas Exchange Seminar B", which is offered in the second semester. It is expected that students will take either A or B, or both, depending on their study abroad and higher education plans. If a student takes this course in more than one year, up to two elective courses can be counted toward graduation requirements. However, no more than 4 credits of Global Economy and Overseas Exchange Seminar A and this course together can be counted toward graduation requirements. Note that "Global Economy and Overseas Exchange Seminar (GOES)" (not marked with either "A" or "B"), which was offered in the second semester of 2020, is treated as the same as "Global Economy and Overseas Exchange Seminar A" and "Global Economy and Overseas Exchange Seminar B" in the above "maximum 4 credits" limitation on graduation credits. |
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| Course Goals |
(1) In this course, students will learn how to use English at a level that enables them to understand discussions conducted in English, to explain their own opinions logically, and to participate in discussions. Specifically, students should acquire the above-mentioned skills in the subjects and contents of introductory- level social sciences studied in the first year of undergraduate studies, the subjects of other fields studied by the time they enter high school, and the contents of news programs in English. (2) Acquire a multifaceted understanding of the society, economy, culture, and history of the world's major regions, as well as the economic agents and social organizations there, beyond the dichotomies of "Japan vs. foreign countries" and "Europe vs. non-European countries," and acquire the minimum amount of social science analytical concepts and vocabulary for analyzing these, as well as learning methods for continuously improving these. |
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| Schedule and Contents |
Throughout the semester, practical training (discussion, debate, presentation) will be conducted based on journal articles and other texts selected as teaching materials. The instructor will act as a facilitator and provide commentary as appropriate. Students are required to do prior study of the assigned texts and related topics before participating in the class. In order to limit the number of students in the class, students must attend the class in the first week (April 9) for screening. If the number of students does not reach the limit in the first week, students will be allowed to register and take the course in the second week. The course materials will include “The Economist” and other globally influential editorial and analytical journalism media such as the “Financial Times”, as well as the BBC, CNN and other broadcast media. The schedule for each session is as follows. (If there are more than 16 students who wish to take the course, we will screen those who are approved at the first session.) 2. overseas study and overseas degree (master's/doctor's) acquisition 3-14 discussion, debate, and research presentations on issues in international politics, economics, and social issues including commentary by faculty. Depending on the student's ability and plans for study abroad or higher education, the following elements may be included in these classes: Guidance on studying abroad, entering international joint degree programs, and international career paths. Study methods to improve English scores. 15. feedback |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy |
[Method] Evaluation will be based on the quality of active participation and discussion in each class, as well as the contribution to the class as a whole. No final exam will be given. [Criteria] (1)Absolute achievement of the above-mentioned "Objectives": 50%, (2)Contribution to the class and relative growth in achievement compared to before the course: 50%. |
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| Course Requirements | The maximum number of students enrolled in the course is 16. If the number of students exceeds this limit, a selection will be made on the first day of the course (April 9). Students who wish to take this course must bring their English test scores (TOEIC, TOEFL, etc.) or a copy of them. If the number of applicants exceeds the limit, priority will be given to students in lower (younger) grades, those who plan to study abroad, and those who wish to enter a joint degree program with an overseas university. In addition, the maximum number of credits that can be counted toward graduation requirements is limited to 4, as stated in the "Outline and Purpose of the Course" section. | |||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | Preparation for each class is mandatory. Students with an English score of about 500 on the TOFEL ITP must be prepared to do at least 4-5 hours of preparation and review each week. | |||
| Textbooks | Textbooks/References | Reading materials will be assigned in class or in PandA for each session. | ||
| References, etc. | Reading materials will be assigned in class or in PandA for each session. | |||
