Course title
S24880001
Contemporary Japanese Society

YANG KUNHAO
Middle-level Diploma Policy (mDP)
Program / Major mDP Goals
Department of Architecture 3. 3.自然科学や人文社会科学に関する知識を援用して、建築にかかわるさまざまな事象を論理的に説明することができる
Department of Architecture 5. 5.豊富な教養と専門知識を統合、駆使して、種々の制約条件や解決するべき課題を整理・分析し、合理的な方法によって建築をデザインすることができる
Purpose of class
1. Understand the characteristics of contemporary Japanese society and Japan’s global position.
2. Develop the ability to interpret economic and social features of modern Japanese society from empirical data.
3. Learn to extract useful information from diverse literature using generative AI.
Course description
***This course is offered in a ”fully on-demand” format, allowing you to study anytime and anywhere. Therefore, the main content differs from traditional lecture-style classes. The primary activity involves completing assignments using generative AI tools prepared by the instructor. If you wish to enroll, please be sure to check the first session guidance posted on ScombZ.***
In recent years, global circumstances have been in significant flux, undergoing remarkable changes. In this course, we will set specific themes for each session and discuss international comparative research papers in the field of computational social science. While explaining their content, students will be encouraged to consider various aspects of globalization. Through this process, the aim is to understand the impact of globalization from a global perspective, examine Japan’s position in the world and the world’s influence on Japan, and develop insights into the future of Japanese society.
Note: Some course materials will be provided in English to accurately convey the content of research papers, but assignments will be conducted in Japanese.
Goals and objectives
  1. Understand the characteristics of contemporary Japanese society and Japan’s global position.
  2. Develop the ability to interpret economic and social features of modern Japanese society from empirical data.
  3. Use generative AI to extract useful information from diverse literature.
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

Instructor evaluation Feedback Questionnaire (Attendance) Total.
1. 25% 5% 30%
2. 25% 5% 30%
3. 35% 5% 40%
Total. 85% 15% -
Evaluation method and criteria
This course emphasizes the use of generative AI.
The final grade is calculated based on 12 reading assignments using generative AI (total 80 points) + attendance (20 points). Detailed evaluation criteria will be explained in the first session guidance materials.
Based on the above, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted, and a score of 60 or above out of 100 points is required to pass.
Language
Japanese(English accepted)
Class schedule

Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Introduction: Course Guidance Review distributed materials 250minutes
2. Political Science Focus 1 Reading Assignment 200minutes
3. Political Science Focus 2 Reading Assignment 200minutes
4. Sociology Focus 1 Reading Assignment 200minutes
5. Sociology Focus 2 Reading Assignment 200minutes
6. Economics Focus 1 Reading Assignment 200minutes
7. Economics Focus 2 Reading Assignment 200minutes
8. Large Language Models Focus 1 Reading Assignment 200minutes
9. Large Language Models Focus 2 Reading Assignment 200minutes
10. Media Studies Focus 1 Reading Assignment 200minutes
11. Media Studies Focus 2 Reading Assignment 200minutes
12. Information Ethics Focus 1 Reading Assignment 200minutes
13. Information Ethics Focus 2 Reading Assignment 200minutes
14. Q&A Session NA 0minutes
Total. - - 2650minutes
Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.
ways of feedback specific contents about "Other"
Feedback outside of the class (ScombZ, mail, etc.)
Textbooks and reference materials
Textbook: None, as the course content is based on the latest research papers.
Materials required for assignments will be distributed via ScombZ.
Prerequisites
The first session will provide detailed explanations about the course format, content, and grading criteria, so please be sure to watch it.
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • Contact via email to the address specified during class.
Regionally-oriented
Non-regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
Active-learning course
About half of the classes are interactive
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
N/A N/A
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
  • 5.GENDER EQUALITY
  • 10.REDUCED INEQUALITIES
  • 13.CLIMATE ACTION
Last modified : Sat Mar 14 14:45:24 JST 2026