Seminar I (D)

Seminar I (D)

Basic specialized courses (Specialization-related courses)

Research seminar

Graduate School of Social Sciences

All

KCWMS5MCA3

4.00Credits

演習 (Seminar)

Spring semester 2026,Fall semester 2026

(Fall semester)

Tamas Carmen

Graduate School of Social Science, Department of Global Business

English

4／5／8／10／11

B307, by appointment

tamas@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

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1◎／2◎

1-2◎／2-1◎

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Course objective: In this seminar, students will learn how to conduct interdisciplinary research, combining tools and methodologies from anthropology and business models.
Learning outcomes: The students will acquire the necessary skills to conduct ethical academic research and to present/ publish the results of their research in a manner that benefits society as a whole.

anthropology, business, community, Japanese culture

1. Course overview-- academic goals, approaches to research
2. Business and anthropology-- an interdisciplinary approach
3. Doing research in anthropology-- tools and methods
4. The business model theoretical framework
5. Approaches to research-- theory and practice
6.  Approaches to research-- theory and practice
7. Doing fieldwork
8. Midterm presentation
9. Collecting data
10. Data analysis
11. Comparative research
12. Research ethics
13. Presenting research results
14. Review and discussion
15. Final presentation

In-person

Limited permission for use

AI may be used for the purpose of translating materials or identifying sources (which must be verified with the original document/ text) ONLY.

There is no textbook for this class, but students will have a comprehensive list of materials (adapted to their research topic) as compulsory reading.

1. Matthew Engelke. 2018. How to Think like an Anthropologist. Princeton University Press
2. Carolyne Fluehr-Lobban. 2013. Ethics and Anthropology. AltaMira Press
3. Allan Afuah. 2003. Business Models: A Strategic Management Approach. Irwin Professional Pub
4. Masanao Kawakami. 2011. ビジネスモデルのグランドデザイン. 中央経済社

Students are expected to spend at least two hours in preparation for each class-- reading, reviewing notes, and preparing to discuss the progress of their research.

This seminar is project-based, and as such fieldwork, both individual and guided by the instructor, is an integral part of the course.

Grading criteria

S 90%~) excellent (thorough mastery of course material & concepts)
A (80%~) good (proficient grasp of most course material & concepts)
B (70%~) fair (general understanding of principal course material & concepts)
C (60%~) poor but passing (superficial familiarity with some course material)
In order to obtain the credits for this course, at least a C (60%) is necessary.

Evaluation methods

Class activity (discussions based on indicated readings, presentation of research progress) 40%
Midterm presentation 20%
Final presentation 40%

Students will receive continuous feedback, both in class and by email, up to the completion of their thesis. 

For a successful completion of their master's thesis, students are expected to read all the materials indicated by the instructor, and complete the list with their own findings.