Sociology

Sociology

General Courses

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School of Economics and Management

All

IA9991GCA1

2.00Credits

講義 (Lecture)

Fall semester 2026

(Fall semester)

Stephanie Assmann Terada

School of Economics and Management
Global Business Course

English

Not applicable.

5／8／10／12

Thursday
10:40-12:10
Research Building I
Room A-231

E-Mail:
assmann@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

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This course introduces students to sociology.

Learning Objectives: What is a society, and what is the role of the individual in society?
How does society affect individual lives?
Learning Targets: By emphaszing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, this course will equip students with a deeper understanding of theories and research methods in the social sciences. The students will have an opportunity to work on assigned topics in small groups.

Society, consumption and consumer behavior

I. Course Content

Through examining daily items of consumption such as coffee, students will gain a deeper understanding of how private and public lives are connected.
This course includes an overview of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology and provides students with an opportunity to work on projects in small groups.

II. Course Schedule

1. Introduction: What is Sociology?
2. Theories and Perspectives (1)
3. Theories and Perspectives (2)
4. Theories and Perspectives (3)
5. Sociology of Consumption (1)
6. Sociology of Consumption (2)
7. Sociology of Consumption (3)
8. Sociology of Consumption: The Example of Coffee (1)
9. Sociology of Consumption: The Example of Coffee (2)
10. Project Work
11. Project Work
12. Group Presentations
13. Group Presentations
14. Group Presentations
15. Summary

In-person

• In-person classes only
• Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits

Completely forbidden

In this course, the use of generative AI is strictly prohibited. Any use during class is forbidden, and if a violation is discovered, credits may not be granted or may be revoked.
Regardless of whether generative AI is used or not, students must pay attention to the contents described in “Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI in Education at the University of Hyogo (For Students)”

1. Giddens, A. (2009). Sociology. Polity Press.
2. Johnston, J., Cairns, K., Baumann, S. (2017). Introducing Sociology Using the Stuff of Everyday Life. Routledge.

Additional materials will be distributed in class.

To be announced in class.

[Preparation] Students should complete the assigned readings before class and participate in group presentations (15 hours).
[Review] Students should reflect on the assigned readings through group discussions and presentations (15 hours).

Students will have an opportunity to work on group projects (approximately 5 students per group) and give a group presentation.

[Grading Criteria]
Students who demonstrate an understanding of the main sociological theories and perspectives and actively engage in group project work and group presentations will be graded as follows: S (90 points or more), A (80 points or more), B (70 points or more), and C (60 points or more). Students who score at least 60 points will receive credit for this course.

[Grading Method]
30% written tests, 25% group fieldwork and group presentation, 30% final examination, and 15% active contribution to weekly class activities.

1. The instructor will return the quizzes with comments.
2. Before the final examination, the instructor will review the entire course contents and conduct a feedback session to hear the students' opinions about the course.

1. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings and written assignments and take part in group fieldwork and group presentations.
2. Students are required to attend classes regularly.

Not applicable.

In past semesters, students repeatedly left the classroom after attendance was taken.
Students are expected to remain in the classroom for the entire duration of the class.
Attendance will be taken at the end of each class.