Research Seminar 2

Research Seminar 2

Major Courses

Not applicable.

School of Economics and Management

2Year

KCCBG2MCA3

2.00Credits

演習 (Seminar)

Spring semester 2026

(Spring semester)

Stephanie Assmann Terada

School of Economics and Management
Global Business Course

English

Not applicable.

4／5／8

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

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

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N/a

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This seminar is a continuation of the Research Seminar I.
Learning Objectives: This course aims to guide students toward composing a Bachelor's thesis. We will address topics related to consumption and consumer culture, employment patterns, diversity management, and gender in the workplace in Japan and other countries in East Asia.
Learning Targets: Based upon readings, lectures, and discussion, students will be guided toward selecting a topic for their Bachelor's thesis.

Equality, diversity, gender, leadership, consumption

I. Course Content

We will explore the spheres of work, employment, diversity, gender, and consumption from a social science perspective with an emphasis on qualitative research methods. The purpose of the course is to provide students with analytical tools to work on their Bachelor's thesis.

II. Course Schedule

1. Introduction
2. Recruitment and Promotion
3. Equality and Diversity
4. Gender and Employment (1)
5. Gender and Employment (2)
6. Leadership (1)
7. Leadership (2)
8. The Japanese Consumer (1)
9. The Japanese Consumer (2)
10. Academic Writing (1)
11. Academic Writing (2)
12. Student Presentations
13. Student Presentations
14. Student 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. Cwiertka, K. J. and Machotka, E. (Eds.) (2018). Consuming Life in Post-Bubble Japan. A Transdisciplinary Perspective. Amsterdam University Press.
2. Fraser, L., Coates, J. and Pendleton, M. (Eds.) (2020). Routledge Companion to Gender and Japanese Culture. Routledge.
3. Haghirian, P. (Ed.) (2016). Handbook of Japanese Management. Routledge.
4. Kottmann, N. and Reiher, C. (Eds.) (2020). Studying Japan. Handbook of Research Designs, Fieldwork and Methods. Nomos.

Selected readings will be made available in class.

[Preparation] Students are expected to complete the readings before class (15 hours) and prepare two presentations based on the readings (10 hours).
Students are expected to read one Bachelor's thesis composed by senior students and reflect critically upon this thesis in a written assignment (5h).

[Review] Students are expected to review the readings and reflect upon how to utilize the acquired knowledge for research on their Bachelor's thesis (20 hours).

Students will have an opportunity to discuss their research topics in small groups.

[Grading Criteria]
Students who demonstrate an understanding of the seminar content through a written assignment and two presentations will be graded as follows by the objectives and targets stated on the syllabus: S (90 points or more), A (80 points or more), B (70 points or more), C (60 points or more). Students who score at least 60 points receive credit for this course.

[Grading Method]
Two presentations 40%, written assignment: reflection about a Bachelor's thesis 30%, active engagement in class activities 30%

The instructor will return the written assignment with detailed comments and will provide comments on students presentations.
At the end of the semester, the instructor will conduct a feedback session.

Students are expected to submit one written assignment and give two presentations in class.
Regular class attendance is required. Unexcused absence for more than three times will result in failure of the course.

The course instructor plans to conduct one field trip and one event related to career guidance.

Not applicable.