Syllabus data

Course Title
Comparative Culture
Course Title in English
Comparative Culture
Course Type
-
Core specialized courses
Eligible Students
Graduate School of Social Sciences
Target Grade
All
Course Numbering Code
KCWMS5MCA1
Credits
2.00Credits
The course numbering code represents the faculty managing the subject, the department of the target students, and the education category (liberal arts / specialized course). For detailed information, please download the separate manual from the upper right 'question mark'.
Type of Class
講義 (Lecture)
Eligible Year/Semester
Spring semester 2026
(Spring semester)
Instructor
Kayoko KINSHI
Affiliation
Graduate School of Social Sciences
Language of Instruction
English
Related SDGs
N/a
Office Hours and Location
B301
Office hours by appointment
Contact
kinshi@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

Corresponding Diploma Policy
A double circle indicates the most relevant DP number and a circle indicates the associated DP.
Corresponding Undergraduate School DP
Corresponding Graduate School DP
2◎/3〇/5〇
Corresponding University-Wide DP
N/a
Academic Goals of Teacher Training Course

Course Objectives and Learning Outcome

This course focuses on culture in relation to languages. Understanding the basic knowledge of sociolinguistics, the study of the role of language in human society, we will learn sociolinguistic phenomena; specifically the development of dialects, language change, and standardization. We will examine our own linguistic practices and those of the schools and communities within we study, work and live.

Specific learning objectives in this course include:

1. to examine a variety of case studies which shows how language functions in society
2. to raise an awareness of ongoing language change in society
3. to analyze linguistic phenomena in the context of one's own culture
Subtitle and Keywords of the Class
Keywords: language and society, language variety
Course Overview and Schedule
The course is a combination of lectures and discussions about pre-assigned topics.

1. Introduction
2. What is Language?
3. Language, Thought, and Representation
4. Language and Politics
5. Language and the Media
6. Linguistic Landscapes
7. Language and Gender
8. Language and Ethnicity
9. Language and Age
10. Language, Class, and Symbolic Capital
11. Global Englishes
12. Projects
13. Presentation
14. Presentation
15. Reflection and Summary
In-person/Remote Classification
In-person
Implementation Method and Remote Credit Limit Application
• In-person classes only
• Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits
Uses of Generative AI
Limited permission for use
Precautions for using Generative AI
When using generative AI, please pay attention to the contents described in “Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI in Education at the University of Hyogo (For Students)” In this course, the use of generative AI is permitted only within the following scope, and use beyond this scope is prohibited. Students must follow the instructions of the instructor regarding the use of generative AI. If it is found that generative AI has been used beyond the scope approved by the instructor, credits may not be granted or may be revoked. It is important to verify factual accuracy and check/add sources and references for any content generated by AI. Submitting AI-generated output directly as assignments or reports is strictly prohibited.
Textbook

Materials will be provided by the course instructor.

References
Stanlaw, J. (2019).  Language, Culture, and Society: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology. Routledge


Contents and Estimated Time for Pre- and Post- Learning (Preparation and Review)
Students need to prepare for the next lesson (15h), do the required assignments (15h), and review the previous lesson (30h).
Contents of Active Learning
Students will learn to organize and present material, and to participate in the discussion.
Grading Criteria and Methods
Students who demonstrate an understanding of the assigned tasks and successfully complete the required reports will receive grades based on their level of proficiency in achieving the course objectives and learning outcomes. Grades will be assigned as follows: S (90 points or higher), A (80 points or higher), B (70 points or higher), and C (60 points or higher).
Grading criteria:
Class discussions and comments: 40%
Assignments: 40%
Final report: 20%
How to Disclose Assignments and Exam Results
Feedback will be provided in class or via Unipa when possible.
Precautions and Requirements for Course Registration

This course requires a consistent commitment to reading each week so that students can actively participate in discussions. Students need to prepare for each session, do the required assignments, and review the previous sessions.


Practical Education
Not applicable.
Remarks
In cases where any differences arise between the English version and the original Japanese version, the Japanese version shall prevail as the official authoritative version.