Syllabus data

Teacher name ： September Jeremy Ryan
Course Title
Special Topics II
Course Title in English
Special Topics II
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
(Fall semester)
Instructor
September Jeremy Ryan
Affiliation
Graduate School of Social Sciences
Language of Instruction
English
Related SDGs
4
Office Hours and Location
Before and After Class in the classroom
Contact
All instructors can be reached by message on Unipa.

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

Course Objectives and Learning Outcome
This course is about the history and nature of money.
It explores the evolution of money, its functions, types, and the institutions that manage it.
From ancient barter systems to blockchain technology, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of money’s role in society and the economy.



Subtitle and Keywords of the Class
Monetary history, Central banking, cryptocurrency, community currency, Ethics
Course Overview and Schedule
Lesson 1: Introduction to Money
  • Definition and functions of money: medium of exchange, unit of account, store of value
  • Overview of the course and significance of studying money

Lesson 2: The Origins of Money
  • Barter systems and the limitations of trade
  • Transition from barter to commodity money (e.g., gold, silver)
  • Introduction of the first coins in ancient civilizations (e.g., Lydia)

Lesson 3: The Evolution of Currency
  • The rise of paper money and the Chinese invention
  • The role of banks in currency creation
  • Money supply and its importance in economies

Lesson 4: The Role of Central Banks
  • Functions of central banks: monetary policy, financial stability
  • History of central banking: the Bank of England and beyond
  • The role of central banks in modern economies

Lesson 5: International Monetary Systems
  • Overview of the Gold Standard and its implications
  • The Bretton Woods System and the emergence of the US Dollar as a reserve currency
  • Current status and challenges in the global monetary system

Lesson 6: The Rise of Digital Money
  • The development of electronic payments and digital wallets
  • Impact of technology on the efficiency of money transfer
  • Introduction to the concept of e-money

Lesson 7: Cryptocurrencies: The Basics
  • Definition and characteristics of cryptocurrencies
  • Overview of Bitcoin: its creation, technology, and purpose
  • The blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrencies

Lesson 8: The Variety of Cryptocurrencies
  • Examination of major cryptocurrencies: Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin
  • Differences between cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies
  • The concept of altcoins and their purposes

Lesson 9: The Economics of Cryptocurrencies
  • How cryptocurrencies impact traditional financial systems
  • Issues of volatility, speculation, and investment potential
  • Discussion on mining and transaction fees

Lesson 10: Regulatory Perspectives on Cryptocurrencies
  • Overview of global regulatory environments for cryptocurrencies
  • The challenges of classifying cryptocurrencies: currency vs asset
  • Case studies of countries adopting/rejecting cryptocurrencies

Lesson 11: Alternative Currencies and Community Initiatives
  • Definition and examples of complementary and community currencies
  • The role of local currencies in enhancing community resilience
  • Case studies: The Grassroots Economics Foundation, Banco Palmas, and others

Lesson 12: Future of Money: Trends and Predictions
  • The potential for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)
  • The impact of AI and fintech innovations on financial systems
  • Discussion on the future landscape of money

Lesson 13: Money, Society, and Ethics
  • The ethical implications of cryptocurrency mining and energy consumption
  • Discussion on wealth inequality and access to banking services
  • The role of money in promoting social good or exacerbating harm

Lesson 14: The Behavioral Economics of Money
  • How perceived value and psychology impact money usage
  • The influence of marketing and societal norms on currency adoption
  • Understanding consumer behavior in the context of digital currencies

Lesson 15: Course Review and Future Directions
  • Summary of key concepts covered in the course
  • Discussion of unanswered questions and areas for further study
  • Final thoughts on the evolving nature of money


In-person/Remote Classification
In-person
Implementation Method and Remote Credit Limit Application
Uses of Generative AI
Completely forbidden
Precautions for using Generative AI
Textbook

Materials will be provided by the instructors 


References
Contents and Estimated Time for Pre- and Post- Learning (Preparation and Review)
Preparation
Prepare presentations and prepare responses to assignments（15h）

Review
Prepare reports and assignments（15h）
 
Contents of Active Learning
Lectures are conducted in an interactive manner, including discussion of assignments and feedback on student submissions.
Grading Criteria and Methods
Contribution to lecture and Minute papers: 50%
Presentation and final essay: 50%
How to Disclose Assignments and Exam Results
Instructors will provide feedback in class
Precautions and Requirements for Course Registration
Tardiness and Absences and disallowed in principle.
In the above cases students should contact the lecturer in charge.


Practical Education
None
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.