Syllabus data

Teacher name ： Takara Kenza Allal-Sumoto
Course Title
Social Analysis on Globalization
Course Title in English
Social Analysis on Globalization
Course Type
Major Courses
-
Eligible Students
School of Economics and Management
Target Grade
2Year
Course Numbering Code
KCCBG2MCA2
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
Takara Kenza Allal-Sumoto
Affiliation
School of Economics and Management GBC
Language of Instruction
English
Related SDGs
4／5／17
Office Hours and Location
By appointment or before or after class
Contact
allalsumoto@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
2◎／3〇
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 aims to help students develop a deeper understanding of geopolitics by analyzing how geography influences global politics, economics, and international relations. Through reading assignments, discussions, debates, and group work, students will critically engage with key geopolitical concepts and current events. The course also aims to enhance students’ analytical thinking, discussion skills, and ability to articulate arguments in English.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain key geopolitical concepts and how geography shapes global political dynamics.
2. Analyze and discuss the geopolitical implications of real-world events based on their understanding of the course material.
3. Demonstrate and refine critical thinking skills by engaging in discussions, debates, and group work on geopolitical topics.
4. Improve English communication skills through structured discussions and debates on complex geopolitical issues.
5. Connect course concepts to current international affairs.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of world geography through map-based quizzes and activities.
Subtitle and Keywords of the Class
【Subtitle】Geopolitics
【Keywords】Discussion, Debate, Critical thinking, Social issues
Course Overview and Schedule
This course explores the role of geography in shaping global politics through the lens of Tim Marshall's Prisoners of Geography (2016). Students will be required to read assigned chapters as homework, and class sessions will focus on content review through group work, discussions, and debates. Additionally, students will engage in world map quizzes to reinforce their geographic knowledge. The course emphasizes active participation and critical engagement with the material, encouraging students to apply geopolitical concepts to contemporary international issues.

1. Class Introduction, Brainstorming "What is geopolitics?"
2. Russia 1
3. Russia 2
4. China 1
5. China 2
6. USA
7. Western Europe
8. Africa
9. Middle East 1
10. Middle East 2
11. India and Pakistan
12. Korea and Japan
13. Latin America
14. The Arctic
15. Final Review, Course Review

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
Completely forbidden
Precautions for using Generative AI
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)”
Textbook
Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics (2016), Tim Marshall, ISBN 978-1783962433
The e-book is also available.

References
Materials will be provided by the instructor.
Contents and Estimated Time for Pre- and Post- Learning (Preparation and Review)
Students will spend between two and three hours outside of class each week reviewing the material and preparing for class.
Contents of Active Learning
Students will actively conduct research and plan their discussion and group work.
Grading Criteria and Methods
Contribution to class discussion 20%
Discussion and debate review 20%
Group work 20%
Map quiz 20%
Final review 20%


How to Disclose Assignments and Exam Results
The instructor will give feedback in class or in Unipa.
Precautions and Requirements for Course Registration
This course requires a significant amount of work and preparation.
  • Attendance in all class lectures is mandatory for conference preparation.
  • Students will need to complete all assignments and tasks and meet required deadlines.
  • Students must have a laptop and internet access.
  • As a guideline, students are expected to have English proficiency equivalent to one of the following scores:
    TOEIC: 785 or higher
    EIKEN: Grade 2 or above
    TOEFL iBT: 86 or higher
    IELTS: 6.5 or higher


Practical Education
n/a
Remarks
  • Among students enrolled in this course, those who wish to participate may join the JUEMUN conference held from July 10 to 12 at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies. If the number of applicants exceeds approximately 10 students, a selection process will be conducted.
  • The conference fees for delegates (JUEMUN participants) are set at 7,500 yen, which includes lunches for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, a conference dinner on Friday night, participation certificates, and other official materials. Any expenses not included in this fee must be covered by the students themselves.
  • Participation in the JUEMUN conference requires students to sign a waiver agreeing to the conference participation standards.
  • The conference may be audio or video recorded for research purposes, and photographs may be taken to be used for promotional activities by the participating universities.

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.