Research Seminar 1 ｜ Syllabus data

Course Title

Research Seminar 1

Course Title in English

Research Seminar 1

Course Type

Major Courses

Not applicable.

Eligible Students

School of Economics and Management

Target Grade

2Year

Course Numbering Code

KCCBG2MCA3

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

演習 (Seminar)

Eligible Year/Semester

Fall semester 2026

(Fall semester)

Instructor

Stephanie Assmann Terada

Affiliation

School of Economics and Management
Global Business Course

Language of Instruction

English

Not applicable.

Related SDGs

4／5／8／12

Office Hours and Location

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

Contact

E-Mail:
assmann@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

1◎／2◎／3◎

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 designed to help students write their Bachelor's thesis. The instructor encourages anyone interested in topics like consumption, employment patterns, diversity management, or gender in the workplace to join. Through lectures and discussions, students will choose a thesis topic.

Subtitle and Keywords of the Class

The Japanese firm, consumption, employment, leadership, diversity, gender

Course Overview and Schedule

I. Course Content

Taking Japan as an example, we will explore the spheres of work, employment, equality, and diversity. The purpose of the course is to enable students to read and analyze longer texts and to develop analytical tools for a Bachelor's thesis. Students are expected to compose a Bachelor's thesis. Therefore, one part of this course will consist of an introduction to conducting research, academic writing, and plagiarism. Students will present a company profile as part of the coursework.

II. Course Schedule

1. Introduction
2. History and Structure of the Japanese Firm (1)
3. History and Structure of the Japanese Firm (2)
4. History and Structure of the Japanese Firm (3)
5. Recruitment, Promotion, and Employment
6. Equality and Diversity
7. Student Presentations
8. Student Presentations
9. Student Presentations
10. Introduction to research methods and academic writing
11. Reading Company Profiles (1)
12. Reading Company Profiles (2)
13. Student Presentations
14. Student Presentations
15. 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

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

1. Coates, J., Fraser, L. and Pendleton, M. (Eds.) (2020). The Routledge Companion to Gender and Japanese Culture. Routledge.
2. Haghirian, P. (Ed.) (2016). Routledge Handbook of Japanese Business and Management. Routledge.
3. Haghirian, P. (Ed.) (2009). J-Management. Fresh Perspectives on the Japanese Firm in the 21st Century. Bloomington.
4. Kottmann, N. and Reiher, C. (Eds.) (2020). Studying Japan. Handbook of Research Designs, Fieldwork and Methods. Nomos.

References

Selected readings will be provided in class.

Contents and Estimated Time for Pre- and Post- Learning (Preparation and Review)

[Preparation] Students are expected to complete the assigned readings prior to class (10 hours) and prepare two presentations (10 hours).
[Review] Students are expected to reflect upon the course content through a revision of the readings (10 hours).

Contents of Active Learning

Students will have an opportunity to discuss the assigned readings in small groups.

Grading Criteria and Methods

[Grading Criteria]
Students who demonstrate an understanding of employment, leadership, and diversity in the Japanese firm, take part in class discussions, give two presentations and complete one written test will be graded as follows: 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 80%, regular attendance including active engagement and attitude 20%.

How to Disclose Assignments and Exam Results

The instructor will guide students toward improving presentation skills and provide feedback on student presentations.
At the end of the semester, the instructor will conduct a review of the entire course content and a feedback session to hear the students' opinions about the course.

Precautions and Requirements for Course Registration

Students are expected to participate in group discussions and give two presentations.
Regular attendance is required.

Practical Education

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

Remarks

Regular attendance is required.
Students who have three or more unexcused absences may not receive credit for this course.

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.