Contemporary globalization, with its unprecedented scope and influence, has
produced new patterns of population and cultural movements in all human
societies. Employing (but not constrained by) sociological paradigms, this
seminar helps students locate and analyze emergent social issues and cultural
phenomena in Asia Pacific societies under the conditions of globalization.
Students who participate in this seminar are encouraged not only to examine the
global dynamics that affect local practices, but also to explore how micro-level
transnational practices have produced social, cultural changes in different
societies. This seminar should be of particular interest to those who want to
study transnational migration, new forms of communities, cultural changes and
emerging patterns of social inequality in Asian societies.
There are two practical goals for this seminar. On the one hand, it is a place
where MA students are assisted to complete their master's thesis systematically
and on schedule. On the other hand, through this seminar, students can build a
broad knowledge base about the interaction of global and local dynamics and the
transnational processes of social and cultural changes. It gives students'
perspectives about the particular social and cultural phenomena they are
observing and analyzing.
Although the working languages of the seminar will be both English and Japanese,
participants should expect most sessions to be conducted in English. The final
reports can be in either English or Japanese. All the students who choose to
enroll in this seminar are expected to take some social science methods courses.
In fact, I urge students to be familiar with both qualitative and quantitative
methods for three reasons. First, studies employing both methods will be
discussed in this seminar. Second, I believe mixed methods are the best approach
to social scientific research. Finally, they are important skills to have as an
academic or a non-academic professional in the future.
- Course readings:
The reading list will be compiled together with students at the beginning of the
semester.
- Reference book:
Sassen, Saskia. 2006. Deciphering the Global: Its Scales, Spaces and Subjects.
London: Routledge.
