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Project Research (Language of Instruction : English or Japanese)
Globalization and Socio-Cultural Change
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.
