2023 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses

Sociology C

Academic unit or major: Humanities and social science courses
Instructor(s): Yuki Yoshikawa
Class Format: Lecture (Face-to-face)
Media-enhanced courses: -
Day of week/Period (Classrooms): 7-8 Mon (W9-201(W921)) / 7-8 Thu (W9-201(W921))
Class: -
Course Code: LAH.S308
Number of credits: 200
Course offered: 2023
Offered quarter: 4Q
Syllabus updated: Jul 8, 2025
Language: Japanese

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

This course aims to characterize contemporary Japanese society from a cultural perspective. In particular, we will examine familiar cultural phenomena, such as art and music, from multiple perspectives by unraveling empirical studies involving historical research and social surveys (questionnaire surveys and fieldwork) conducted from a sociological perspective. The objective of this examination is for students to acquire new perspectives on contemporary Japanese society and theoretical tools for analyzing its characteristics and issues.

Course description and aims

(1) To discuss the characteristics of Japanese society using concrete materials and data concerning cultural phenomena
(2) To explain familiar cultural phenomena from a perspective based on empirical research in sociology
(3) To explain social theories related to culture using appropriate terminology

Keywords

cultural sociology, history, social research, social theory, music

Competencies

Specialist skills
Intercultural skills
Communication skills
Critical thinking skills
Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

The lecture format will be based on a slide presentation, but may include paired or small group discussions and quizzes. Pair or group discussions will center on a theme determined by the instructor and will be shared with the class.

Course schedule/Objectives

	Course schedule	Objectives
Class 1	Introduction	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 2	Contemporary Society from a Cultural Perspective	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 3	Tastes and Gender	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 4	Friend Relationships and Culture	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 5	Generations and Identity	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 6	Distinction	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 7	Cultural Omnivore	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 8	Culture and Critique	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 9	Americanization	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 10	Postwar Democracy	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 11	Created Traditions	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 12	Westernization	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 13	Presentation.	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.
Class 14	Summary and Reflection	Quiz and discussion. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class.

Study advice (preparation and review)

Students are expected to prepare for and review the content of each class (including assignments) for approximately 100 minutes, referring to relevant sections of handouts and other materials.

Textbook(s)

Classes will be in a slide lecture format, and there will be no textbook. Students should be prepared to take notes.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

佐藤健二／吉見俊哉編、2007、『文化の社会学』有斐閣。
粟谷佳司／太田健二編、2019、『表現文化の社会学入門』ミネルヴァ書房。
南田勝也／木島由晶／永井純一／小川博司編、2019、『音楽化社会の現在——統計データで読むポピュラー音楽』新曜社。
長崎励朗、2021、『偏愛的ポピュラー音楽の知識社会学——愉しい音楽の語り方』創元社。
周東美材、2022、『『未熟さ』の系譜——宝塚からジャニーズまで』新潮社。

Evaluation methods and criteria

Ordinary marks (30%: reaction papers, etc.; 70%: periodic examinations) will be based on participation, assignments, and the reaction papers submitted for each class. However, the evaluation method may change in consideration of the students’ study status.
Students can bring reference books, handouts, notes, and other reference material to periodic examinations. No credit will be given for tardiness or absences resulting in students missing over 1/3 of class sessions.

Related courses

LAH.S107 ： Sociology A
LAH.S207 ： Sociology B
LAH.S404 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences4

Prerequisites

Students must have an interest in contemporary society and cultural phenomena.

Other

This lecture will include resumes and slides. Students will be asked to write a reaction paper for each class. Their papers will be discussed at the beginning of the next lecture. The course content and the level of difficulty may change depending on the students’ level of understanding.