Disaster Prevention and Media Communication

Academic unit or major

Humanities and social science courses

Instructor(s)

Hiroyuki Fukuda

Class Format

Lecture (Face-to-face)

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

3-4 Wed

Class

-

Course Code

LAH.A537

Number of credits

100

Course offered

2024

Offered quarter

4Q

Syllabus updated

Mar 14, 2025

Language

Japanese

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

In this lecture, we study media communication of disaster information with a focus on meteorological disaster prevention. We aim to understand the origins, characteristics, and current challenges of disaster prevention meteorological information based on the latest discussions, as well as to decipher disaster prevention information using knowledge from media communication theories and media studies.

The goal of this lecture is to deepen understanding of media communication regarding disaster prevention information, thereby acquiring fundamental knowledge about the influence and limitations of media, the relationship between scientists and the media, and communication aimed at promoting "safety." The lecture is divided into three parts. The first part is to grasp the knowledge on meteorology necessary to read and understand disaster prevention information, and to understand the current situation, issues and aims of meteorological disaster prevention information in Japan. Next, the lecture will provide an understanding of the theories and ideas related to disaster management information among the findings of mass communication theory and media studies. Finally, the course will decipher specific disaster risk management information from the perspective of media communication.

Course description and aims

(1) Gain an understanding of the current status and challenges of disaster prevention information in Japan, and be able to comprehend key issues.
(2) Develop the ability to interpret disaster prevention information from the perspective of media communication theory.
(3) Critically examine disaster prevention information and media content, and engage in discussions on how to construct communication aimed at promoting "safety" from the perspectives of both senders and receivers.

Student learning outcomes

実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)

Engaged in weather forecaster at NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), focusing on the latest meteorological disaster prevention, disaster information, and media communication.

Keywords

Disaster prevention, meteorology, mass media, media studies.

Competencies

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

Class flow

Lecture format involves distributing handouts and using slides. Additionally, group discussions with small numbers of participants are sometimes conducted, focusing on themes related to the lecture content. Following the third and fifth sessions, students are required to submit concise reports summarizing what they have learned up to that point.

Course schedule/Objectives

Study advice (preparation and review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to course material.

Textbook(s)

None required.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Course materials are provided during class.

Reference books
Baran, S.J. Davis, D.K. (2003) “MASS COMMUNICATION THEORY : Foundations, Ferment, and Future” Wadsworth, a divison of Thomson Learning, Inc.
Yoshitsugu, Nagasawa. (2018)"Weather Forecast and Disaster Prevention" Chuokoronshinsyo. (Japanese)
Japan Meteorological Agency, Advisory Committee of information on disaster risk reduction (Japanese)

Evaluation methods and criteria

Students’ course scores are based on midterm short reports(50%) and final report (50%)

Related courses

• Not applicable.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites.

Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).

fkd.hook[at]gmail.com

Office hours

Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.

Other

This course is 500-level course.
Tokyo Tech’s “wedge-shaped style education” enables students to pursue liberal arts education in a phased manner throughout undergraduate and graduate programs.
Students are encouraged to take 100-level to 600-level courses in order. As such, master’s students must begin Humanities and Social Science courses at the 400 level (in 1Q/2Q of the first year for those entering in April, and 3Q/4Q for those entering in September), then proceed to 500-level courses (in 3Q/4Q or later for those entering in April, and 1Q/2Q of the following year or later for those entering in September).