2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Department of Social and Human Sciences Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
Graduate Lecture in Politics, Law and Administration F1A
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
- Instructor(s)
- Renge Jibu
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Wed (W9-326)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- SHS.P443
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Sep 30, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
In this course, we will explore gender equality policies through a case study of organizational reform in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. We will read texts authored by stakeholders involved in the reforms undertaken by a regional city struggling with the outflow of young people and women, analyze the situation, and engage in discussions.
Course description and aims
1) Understand the characteristics and the reasons of gender gap in Japan, 2)Major policies related with gender equalities, 3) Understand how politics, economy and education affect filling and widening existing gender gaps, 4) Understand strategic communications
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)
Instructor serves committee members or chair in the meetings for promoting gender equality in the Cabinet Office. Also based on the experience of attending international meetings about gender equality, the instructor will provide pragmatic education.
Keywords
gender equality, gender gap, international comparison, politics, economy, education, communication strategies
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Students are required to read the designated text (Japanese book) and submit a summary (resume) before every class. The class will proceed through discussions based on these summaries. I will provide commentary as needed, using supplemental materials regarding the Japanese government’s gender equality policies as well as international policy frameworks such as those of the UN, G7, and G20.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction |
Learn about basic policy of gender equality and the case of Toyooka-city. |
| Class 2 | Why closing the gender gap is essential |
We will discuss Chapter 1 of the text after you have read it and submitted your summary. |
| Class 3 | If there are more 'attractive companies,' then 'living in the countryside' will also be enjoyable. |
We will discuss Chapter 2 of the text after you have read it and submitted your summary. |
| Class 4 | First, let's start with the way "staff members" work. |
We will discuss Chapter 3 of the text after you have read it and submitted your summary. |
| Class 5 | Thinking about the 'future of the town' within the community. |
We will discuss Chapter 4 of the text after you have read it and submitted your summary. |
| Class 6 | Changing values through collaboration between the "educational sector" and "local government." |
We will discuss Chapter 5 of the text after you have read it and submitted your summary. |
| Class 7 | Five essential perspectives for "regional reform." |
We will discuss Chapter 6 of the text after you have read it and submitted your summary. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
Please ensure you read the relevant sections of the designated text (Japanese book) and submit your summary before class.
Textbook(s)
Small-Scale Administrative Organizational Reform by ZERO Gap Toyooka (published by Seisansei Shuppan)
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Cabinet Office "White paper of Gender Equality"
Evaluation methods and criteria
Pre-class summary submissions: 50%
In-class discussion and participation based on the summaries: 30%
Final assignment: 20%
Related courses
- LAH.S443 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences51:Studies on Future Society
- LAH.T214 ： Studies on Future Society B
Prerequisites
There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, from the second session onward, you are required to read the assigned text and submit a summary (resume) before attending class. Please obtain the text as early as possible. Your grade will be based on your ongoing contributions, including these pre-class submissions and your participation in class discussions.