2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Department of Social and Human Sciences Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
Graduate Methodologies in Culture and Arts F1
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
- Instructor(s)
- Yuto Koizumi
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Class
- -
- Course Code
- SHS.U462
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 3-4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course explores methodologies for conducting research in the fields of culture and the arts, using “how to view films” as a concrete example to deepen understanding. Through discussions focused on specific works or scenes, students will be trained to reexamine film as an art form from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce an academic essay of approximately 5,000 words as a final outcome.
Course description and aims
As the intended learning goals, the course aims to: (1) begin with the concept of auteur theory, (2) explore the idea of "the death of the author," and (3) go beyond both to enable students to construct their own personal "film history."
Keywords
Film studies, media literacy, film history
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Each week, students will watch specific films, read relevant literature as needed, and engage in discussions based on assigned themes. The course also provides training in academic writing, guiding students to develop the skills necessary to articulate their analyses in written form while learning how to write about film critically and effectively.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | The course begins by focusing on the opening of a film and analyzing the information presented there. Students then examine the relationship between the opening and the middle sections. Finally, they develop the ability to interpret the structural relationships among the opening, middle, and ending as an integrated whole. |
To develop the ability to interpret a film’s distinctive narrative through the visual signs and symbolic elements presented on screen. |
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 textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None required.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Relevant readings and other materials will be introduced during class as needed.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Weekly assignments: 50%
Final assignment: 50%
Related courses
- None
Prerequisites
Students are required to attend the first session, as it is essential for understanding the direction and expectations of the course. And there is no attendance score in this course. Attendance requirements and policies regarding absences, including officially excused absences, follow the university’s regulations. Please note that the instructor cannot respond to individual notifications or requests concerning lateness or absence due to personal reasons, including general illness. Regular attendance is expected as a basic premise of the course. However, because grading is based on cumulative performance, occasional lateness or absence within reasonable limits is unlikely to result in serious academic disadvantage. If you are unsure about your situation, please consult the instructor or the administrative office.
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
koizumi.y.ae[at]m.titech.ac.jp
Office hours
Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.