SEMINAR ON GLOBALIZATION, INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS

概要

In this seminar, we will read foundational works from the sociological neoinstitutionalist and World Society Theory perspectives, and think about the ideas’ utilities for and limitations in understanding institutionalized isomorphic patterns across disparate actors. These ideas may be particularly useful for cross-national research on education, public policy and law, and organizations, but also have wide applications. More specifically, the focus will be on thinking about the institutionalization of norms and ideas (such as human rights) across the world over time. Is the existence of such norms a matter-of-fact reality for individuals, organizations, and states in today’s world? If so, why? How is it that there can be isomorphism across disparate sovereign states in their acknowledgement and espousal (however procedural they may be) of an idea (or set of ideas)? What then, should we make of the fact that even despite such isomorphism, across states, there are various degrees of discrepancies between policies and actual practices? Do state interests trump international norms? Why, why not, how, and when? These are some of the questions that will underpin the discussions we will have in this course, and students are encouraged to think about how they might use these ideas to enrich their own research. We will learn about and critically discuss abstract ideas, so it is paramount that students closely read the assigned readings before each class and come to class prepared and ready to actively participate in discussions. • All class instruction will be in English, and students whose dominant language is not English are expected to challenge themselves and only use English in the classroom (even when talking to each other during in-class discussions). I am available to answer questions in English or Japanese (after class or during office hours); please do not hesitate to ask questions. • All classes will be held online (synchronously) through Zoom and will use Moodle for filesharing/assignment submission. Office hours will also be online via Zoom. Important details will be discussed on the first day of class, so it is very important that you attend. Before the first class, 1) please check the Loyola course bulletin board or Moodle course page (available 2 weeks before the first class) for this course's Zoom meeting and office hours access details; 2) add the course Moodle page to your Moodle account (make sure you are registered with an email address that you frequently check and that can receive file attachments); and 3) ensure that you have a working Internet connection, device, webcam, and microphone. If you have difficulties with any of the above, please email the instructor ASAP. Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about the course and/or its content, please feel free to email the instructor beforehand.

目標

・To gain a deeper understanding of the ideas, assumptions, claims, utility, and limitations of sociological neoinstitutionalism and World Society Theory for the study of globalized issues ・To develop a mental “map” of the literature that is relevant to one's research interests ・To learn how to read and think critically, effectively summarize and communicate important ideas, constructively share ideas and receive criticism, and digest information to formulate new and original ideas ・To make progress on one's research

授業外の学習

As this is a small seminar class, attendance, the assigned readings (estimated time commitment: 120 min), the reaction papers (70 min), and adequate preparation for and active participation in each class are required, and will be the criteria on which students will be graded. On average, we will read 1 English article/chapter per class. Contrary to the spring seminar, all instruction will be in English. Assignments include: reaction papers, (on certain weeks) in-class presentations/discussion facilitation (estimated time for preparing one's presentation or discussant materials: 60-120 min), and a final course assignment. The frequency of presentations/discussion facilitation will depend in part, on the number of students enrolled. * Please note that in addition to the readings in this seminar, students are also expected to be actively reading and writing for their theses.

所要時間: At least 190 minutes per lecture.