English

This course examines biopsychology, sensation and perception, and cognitive processes. Topics will include sensation and perception, learning and memory, executive function and motor control. It considers these abilities and their underlying brain mechanisms across the developmental spectrum (from infancy to advanced ageing), as well as in populations with neurological conditions.

This course employs two perspectives to understand the histories of modern Japan in the context of East Asia and globalization from the early 20th century to the present. It examines how modern boundaries, identities, and cultures are shaped in a rapidly emerging modern world order. The course also looks at how individuals respond to and are shaped by the variety of modernity(ies).

This course teaches background knowledge in Resource and Environmental Economics as well as the basic principles of Agricultural Economics, Farm Management Science, Remote Sensing and Life Cycle Assessment of Goods.

This course explores different musical traditions in their historical and cultural contexts, encouraging students to think deeper about the universal function of music to not only reflect, but also create social reality. The course focuses on the aesthetics and history of classical music in the Western world and beyond, exploring masterpieces of composers from both Europe and Asia, as well as ethnic and popular music in parts of Asia and the Middle East. 

The course also asks essential questions about the historical development of music in different regions, and about suitable approaches for the study of music. Tracing the historical trajectory of musicology as a field, the class discusses the major debates within musicology; questions its central tenets, and explores how music has been studied in other disciplines such as ethnomusicology, philosophy, and psychology. 

Classes feature live performances by instructor and guest lecturers, followed by discussions.

This course provides an introduction to the milestones of human development from conception to childhood. It focuses on how children change as they progress through life and how differences among children come about. The content is drawn from research and theories in developmental psychology. Topics include prenatal development, perceptual and cognitive development in infancy, language development, preschool, temperament, attachment, and moral development. Text: Martha Lally and Suzanna Valentine-French, LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE. Assessment: class attendance and activities (20%), exams (80%).

This course examines the ongoing global challenge of anthropogenic climate change and the science/data behind it, as well as local, regional and international policy in response. Students study the fundamental science of climate and why it is changing. They investigate climate change drivers and their synergies mechanistically and empirically. Students apply scientific theory and supporting evidence to analyze links between climate change and environmental changes, including changes to major biogeochemical cycles, fire intensity/frequency, species loss, sea level rise and more. Students also explore adaptation and mitigation of climate change in a cross-cultural context.

This course equips students with a deep understanding of the key factors that contribute to success when working in Japan-related global organizations. It explores how foreign employees can build trust; influence decision-making, and achieve long-term career goals. By analyzing working styles through established frameworks, the class gains insights into the complexities of Japanese business culture and its evolving landscape. Course goals include developing a deep understanding of Japanese workplace culture; decision-making and communication styles in global organizations; and building effective communication, leadership, and negotiation skills tailored for Japan-related global workplaces.

This course explores contemporary Korean history at the introductory level. After its liberation from Japan in 1945, Korea sought to build a new modern state, but suffered from division and the Korean War. North and South Korea were at odds with each other even as they sought reunification, and South Korea sought economic growth and modernization but struggled with democratization. This course analyzes the historical development of a post-colonial underdeveloped country that made South Korea what it is today. 

This course examines how nations fight and how others fight back. It covers key academic frameworks used to examine and understand the phenomena of war, as well as looks at several major examples of conflict from the late nineteenth century to the twenty-first century. Through this approach students will gain an understanding of the historical development of war and its impact on society with the idea that by better understanding war we might prevent it from occurring in the future.  

The course examines the molecular aspects of viral entry, replication, and assembly in host cells. It also covers mechanisms by which viruses manipulate the hosts to multiply and cause disease.