English

This course explores the concepts and frameworks of behavioral economics that are used to explain observations in the financial sector. Topics include the prospect theory and its implications for investment behaviors, empirical evidences in the financial sector that support the idea of behavioral economics, and models that incorporate psychological and sociological factors in explaining asset returns.

This introductory course explores what a living thing is, the basics of life, and the science behind it. Topics include how traits are inherited, biotechnology, diversity of life, concept of life functions from cells to tissues and from organs to systems, how organisms maintain their internal constancy, and the organization of major organ systems.

This course examines the nature of environmental law; the merits and disadvantages of statutory and common law approaches to environmental issues; the evolution of environmental concern; particular legal problems arising out of the nature of environmental issues; the precautionary principle; philosophies of human relations with the natural world; possible implications of environmental necessity for political, social, constitutional and economic organization; environmental economics and issues of public and private property and historical and present-day case studies. 

This course examines key theories, concepts and industry methods that are crucial to the user-centered design process.

This is an introductory course on Global Governance and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). It discusses current international issues such as political and economic development, the environment, and human rights. 

This course examines the spread of capitalism across the world in the late 19th – early 20th century, and the variety of responses to this phenomenon. Topics to be covered include the golden age of globalization in the early years of the century, the gold standard, the economic crises of 1914-1945, the divisions of the Cold War world, and the rise of the Bretton Woods system, and, ultimately, the turn toward global integration at the end of the twentieth century. The students will trace the patterns of change in the international markets, investments, and global trade and try to highlight the changes brought about by social movements, political ideologies, and shifts in the economic balance of power.

This course provides a study of the basic concepts in occupational biomechanics and design methods for enhancing workers’ occupational health and work productivity. Topics include the human musculoskeletal system, anthropometry, bioinstrumentation, occupational biomechanical models, postural stress, and manual materials handling.

This course aims to introduce students to the reading of both primary and secondary historical materials in Medieval Japanese history, thus deepening their knowledge of historical issues in this period. Topics of the classes and the related readings are different every year.

The course involves careful reading of various sources in English and Japanese (both primary and secondary sources, depending on the requests and ability of the participants), and discussions of their content in historical context. For each session students are expected to read the materials in advance and summarize the content of the text(s) in the form of a detailed handout (approx. 2-3 pages). All participants will be required to ask two questions or comment on the presentation of others.