English

This course introduces students to the practical elements of mechanical design and manufacture to prepare them for the project work. It explores the full extent of the design process from customer brief through to conceptual and detail design. The instruction extends to teaching practical manufacturing skills to enable students to make these designs themselves in the departmental workshops.

This course offers a broad overview of the psychological challenges of finding a partner and creating a family system. We start out by building a theoretical understanding of family systems from a variety of different perspectives, but then move on to a more in-depth empirical understanding of the different psychological processes underlying intimate relationships. Then we use the empirical knowledge to build a deeper understanding of our own lives and relationships. 

This course gives an introduction to different forms of storytelling, exploring the origins and evolution of fairy tales with a focus on contemporary retellings. A variety of fairy tales are examined, ranging from ancient myths and medieval storytelling tradition to Disney’s adaptations and TV series such as ONCE UPON A TIME and GRIMM. The course introduces students to different literary genres, such as children’s literature (by looking into how children’s novels such as ALICE IN WONDERLAND and THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO have been retold) and graphic novel studies. Students learn different approaches of literary analysis, such as comparative criticism and psychoanalysis. The course includes excursions to relevant exhibitions and interactive workshops on storytelling.

This course covers the basics of semiconductors. Topics: Crystal Structure of Solids; Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and The Quantum Theory of Solids; Semiconductor in Equilibrium; Carrier Transport Phenomena; Nonequilibrium Excess Carrier in Semiconductor; Junction Theory and Diode; Metal Semiconductor Contacts and Heterojunctions (Metal Semiconductor Contacts and Heterojunctions).

This course reads canonical works of great Japanese literature from the early twentieth century, with a focus on their perceptions of modernity. Thematically, the course is divided into two parts. The first half explores works written during the Meiji period to understand how they conceptualized 'modernity,' 'the West,' and their own identities. The writers discussed in this section include Higuchi Ichiyo, Natsume Soseki, Mori Ogai, and Nagai Kafu. The second half of the course addresses works by modernist and Marxist writers, examining how their concepts of 'modernity' and their relationships with 'the West' evolved as Japan expanded its influence into Asia. This part includes an analysis of the literary representation of modernity in the works of Tanizaki Junichiro, Yokomitsu Riichi, Hayashi Fumiko, Kobayashi Takiji, Edogawa Rampo, and Kawabata Yasunari.

All readings course are in English translation therefore the ability to read the Japanese original work is not required. Knowledge of modern Japanese history and culture is recommended.