Keio University Syllabus and Timetable

This Seminar consists of two projects: (1) Comparative Media Studies and (2) Learning Environment Design. Participants are required to choose either project depending on their individual research theme, however, a later change is also possible. In this group work-based seminar the students are expected to participate and contribute actively. They will also receive feedback on the content of their own projects. In addition to this seminar’s group work, participants are expected to work with resources not related to their own native language.
Details are as follows:
(1) Comparative media research project
Information related to news and events we come into contact with every day is presented in a variety of media in the form of "words," "pictures," and "videos." The content is shared not only in Japan but also worldwide, such as COVID-19, air pollution, global warming, and the energy transition.
This news content is presented from various perspectives, even on familiar topics. Different broadcast "languages," such as English, German, French, Chinese, Korean, etc., convey different content compared to news content broadcast in Japanese. Differences in media language can also lead to variations in published images, chosen expressions, focus, presentation of issues, etc. Where do these "differences" come from exactly? What do the differences in media representation signify? In this workshop, we will guide the participants in discovering and discussing these issues by raising as questions. The topics will be based on individual awareness of issues in different fields (culture, society, education, literature, religion, art, feminism, sport, etc.). They will be discussed and explored using the collected materials. Some research topics to date have included a comparative analysis of German, British, and US newspaper articles on March 11, the overseas reception of Japanese cartoons and their analysis, a comparison of Japanese and European musical performances, a comparison of non-verbal communication functions in political speeches in Japan and the US, a comparative analysis of clothing design advertising in Japan and the US, and a comparative analysis of sports articles. Investigate the differences between the Japanese and English perspectives on the publication of sports articles, reception, and analysis of literary works through translation, etc.

(2) Designing a learning environment Learning Design Project (LDP)
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the learning environment surrounding us has transitioned from the era when paper-based media dominated to digital media and web-based learning. Each learner needs to create their own learning style by their preferences, utilizing various types of media. The project will involve various practices, productions, and processes, aiming to answer the question: "How do we design the learning environment?". The project will focus on 1) researching learning styles, 2) creating and utilizing learning materials, and 3) evaluating learning materials. Each learner selects their own research topic, including foreign language learning, design, environment, history, and culture. Some of the works produced in the workshop project include a vocabulary search program that utilizes the German-English database, German learning materials that incorporate video data, a pronunciation exercise program that enables simultaneous voice and facial muscle movements on the web and on the iPhone, a history simulation game for secondary schools, a web-based math learning program for secondary schools, a children's law textbook targeting primary schools, the tea ceremony as a form of lifelong learning, and the development of digital teaching materials for it, etc.

This Seminar consists of two projects: (1) Comparative Media Studies and (2) Learning Environment Design. Participants are required to choose either project depending on their individual research theme, however, a later change is also possible. In this group work-based seminar the students are expected to participate and contribute actively. They will also receive feedback on the content of their own projects. In addition to this seminar’s group work, participants are expected to work with resources not related to their own native language. Further information is given below. (1) Comparative Media Studies/ Medienvergleich Project - Comparing and Analyzing the Media in its original language -

After the COVID-19 pandemic and 2011 earthquake, the topics of virus infection, nuclear power plant safety, and energy generation have been discussed not only in Japan but also on a global level. The media coverage of the events in Japan occurred under contrasting viewpoints of different media outlets. For example, the news content varies greatly depending on the country it is published, as well as the language that is used, e.g. English, German, Chinese, Korean, etc. The difference in the language a news item is held in also links to differences in the use of expressions, pictures, and the thematic focus of the coverage. By examining the cause of the aforementioned differences and exploring the message conveyed by the differing expressions used in the media, students will improve their problem-solving skills.

The participants will work on their individual research projects, focusing on a variety of societal issues, ranging from mass media and politics, sports, education, and environment to art and literature, all sharing the common theme of “Media and Language”. Recent research topics include among others a comparative study of the German newspaper coverage of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, an analysis of the adaptation of Japanese Anime in foreign countries, a comparison of musicals between Japan and Europe, a comparison of non-verbal communication of Japanese- and American politicians, a comparison of fashion design between Japan and America and a comparison of the journalistic viewpoint in Japanese and English sports articles.

(2) Learning Environment Design - The Learning Design Project

Recently, our learning environment has been changing rapidly from one based on paper to a digital one. With access to the Internet, online learning has become possible. Considering this situation designing a variety of multi-media learning tools that fit an individual’s own learning style has become increasingly important. Following the important question: “How to design our learning environment”, the ”Learning Design Project” seeks to create and design a new educational environment, not only for traditional academic institutions but also for informal and lifelong learning. We also strive to develop new platforms for autonomous language learners and to construct new education programs adapted to our multi-device environment. Through this project tools such as a word search program using a German and English database, German language learning material using video data, a program to train pronunciation while checking the user’s voice and muscle movement via Web and iPhone, a simulation game to learn history for middle school students and digital learning content introducing Japanese tea ceremony for long-term study.

Application Deadline: 3. March 2022 / 23:59

Requirements: For new applicants please send an E-mail to Professor Waragai with the following title: “Request for taking the seminar (研究会履修について) ”. Please also attach a document in a free format about the reason for applying to this seminar. A personal interview will be arranged.

Media Studies (1) Comparative Media Studies / Medienvergleich (2) Learning Design Project (LDP) ＊The two projects are possible both as separate projects and as collaborations.

Continuation of this semester

This item will appear when you log in (Keio ID required).

This item will appear when you log in (Keio ID required).

This item will appear when you log in (Keio ID required).

This item will appear when you log in (Keio ID required).

I will present it during the class. Additionally, for new students, I will provide individual guidance during the consultation. Each student should prepare in advance so that they can start immediately after the semester begins.

This item will appear when you log in (Keio ID required).