Political Literacy for the SDGs, Liberal Art Course, 'Political Science for being Adults'.
Institute for Comprehensive Education
Career Development Center
Associate Professor
FUJIMURA Ichiro
Background and objectives of activities
The course title "Political Science for Growing Up" means exactly that: a place to learn political literacy (the ability to correctly understand and participate in political matters) in order to nurture members of society who will support sustainable development. Political literacy is an indispensable basic education in higher education, and at the same time, it is the most suitable education for cultivating the "problem-solving" skills that are being urgently introduced these days. This is because politics always confronts all social issues and is indispensable for achieving the 17 goals of the SDGs.
Summary of Activities
The classes are not the typical one-way lecture type. Textbooks are read in advance, and in all classes, assignments are made based on the theme, and group and class discussions are held. Discussions continue after class using the LMS (Learning Management System) bulletin board. The topics covered will include events related to all of the SDG goals. The topics covered will include fiscal democracy (Goal 3, Goal 1, Goal 4), gender equality (Goal 5), community life and local government (Goal 11), comprehensive security (Goal 16), energy policy (Goal 7), globalization and climate change (Goals 13, 17), historical awareness and international mutual understanding (Goal 16), border studies (Goal 10), Democracy (Goal Overall), and Elections (Goal 3). While examining the themes individually, PBL (problem-based learning) will be conducted, and all students will be responsible for the presentations.
Expected Benefits
Through this course, participants learn to relate their own lives to the goals of the SDGs. They will be able to face humanistic issues more proactively and devise practical solutions. The above learning involves developing the ability to step forward, think through, and work in teams. The program will not only improve students' political literacy, but also develop practical skills that will enable them to play an active role in companies and local governments in the future. It is expected that students will become capable human resources to achieve the SDGs after graduation.