講評 |
Befitting a seminar dedicated to examining educational developments on a global scale, this year’s graduation theses span a world of topics. Several examine how cultures change (or remain the same) as they cross traditional borders. Some focus on educational practices specific to Japan, looking to place them in a global context. Others look at global trends that, for one reason or another, have yet to be fully integrated into Japan. Two papers are comparative studies, contrasting policies across national borders. The most popular theme this year was ESD, with a total of four related papers. Several papers rely heavily on newspaper archives, while others are based primarily on interviews. All of the papers contain sections that are thoroughly original, evidencing the effort of seminar members to either work with new topics or take new approaches to more familiar themes. Naturally, in addition to the normal challenges of researching and writing, all of the students wrote their final papers in English using at least some English-language materials. I am proud of the students’ work and convinced that the process of researching and writing has enrichened their intellectual growth. Well done! |