ARC01701 IGS Special Topics AI

Hiroshima University Syllabus

Japanese

Academic Year 2026Year School/Graduate School School of Integrated Arts and Sciences Department of Integrated Global Studies

Lecture Code ARC01701 Subject Classification Specialized Education

Subject Name IGS Special Topics AI (IGS特論 AI)

Subject Name
（Katakana）アイジーエストクロン AI

Subject Name in
English IGS Special Topics AI

Instructor ALLEN TODD JAMES

Instructor
(Katakana) アレン　トッド　ジェームス

Campus Higashi-Hiroshima Semester/Term 2nd-Year,  First Semester,  OutOfTerm(1st)

Days, Periods, and Classrooms (O1) Inte：IAS J306

Lesson Style Lecture Lesson Style
(More Details) Face-to-face

Classes will consist of a combination of lectures, guided discussion, and interactive analysis activities.

Credits 1.0 Class Hours/Week 　 Language of Instruction E : English

Course Level 2 : Undergraduate Low-Intermediate

Course Area（Area） 22 : Language Education

Course Area（Discipline） 02 : English

Eligible Students

Keywords Sociopragmatics; Language and Social Interaction; Discourse and Interaction Analysis; Language and Context; Intercultural Communication (SDG 4: Quality Education / Global Citizenship)

Special Subject for Teacher Education 　 Special Subject 　

Class Status
within Educational
Program
(Applicable only to targeted subjects for undergraduate students)
Criterion referenced
Evaluation
(Applicable only to targeted subjects for undergraduate students) Integrated Global Studies
（Knowledge and Understanding）
・The knowledge and understanding of the important characteristics and basic theoretical framework of individual academic disciplines.
（Abilities and Skills）
・The ability to collect and analyze necessary literature or data among various sources of information in individual academic disciplines.

Class Objectives
/Class Outline Title: Language, Interaction, and Social Life: A Sociopragmatics Approach
The objectives of this course are to introduce students to key concepts and frameworks in sociopragmatics, to develop their understanding of how language use is shaped by social context and cultural norms, and to build their ability to analyze authentic interactions from a sociopragmatic perspective using basic qualitative analytical tools. The course also aims to help students identify how speakers negotiate meaning, relationships, and identity through language, engage critically with variation across contexts and communities, and apply their knowledge through a small-scale project in which they formulate a research question, analyze real interactional data, and present their findings using appropriate sociopragmatic terminology.

Class Schedule lesson1 Introduction to Sociopragmatics
Overview of the course, key terminology, and the relationship between pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and sociopragmatics. Introduction to language as social action and the role of context in meaning.
lesson2 Context, Meaning, and Social Action
Examining how context shapes interpretation and interaction. Introduction to speech acts and the social dimensions of meaning through authentic examples.
• Assessment: Observation Log 1
lesson3 Politeness, Face, and Relational Work
Key frameworks related to politeness, face, and relational management. Analysis of mitigation, indirectness, and interpersonal alignment in interaction.
lesson4 Identity and Positioning in Interaction
How speakers construct and negotiate identity through language. Concepts such as stance, positioning, and alignment explored through interactional examples.
• Assessment: Observation Log 2
lesson5 Power, Distance, and Social Roles
Language and social hierarchy in institutional and everyday interactions. Exploration of authority, expertise, and role negotiation.
lesson6 Speech Acts in Social Context
Requests, apologies, refusals, compliments, and evaluations as socially situated actions. Focus on contextual appropriateness and variation.
• Assessment: Group Discussion and Reflection
lesson7  Cultural Norms and Variation in Communication
How sociocultural norms shape interactional expectations and communication styles. Comparative discussion across linguistic and cultural contexts.
lesson8 Approaches to Interaction Analysis: Conversation and Discourse Perspectives
Introduction to analytical approaches used in sociopragmatics, including conversation analysis and discourse analysis. Examination of turn-taking, sequencing, stance, framing, and broader discourse patterns, with guided practice analysing short interactional data.
• Assessment: Quiz 1: Foundations of sociopragmatics
lesson9 Stance, Evaluation, and Affect
How speakers express attitudes, emotions, and evaluations through language. Analysis activities focusing on alignment and interpersonal meaning.
lesson10 Sociopragmatics of Small Hospitality Establishments (SHEs)
Exploration of small hospitality establishments as socially embedded interactional spaces. Examination of hospitality practices, participation frameworks, identity construction, and the relational work involved in maintaining atmosphere and belonging. Guided analysis using authentic or adapted data.
• Assessment: Observation Log 3
lesson11 Narratives and Storytelling in Social Interaction
Storytelling as a sociopragmatic resource for building identity, relationships, and shared meaning. Analysis of narrative sequences in natural interaction.
lesson12 Digital and Online Sociopragmatics
Interaction in online environments such as social media, reviews, and comments. Discussion of how digital contexts shape sociopragmatic norms.
• Assessment: Observation Log 4
lesson13 Designing a Sociopragmatic Mini-Project
Developing research questions, selecting data, and planning analysis. Discussion of small-scale qualitative research design and ethical considerations.
Assessment: Quiz 2: Analytical approaches and applications
lesson14 Data Analysis Workshop
Hands-on analytical workshop where students apply sociopragmatic concepts to their data with peer and instructor feedback.
lesson15  Student Presentations and Course Wrap-Up
Presentation of mini-project findings, class reflection, and synthesis of key sociopragmatic concepts and applications.
Assessment: Mini-project group presentations

Text/Reference
Books,etc. There is no set textbook for this course. Instead, students will be provided with core readings each week that align with the topic being covered.

PC or AV used in
Class,etc. Text, Handouts

(More Details)

Learning techniques to be incorporated Discussions, Quizzes/ Quiz format, Fieldwork / Survey, Project Learning

Suggestions on
Preparation and
Review Class 1:
Complete the assigned readings and review the lecture notes to understand key terminology and the foundations of sociopragmatics.
Class 2:
Read the assigned materials and review lecture notes carefully. Prepare examples from everyday interaction to support Observation Log 1.
Class 3:
Complete the readings and follow the lecture notes to deepen understanding of politeness, face, and relational work in interaction.
Class 4:
Read the weekly materials and review lecture notes to help identify identity and positioning in interaction. Prepare and submit Observation Log 2.
Class 5:
Complete the readings and review lecture notes to understand how power and social roles influence language use.
Class 6:
Read assigned materials and review lecture content carefully. Prepare actively for the Group Discussion and Reflection by reviewing key concepts.
Class 7:
Complete the readings and review lecture notes to understand cultural norms and variation in communication. Begin reviewing previous topics in preparation for Quiz 1.
Class 8:
Read the assigned materials and review lecture notes to understand analytical approaches to interaction. Prepare thoroughly for Quiz 1: Foundations of Sociopragmatics.
Class 9:
Complete the readings and lecture notes to strengthen understanding of stance, evaluation, and affect in interaction.
Class 10:
Read the assigned materials and review lecture notes to apply sociopragmatic concepts to small hospitality establishments (SHEs). Prepare and submit Observation Log 3.
Class 11:
Complete the readings and review lecture notes to understand storytelling and narrative practices in social interaction.
Class 12:
Read assigned materials and review lecture notes on digital communication. Prepare and submit Observation Log 4.
Class 13:
Review lecture notes and readings carefully to prepare for designing the mini-project. Study course concepts in preparation for Quiz 2: Analytical Approaches and Applications.
Class 14:
Review lecture notes and project materials in advance. Bring data and analysis ideas to actively participate in the data analysis workshop.
Class 15:
Review key course concepts and lecture notes in preparation for mini-project group presentations and final reflection on course learning.

Requirements None

Grading Method Final grades will be based on the following components: two multiple-choice quizzes (40% total; 20% each) assessing understanding of key concepts and analytical approaches in sociopragmatics; a mini group sociopragmatics project (30%) involving the design and presentation of a small-scale analysis using authentic data; four observation logs (20% total; 5% each) requiring students to identify and reflect on sociopragmatic phenomena in everyday interaction; and group discussions and reflections (10%) evaluating engagement with course readings, lecture content, and analytical activities.

Practical Experience

Summary of Practical Experience and Class Contents based on it

Message Students should bring their laptop to class.
Active participation and regular engagement with readings and lecture materials are expected.

Other Students must take both I and II to receive the credits.
The schedule is as follows:
【IGS Special Topics AI (from August 24 to August 26)】
August 24: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd & 4th periods (10:30-12:00), and 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20)
August 25: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd & 4th periods (10:30-12:00), and 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20)
August 26: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd period (10:30-11:15)
【IGS Special Topics AII (from August 26 to August 28)】
August 26: 4th period (11:15-12:00), 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20)
August 27: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd & 4th periods (10:30-12:00), and 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20)
August 28: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd & 4th periods (10:30-12:00), and 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20)

Please fill in the class improvement questionnaire which is carried out on all classes.
Instructors will reflect on your feedback and utilize the information for improving their teaching.

Academic Year	2026Year	School/Graduate School	School of Integrated Arts and Sciences Department of Integrated Global Studies
Lecture Code	ARC01701	Subject Classification	Specialized Education
Subject Name	IGS Special Topics AI (IGS特論 AI)
Subject Name （Katakana）	アイジーエストクロン AI
Subject Name in English	IGS Special Topics AI
Instructor	ALLEN TODD JAMES
Instructor (Katakana)	アレン　トッド　ジェームス
Campus	Higashi-Hiroshima	Semester/Term	2nd-Year, First Semester, OutOfTerm(1st)
Days, Periods, and Classrooms	(O1) Inte：IAS J306
Lesson Style	Lecture	Lesson Style (More Details)	Face-to-face
Classes will consist of a combination of lectures, guided discussion, and interactive analysis activities.
Credits	1.0	Class Hours/Week		Language of Instruction	E : English
Course Level	2 : Undergraduate Low-Intermediate
Course Area（Area）	22 : Language Education
Course Area（Discipline）	02 : English
Eligible Students
Keywords	Sociopragmatics; Language and Social Interaction; Discourse and Interaction Analysis; Language and Context; Intercultural Communication (SDG 4: Quality Education / Global Citizenship)
Special Subject for Teacher Education		Special Subject
Class Status within Educational Program (Applicable only to targeted subjects for undergraduate students)
Criterion referenced Evaluation (Applicable only to targeted subjects for undergraduate students)	Integrated Global Studies （Knowledge and Understanding）・The knowledge and understanding of the important characteristics and basic theoretical framework of individual academic disciplines. （Abilities and Skills）・The ability to collect and analyze necessary literature or data among various sources of information in individual academic disciplines.
Class Objectives /Class Outline	Title: Language, Interaction, and Social Life: A Sociopragmatics Approach The objectives of this course are to introduce students to key concepts and frameworks in sociopragmatics, to develop their understanding of how language use is shaped by social context and cultural norms, and to build their ability to analyze authentic interactions from a sociopragmatic perspective using basic qualitative analytical tools. The course also aims to help students identify how speakers negotiate meaning, relationships, and identity through language, engage critically with variation across contexts and communities, and apply their knowledge through a small-scale project in which they formulate a research question, analyze real interactional data, and present their findings using appropriate sociopragmatic terminology.
Class Schedule	lesson1 Introduction to Sociopragmatics Overview of the course, key terminology, and the relationship between pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and sociopragmatics. Introduction to language as social action and the role of context in meaning. lesson2 Context, Meaning, and Social Action Examining how context shapes interpretation and interaction. Introduction to speech acts and the social dimensions of meaning through authentic examples. • Assessment: Observation Log 1 lesson3 Politeness, Face, and Relational Work Key frameworks related to politeness, face, and relational management. Analysis of mitigation, indirectness, and interpersonal alignment in interaction. lesson4 Identity and Positioning in Interaction How speakers construct and negotiate identity through language. Concepts such as stance, positioning, and alignment explored through interactional examples. • Assessment: Observation Log 2 lesson5 Power, Distance, and Social Roles Language and social hierarchy in institutional and everyday interactions. Exploration of authority, expertise, and role negotiation. lesson6 Speech Acts in Social Context Requests, apologies, refusals, compliments, and evaluations as socially situated actions. Focus on contextual appropriateness and variation. • Assessment: Group Discussion and Reflection lesson7 Cultural Norms and Variation in Communication How sociocultural norms shape interactional expectations and communication styles. Comparative discussion across linguistic and cultural contexts. lesson8 Approaches to Interaction Analysis: Conversation and Discourse Perspectives Introduction to analytical approaches used in sociopragmatics, including conversation analysis and discourse analysis. Examination of turn-taking, sequencing, stance, framing, and broader discourse patterns, with guided practice analysing short interactional data. • Assessment: Quiz 1: Foundations of sociopragmatics lesson9 Stance, Evaluation, and Affect How speakers express attitudes, emotions, and evaluations through language. Analysis activities focusing on alignment and interpersonal meaning. lesson10 Sociopragmatics of Small Hospitality Establishments (SHEs) Exploration of small hospitality establishments as socially embedded interactional spaces. Examination of hospitality practices, participation frameworks, identity construction, and the relational work involved in maintaining atmosphere and belonging. Guided analysis using authentic or adapted data. • Assessment: Observation Log 3 lesson11 Narratives and Storytelling in Social Interaction Storytelling as a sociopragmatic resource for building identity, relationships, and shared meaning. Analysis of narrative sequences in natural interaction. lesson12 Digital and Online Sociopragmatics Interaction in online environments such as social media, reviews, and comments. Discussion of how digital contexts shape sociopragmatic norms. • Assessment: Observation Log 4 lesson13 Designing a Sociopragmatic Mini-Project Developing research questions, selecting data, and planning analysis. Discussion of small-scale qualitative research design and ethical considerations. Assessment: Quiz 2: Analytical approaches and applications lesson14 Data Analysis Workshop Hands-on analytical workshop where students apply sociopragmatic concepts to their data with peer and instructor feedback. lesson15 Student Presentations and Course Wrap-Up Presentation of mini-project findings, class reflection, and synthesis of key sociopragmatic concepts and applications. Assessment: Mini-project group presentations
Text/Reference Books,etc.	There is no set textbook for this course. Instead, students will be provided with core readings each week that align with the topic being covered.
PC or AV used in Class,etc.	Text, Handouts
(More Details)
Learning techniques to be incorporated	Discussions, Quizzes/ Quiz format, Fieldwork / Survey, Project Learning
Suggestions on Preparation and Review	Class 1: Complete the assigned readings and review the lecture notes to understand key terminology and the foundations of sociopragmatics. Class 2: Read the assigned materials and review lecture notes carefully. Prepare examples from everyday interaction to support Observation Log 1. Class 3: Complete the readings and follow the lecture notes to deepen understanding of politeness, face, and relational work in interaction. Class 4: Read the weekly materials and review lecture notes to help identify identity and positioning in interaction. Prepare and submit Observation Log 2. Class 5: Complete the readings and review lecture notes to understand how power and social roles influence language use. Class 6: Read assigned materials and review lecture content carefully. Prepare actively for the Group Discussion and Reflection by reviewing key concepts. Class 7: Complete the readings and review lecture notes to understand cultural norms and variation in communication. Begin reviewing previous topics in preparation for Quiz 1. Class 8: Read the assigned materials and review lecture notes to understand analytical approaches to interaction. Prepare thoroughly for Quiz 1: Foundations of Sociopragmatics. Class 9: Complete the readings and lecture notes to strengthen understanding of stance, evaluation, and affect in interaction. Class 10: Read the assigned materials and review lecture notes to apply sociopragmatic concepts to small hospitality establishments (SHEs). Prepare and submit Observation Log 3. Class 11: Complete the readings and review lecture notes to understand storytelling and narrative practices in social interaction. Class 12: Read assigned materials and review lecture notes on digital communication. Prepare and submit Observation Log 4. Class 13: Review lecture notes and readings carefully to prepare for designing the mini-project. Study course concepts in preparation for Quiz 2: Analytical Approaches and Applications. Class 14: Review lecture notes and project materials in advance. Bring data and analysis ideas to actively participate in the data analysis workshop. Class 15: Review key course concepts and lecture notes in preparation for mini-project group presentations and final reflection on course learning.
Requirements	None
Grading Method	Final grades will be based on the following components: two multiple-choice quizzes (40% total; 20% each) assessing understanding of key concepts and analytical approaches in sociopragmatics; a mini group sociopragmatics project (30%) involving the design and presentation of a small-scale analysis using authentic data; four observation logs (20% total; 5% each) requiring students to identify and reflect on sociopragmatic phenomena in everyday interaction; and group discussions and reflections (10%) evaluating engagement with course readings, lecture content, and analytical activities.
Practical Experience
Summary of Practical Experience and Class Contents based on it
Message	Students should bring their laptop to class. Active participation and regular engagement with readings and lecture materials are expected.
Other	Students must take both I and II to receive the credits. The schedule is as follows: 【IGS Special Topics AI (from August 24 to August 26)】 August 24: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd & 4th periods (10:30-12:00), and 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20) August 25: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd & 4th periods (10:30-12:00), and 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20) August 26: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd period (10:30-11:15) 【IGS Special Topics AII (from August 26 to August 28)】 August 26: 4th period (11:15-12:00), 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20) August 27: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd & 4th periods (10:30-12:00), and 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20) August 28: 1st & 2nd periods (8:45-10:15), 3rd & 4th periods (10:30-12:00), and 5th & 6th periods (12:50-14:20)
Please fill in the class improvement questionnaire which is carried out on all classes. Instructors will reflect on your feedback and utilize the information for improving their teaching.

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