Course Description
Introduces students to Japan’s politics, economy, and society, with emphasis on political developments in contemporary Japan.
Athena Title
Politics of Japan
Prerequisite
INTL 3200 or INTL 3200E or INTL 3200H or INTL 3300 or INTL 3300E or INTL 3300H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
• Upon completion of this course, students should be able to understand and discuss the contemporary politics of Japan, demonstrating substantial knowledge and the ability to analyze current affairs concerning Japan. • Upon completion of this course, students should be able to comprehend and evaluate the historical legacies of significant political developments in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in contemporary Japan. • Upon completion of this course, students should be able to apply the theoretical and analytical tools learned to examine and compare the political system and institutions of any other state.
Topical Outline
Week 1: Welcome to the Course Week 2: Making of Modern Japan Week 3: Occupation and Constitution Week 4: The Diet Week 5: The Prime Minister and Cabinet Week 6: Political Parties Week 7: Bureaucracy and Big Business Week 8: Civil Society and Electoral System Week 9: Society and Economy Week 10: Welfare System Week 11: Local Politics Week 12: Energy Policy Week 13: Foreign Policy Week 14: Outlook Week 15: Research Paper Presentations
Syllabus