In this course, students will acquire basic knowledge and a framework for thinking about international politics. At the same
time, students will gain an overview of the current global situation and the state of globalization in Japan. The course is
generally divided into three parts as follows.
The first part (2, 12 lectures) will be an introduction to the entire lecture and will examine the situation of "domestic globalization in Japan," including the issue of accepting foreign human resources.
In the second part (3-7 lectures), basic theories of international politics (realism, liberalism, constructivism, and security) will be studied based on case studies.
In the third part (8-11 lectures), actual contemporary international political issues (international terrorism, the United States (the rise of the far right), the turmoil in the Middle East, the situation in China and the Korean Peninsula, etc.) will be examined. In doing so, we will also focus on the relationship between "theory and practice" in international politics, based on the academic theories learned in the first half of the lecture.
The first part (2, 12 lectures) will be an introduction to the entire lecture and will examine the situation of "domestic globalization in Japan," including the issue of accepting foreign human resources.
In the second part (3-7 lectures), basic theories of international politics (realism, liberalism, constructivism, and security) will be studied based on case studies.
In the third part (8-11 lectures), actual contemporary international political issues (international terrorism, the United States (the rise of the far right), the turmoil in the Middle East, the situation in China and the Korean Peninsula, etc.) will be examined. In doing so, we will also focus on the relationship between "theory and practice" in international politics, based on the academic theories learned in the first half of the lecture.
The purpose of this course, "Politics and International Relations," is for students to acquire basic knowledge and a framework
for thinking about international politics and to be able to calmly and objectively observe the various international political
news that they come into contact with in their daily lives as "their own business" based on this theoretical framework. In
particular, students are expected to understand how Japanese corporate activities are affected by international affairs and
how this affects their own personal and professional careers. In other words, each student is expected to cultivate problem-solving
skills based on integrating academic theory and practice on familiar issues related to international affairs.
This viewpoint is mainly related to the "ability to solve the world's problems for the realization of a sustainable society," as stated in the Diploma Policy of the University of Tokyo. In addition, it is considered to contribute to item A, "to acquire a broad education and be able to view things from multiple perspectives from a global perspective," and item F "to be able to communicate logically, make oral presentations, and engage in discussions" of the Diploma Policy of the Faculty of Design Engineering at the University.
This viewpoint is mainly related to the "ability to solve the world's problems for the realization of a sustainable society," as stated in the Diploma Policy of the University of Tokyo. In addition, it is considered to contribute to item A, "to acquire a broad education and be able to view things from multiple perspectives from a global perspective," and item F "to be able to communicate logically, make oral presentations, and engage in discussions" of the Diploma Policy of the Faculty of Design Engineering at the University.
- Understand and explain basic concepts and theories of international politics.
- Analyze and explain the background of specific events in the international community as reported in the news, etc., based on academic concepts and theories.
- Formulate and explain the policies that one's own company or organization (or one to which one may belong in the future) should adopt in the real international community.
| Class schedule | HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) | Amount of Time Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Introduction: Based on the syllabus, an overview of the class, the overall schedule, and evaluation methods will be explained. |
Explanation of the Syllabus | 40minutes |
| 90minutes | |||
| 90minutes | |||
| 2. | Globalization in Japan (1) This section discusses the status of globalization in Japan (increase in the number of foreign visitors and residents, etc.). |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 3. | Foundations of International Politics 1: In the third through fifth sessions, students will learn about the basic concepts and academic theories of international politics (realism, liberalism, constructivism, and the process of foreign policy formation). In this session, we will mainly deal with realism. *Reference book sections: (1) Chapters 5, 7, 8: (2) Unit 6, 7, 9: (3) Chapters 1, 2 |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 4. | Foundations of International Politics 2: In the third through fifth sessions, students will learn about the basic concepts and academic theories of international politics (realism, liberalism, constructivism, and the process of foreign policy formation). In this session, we will mainly deal with liberalism and constructivism. *Reference book sections: (1) Chapters 9, 11, 12: (2) Unit 6, 7, 9: (3) Chapters 1, 2 |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 5. | Foundations of International Politics 3: In the third through fifth sessions, students will learn about the basic concepts and academic theories of international politics (realism, liberalism, constructivism, and the process of foreign policy formation). In this session, we will mainly deal with the process of foreign policy formation. |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 6. | Fundamentals of International Politics 4: This session provides an overview of national security issues. *Reference book sections: (2) Unit 10: (3) Chapter 3 |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 7. | Midterm Assignment: StudentYou must prepare and submit a midterm assignment report based on the contents of 2-6 sessions. The theme will be explained in class. |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 8. | Issues in Contemporary International Politics 1: Terrorism and Counterterrorism: This session will examine the current terrorism situation (Islamic State, al-Qaeda, etc.), issues related to counterterrorism, and its impact on Japan. |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 9. | Issues in Contemporary International Politics 2: The United States (Rise of the Far Right): This session will examine the situation in the United States, particularly the recent rise of the far-right. |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 10. | Issues in Contemporary International Politics 3: The Middle East Gulf Situation: Recent political turmoil in the Middle East and its impact on Japan will be discussed. |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 11. | Issues in Contemporary International Politics 4: China and the Korean Peninsula: The rise of China, North Korea's nuclear and missile development, and its impact on Japan will be discussed. |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 12. | Globalization in Japan (2): Based on the contents of the previous classes, we will discuss various issues associated with domestic globalization in Japan (realization of coexistence in local communities, impact on public safety, economic security, etc.), countermeasures, and other issues. Economic security, etc.) and countermeasures against them will be discussed. |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 13. | Overall Review: Review and summarize the contents of the semester. |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for a Class | 90minutes | ||
| 14. | End-of-term assignments: Details will be announced separately. |
Review of a Previous Class | 90minutes |
| Preparation for the Final Assignment | 180minutes | ||
| Total. | - | - | 2650minutes |
| 授業内課題 | 期末課題 | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 20% | 10% | 30% |
| 2. | 20% | 10% | 30% |
| 3. | 25% | 15% | 40% |
| Total. | 65% | 35% | - |
In-class Assignments:
(1) At the beginning of each class, 2-3 students will be asked to give a brief presentation on a recent international politics-related news story that caught their attention, and another student will be asked to comment on it (3-5 minutes each). The presenter and commenter will be designated in advance.
(2) At the end of each class, students will be asked to submit comments (new insights, questions, etc. based on the content of each class). Comments will be submitted using the "Discussion" function on the Scomb class page. The contents of the submitted comments and feedback from the instructor will be shared with all students.
(3) Students will be required to submit a mid-term assignment in the 7th class.
(4) Final assignment
The specific details will be explained later, depending on the number of students enrolled in the course. In the past three years, small groups (3-5 students) have been asked to work in groups and make a presentation on the final day.
(1) At the beginning of each class, 2-3 students will be asked to give a brief presentation on a recent international politics-related news story that caught their attention, and another student will be asked to comment on it (3-5 minutes each). The presenter and commenter will be designated in advance.
(2) At the end of each class, students will be asked to submit comments (new insights, questions, etc. based on the content of each class). Comments will be submitted using the "Discussion" function on the Scomb class page. The contents of the submitted comments and feedback from the instructor will be shared with all students.
(3) Students will be required to submit a mid-term assignment in the 7th class.
(4) Final assignment
The specific details will be explained later, depending on the number of students enrolled in the course. In the past three years, small groups (3-5 students) have been asked to work in groups and make a presentation on the final day.
Reference Books:
①岡垣知子『国際政治の基礎理論』（青山社、2021年）
②村田晃嗣他『国際政治学をつかむ 新版』（有斐閣、2015年）
③山田高敬等編『グローバル社会の国際関係論 - 新版』（有斐閣、2011年）
④吉川直人・野口和彦編 『国際関係理論 第2版』（勁草書房、2015年）
①岡垣知子『国際政治の基礎理論』（青山社、2021年）
②村田晃嗣他『国際政治学をつかむ 新版』（有斐閣、2015年）
③山田高敬等編『グローバル社会の国際関係論 - 新版』（有斐閣、2011年）
④吉川直人・野口和彦編 『国際関係理論 第2版』（勁草書房、2015年）
No special prerequisite knowledge or preparation is required. However, it is recommended that you pay attention to various
issues in international politics through newspapers and TV reports on a daily basis and think about (or discuss with friends)
such questions as "Why are these issues happening?" and "What is needed to solve this problem?"
- Time will be allotted for questions during class as appropriate.
- The instructor is also accepting questions via email at any time (ykobayashi@meiji.ac.jp).
- Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
- Course that cultivates a basic problem-solving skills
| Work experience | Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable |
|---|---|
| Applicable | The instructor will explain his views on international affairs from both theoretical and practical perspectives based on his experience of analyzing international affairs and engaging in practical diplomacy at the Cabinet Secretariat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other government agencies. |
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Last modified : Sat Sep 09 07:47:34 JST 2023