This course explains the most fundamental and important matters of (the study of) the constitution. Firstly, the instructor will explain the realm technically known as "the general remarks of the constitution (including knowledge of the governmental system)" such as constitutionalism, the history of the constitution, amendments to the constitution, separation of powers, and pacifism. Secondly, the instructor will explain the realm of "general human rights theories", such as the concept of human rights and the basic points of the protection of human rights. Thirdly, the instructor will move on to the realm of "particular human rights theories".
The aim of this course is for students to understand the most fundamental and important matters of the constitution. A secondary aim is to make a bridge between real constitutional issues and constitutional theory.
This course qualifies as a "constitution" course required for teaching and other occupations.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain important concepts and questions of general constitution theory, general human rights theory, and various human rights theories.
- Argue important questions of general constitution theory, general human rights theory, and various human rights theories.
- Consider various real-world issues related to general constitution theory, general human rights theory, and various human rights theories.
the constitution of japan, constitutionalism, rights protection, judicial review
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Lectures will be delivered based on relatively detailed handouts (resumes). At times, texts may be read in class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Guidance of this course | Understand the outline of this course |
Class 2 | What is the law? | Understand what the law is. |
Class 3 | What is the constitution? | Understand what the constitution is. |
Class 4 | The basic system of rights guarantee of constitution | Homework on the chapter 1 of the text |
Class 5 | Protection and amendment of constitution | Homework on the chapter 23 and 18 of the text |
Class 6 | History of the constitutions of Japan, Japanese government systems of before WWⅡera and after WWⅡ era, and separation of powers | Homework on the chapter 20 and 21 of the text |
Class 7 | Pacifism | Homework on the chapter 24 of the text |
Class 8 | "Test: the assessment of understanding of former 7 classes Principles and limitations of human rights①: concept, classification and extent of human rights (and constitutional rights) " | Homework on the chapter 16 of the text |
Class 9 | Principles and limitations of human rights②: subject and limitations of constitutional rights | Homework on the chapter 16 of the text |
Class 10 | Respect to individual | Homework on the chapter 2 of the text |
Class 11 | Right to privacy | Homework on the chapter 3 of the text |
Class 12 | Equal protection | Homework on the chapter 4 of the text |
Class 13 | Freedom of conscience, Freedom of religion | Homework on the chapter 5 and 6 of the text |
Class 14 | Freedom of speech①: principles and limitations of freedom of speech | Homework on the chapter 7 of the text |
Class 15 | Freedom of speech②: sexual and discriminatory speech, and paper test. | Homework on the chapter 8 of the text |
Ishizaki, Manabu, et al. (ed.), Real constitutional theory (second edition). Kyoto: Horitubunkasha, 2013; ISBN: 978-4589035097. (Japanese)
Reference books will be presented in class as needed.
"Test(35%), final exam (65%).
Explanation of the important constitutional concepts (or questions) and argument (or consideration) of the important constitutional questions (or issues) will be assessed."
no