A variety of political issues are accumulating in modern East Asia. While the idea of "East Asian Homology" is discussed, Japan has not been able to resolve its confrontations with neighboring countries. At the center of this are the issues of "dominion" and "historical awareness". In this class, we take up specific topics and acquire fundamental knowledge before discussing ways to resolve these issues. The course has 3 aims. The first is to acquire fundamental knowledge regarding the issues of dominion and historical awareness. The seconds is to discuss solutions based upon correct knowledge. The third is for students to create their own opinions and become able to persuasively present their contentions. In the future, chances to interact with East Asian countries will expand. When that time comes, we must have acquired historically accurate knowledge and be able to state our own opinions to others. Through this class, develop the foundation to be active as an international person in Asia.
Acquire the following abilities by taking this class. ①Acquire fundamental knowledge on important political issues in East Asia faced by Japan. ②Students will understand the standpoints and opinions of opposing countries rather than simply the standpoint and assertions of their own country and then explore for appropriate solutions. ③Acquire the ability to form consensus through discussions.
East Asia, National borders issue, Tokyo Trials, Yasukuni Issue, Comfort Women Issue
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
In the first class, attending students are separated into 7 groups, and the leader of each group is decided. Starting from the 2nd class it is in debate format, with members of relevant groups acting as panelists in a discussion. Partway through, the instructor will give a lecture on important points, and finally all students will participate in a discussion. Students will be expected to actively participate in the discussions. Those other than the presenters must also prepare for the class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Guidance and intro | Grasp the issues faced by East Asia |
Class 2 | National borders issue ①-Senkaku (Uotsushima) Islands Issue | Understand and discuss the dominion issues which are causing contention between Japan and China/Taiwan |
Class 3 | National borders issue ②-Takeshima (Dokushima) Islands Issue | Understand and discuss the dominion issues which are causing contention between Japan and Korea |
Class 4 | National borders issue ③-Northern Territories Issue | Understand and discuss the dominion issues which are causing contention between Japan and Russia |
Class 5 | Tokyo Trials(The International Military Tribunal for the Far East) | Become able to explain the good and bad aspects of the Tokyo Trials |
Class 6 | Yasukuni Issue | Organize the points of the Yasukuni issue and present solutions to it |
Class 7 | Comfort Women Issue① | Understand the true essence of the comfort women issue and be able to present solutions to it |
Class 8 | Comfort Women Issue② | Accurately grasp the process of politicization of the comfort women issue in recent years, and find a path towards resolving it |
None required.
None required.
Students' course scores are based on presentations(30%) and final papers(70%)
Japanese ability
tnakajima[at]ila.titech.ac.jp