Figuratively speaking, in the age of Globalization, Japan is no longer an “island” nation. Gone are the days when its residents belong to and function solely within the bounds of one country. The people of Japan need to realize their role as people of the world as well. In this course we will learn the basic theories of International Relations then study the current situation of the world community and examine Japan’s place and potential within it. We will focus on global warming, refugees and immigration, terrorism, the information revolution, “collective self-defense,” whaling, FTA and other topics of pressing importance to practice applying the theories we have learned. Simultaneously, we will examine analyze recent actions on the part of Russia, China, North Korea and others, and discuss Japan's response.
In addition to lectures, the course will include discussions, debates, presentations and other opportunities for student-to-student interaction. Our final objective is to foster not only knowledge, but also the mindset and communication skills needed to succeed in the interconnected 21st century world.
During coronavirus outbreaks, we will hold lectures live online and use the "Breakout" feature of Zoom for discussions and presentations in smaller groups from 3 to 5 people each. Students should prepare an appropriate environment for active, focused participation. Your involvement will be mandatory, frequent and fun!
本講義を履修することによって以下の能力を修得する
1) Understand the basic theories of International Relations and apply them to real world situations
2) Discuss and debate the current state of international society
3) Learn from and interact productively with other cultures
4) Have the tools to succeed both as an individual and a citizen of the world
✔ Applicable | How instructors' work experience benefits the course |
---|---|
The instructor, as a television and radio personality, and as author of books and columns, has been a professional communicator since 1996. As a commentator, and member of several "expert panels" he often examines international and domestic politics, and debates and interviews politicians, academics, military personnel, etc. |
International Relations, communication, government, economics, Pakkun
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
✔ Improve your ability to understand the world and influence others! |
Classes are interactive. In addition to lectures, there will be discussions, debates and presentations to increase student-to-student learning. Students will be asked to do regional case studies of IR theory in practice and make a final presentation.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction The world and you | Grasp the mindset needed for international understanding and interaction |
Class 2 | Basics of International Relations What is a state? Religion, culture, language and the state | Understand the historical development of human social systems leading to the modern state |
Class 3 | What constitutes a nation? | Understand the basics of statehood and nationhood |
Class 4 | What is power? The Westphalian System | Understand the different forms and effects of national power and balance of power. |
Class 5 | International Relations Theory 1 | Understand the principles of anarchy and the security dilemna |
Class 6 | Case study WWI part 1 Background to Armageddon | Understand the historical forces and developments that led to WWI |
Class 7 | Case study WWI part 2 The shortcomings of the balance of power | Examine the failures of the pre-WWI European model |
Class 8 | International Relations Theory 2 Liberalism | Understand the mechanisms and effects of international cooperation |
Class 9 | International Relations Theory 3 Constructivism | Understand the impact of ideas and norms on international relations |
Class 10 | Objections to IR Theory | Understand the limitations and possibilities of IR Thoery |
Class 11 | International relations as an individual 1 Communication theory | Understand the basics of effective communication |
Class 12 | International relations as an individual 2 International communication in practice | Be able to apply communication theory in an international setting |
Class 13 | International relations as an individual 3 Overcoming cross-cultural barriers | Understand cultural differences and how to handle them |
Class 14 | Final project presentations | Present a cogent argument using theory and knowledge of International Relations |
Class 15 | Final project presentations | Present a cogent argument using theory and knowledge of International Relations |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
None in particular.
The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time、Karl Polanyi、Beacon Press 2001
グローバル社会の国際関係論、山田高教 大矢根聡、有斐閣コンパクト2011
Guns, Germs and Steel, Jared Diamond, Norton 2002
ツカむ!話術、パトリックハーラン、角川oneテーマ21、2014
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement without Giving in, Roger Fisher, Penguin Books, 1991
フェルドマン式知的生産術:国境、世界を超えて働く人に、ロバートフェルドマン、2013
大統領の演説、パトリックハーラン、角川新書 2016
Homework will be used to facilitate classroom discussion and presentations. Both participation and submission of written homework are required. Grading criteria include not only knowledge of class content, but also demonstration of the ability to apply theory to real-life examples.
At the end of the course will be a 10 minute test (the only one ever!). In lieu of a final exam, students will give presentations on a theme of their choice.
None required
This class serves as an International Relations research group. Students and teacher share ideas, research and interests in an open, interactive format. We aim to improve presentation and discussion skills while gaining a better grasp of IR theory and current world affairs.