Time Schedule:
Hironori Sasada
POL S 435
Seattle Campus
Government and politics of Japan with emphasis on the period since 1945. Recommended: JSIS A 242. Offered: jointly with JSIS A 435.
Class description
Description: This is an introductory course on Japanese government and politics. The course will over the politics and government of post-WWII Japan focusing on Japanese party politics, political economy, foreign policies, and recent changes in political and economic structures. Throughout the course, we will discuss the following themes: Who governs Japan? How is Japan’s economy different/similar from other capitalist economies? What are Japan’s roles in international politics/economy? How has Japan’s politics/economy changed over time?
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Textbooks: The following books and a reading packet are required for the course. (1) Ellis Krauss, Japan’s Democracy: How Much Change? (2) Kenneth Pyle, The Japanese Question: Power and Purpose in a New Era (3) Chalmers Johnson, Japan: Who Governs? (4)Walter Hatch & Kozo Yamamura, Asia in Japan’s Embrace: Building a Regional Production Alliance.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments: One midterm exam, one 5-page term paper, and final exam.
Grading: Midterm: 20%, Paper 30%, Final 40%, Participation 10 %.
