TOK3 - Japan in Today’s World

7 July – 15 July 2016
Hosted by the University of Tokyo

This course will give an overview of modern Japan with emphasis on the works of the political system, including political parties, civil service, elections, and foreign relations with China, US, Korea, as well as Japan’s role in international political economy.

Along with those introductory classes, we will hold two workshops, one on Risk Management and another on Territorial Disputes and Nationalism, where participants are encouraged to make contributions in the discussion with invited specialists. There will be no field trips, but we expect the workshops to offer a different kind of excitement.

All classes will start with an introductory lecture from the instructors, each of whom are specialists from The University of Tokyo in the respective fields, which will then be followed by discussion and interactive instructions.  All classes will be held in the late afternoon of each day.  The credit equivalent will be two credits for a semester-length program.  

The course coordinators would like to tailor the course to the participants’ interest. Nominees shortlisted will be requested to provide a list of ten questions about Japan that they wish to learn about during this course.  This list should be included in “6.Statement of Purpose” of the application form.

Field Trip

A one-day trip with students of other IARU GSP TOK courses will be scheduled out of the course.

Target Audience/ Prerequisites

Bachelor students, Master students and PhD students.

The course is open to anybody who has strong curiosity and the will to acquire new knowledge.

This program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who share strong curiosity in Japanese society. No specific background on Japan studies or political science is required, but participants must be prepared to complete assigned readings that are provided prior to the course.

Delivery Method

 Lecture, discussions and interactive instructions.

Learning Outcomes

As an introductory course, you cannot expect to receive in-depth analysis of Japanese society. Our purpose is otherwise; to stimulate your intellectual curiosity toward Japanese society and politics, an intellectual appetite which may lead you to further studies in this field.

Assessment

Final examination at the end of the program.

Credit equivalent at host university & Contact hours

2 credits

Approx. 21 total contact hours (105 minutes x 12 classrooms)

Participants are requested to go through the designated reading materials, as well as to prepare for the presentation as noted in the syllabus.

Lecturer(s) / Tutor(s)

Professor Kiichi Fujiwara

Accommodation

Hotel Kizankan (5 minutes from Hongo Campus on foot): http://kizankan.co.jp/english/

Students must arrive by July 6.
Check-in is possible from July 6.
Check-out date July 16.

You may extend your stay depending on room availability of the hotel.

Costs

Figures are estimates only, costs are subject to changes and successful applicants will be informed.

Click on each item for details.

Required and/or Recommended Insurance(s)

All participants in the IARU Global Summer Program at the University of Tokyo are strongly advised to purchase adequate health and travel insurance before leaving their home university, and to be insured throughout their time in Japan.

Further Required Application Material

A list of ten questions about Japan that you wish to learn about during this course should be included in “6.Statement of Purpose” of the application form.

Further Information

You can find pictures and comments from 2015 TOK participant and frequently asked questions with answers on the following website: http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/iaru.html