Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences9:Political Science

Academic unit or major

Humanities and social science courses

Instructor(s)

Takeshi Nakajima

Class Format

Lecture (Face-to-face)

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

1-2 Wed

Class

-

Course Code

LAH.S409

Number of credits

100

Course offered

2024

Offered quarter

2Q

Syllabus updated

Mar 14, 2025

Language

Japanese

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

In 2024, it will be held face-to-face at the Suzukakedai campus.

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.

Course description and aims

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.

Keywords

Ｅａｓｔ Asia, 　National borders issue, Tokyo Trials, Yasukuni Issue, Comfort Women Issue

Competencies

• Specialist skills
• Intercultural skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

In 2024, it will be held face-to-face at the Suzukakedai campus.

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/Objectives

Study advice (preparation and review)

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.

Textbook(s)

None required.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

None required.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Students' course scores are based on presentations（30％） and final papers（70％）. If there are a large number of students, presenters will be selected and points will be added according to the content of the presentation.

Related courses

• LAH.S103 ： Political Science A
• LAH.S203 ： Political Science B
• LAH.S304 ： Political Science C

Prerequisites

Japanese ability for presentations and discussions

Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).

tnakajima[at]ila.titech.ac.jp

Office hours

Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.