INTS 263-01, Government and Politics of Japan, Fall 2009

Abstract

Students in this course will learn about Japan's political history, political culture, the effect of geography on history and politics, the impact of the West on the Japanese political system (especially the United States via the post-World War II occupation of Japan), political elites, organs of government, political parties, interest groups, the relationship of business to politics, the impact of economic growth on political change, and Japan's foreign policy and security policy. Several general themes will be pursued throughout this course: the uniqueness of the Japanese political system, the Japanese political model, the relationship between economic modernization and political change, the current crisis in Japanese politics, and Japan’s new role in the world.