Japan is often described as an “economic giant, but a political pygmy” and not a ‘normal state’ in the field of International Relations. Whilst policy makers and analysts focused on Japan’s economic rise since the 1960s, recent literature has highlighted Japan’s growing political and security role in global affairs since the end of the Cold War. Japan’s evolving role can be perceived both in terms of Japan’s attempt to gain a security council seat at the UN, as well as in the participation of Japan’s Self-Defence Force (SDF) in Peace Keeping Operations (PKOs). Yet, Japan’s contemporary international relations are constrained by a variety of factors and forces including Japan’s Pacifist Constitution, Japan’s security and economic relationship with the US, and historical animosities between Japan and its neighbours. Understanding how these factors and forces operate is the key to interpreting the complexities of Japan’s international relations.
Rooster
Monday 13-15
see: rooster
Onderwijsvorm
Lectures and Seminars
A la Carte- en Contractonderwijs
Belangstellenden die deze cursus in het kader van A la carte onderwijs willen volgen (zonder tentamen), vinden hier meer informatie over kosten, inschrijving, voorwaarden etc.
Belangstellenden die deze cursus in het kader van Contractonderwijs willen volgen (met tentamen), vinden hier meer informatie over kosten, inschrijving, voorwaarden etc.
Leerdoelen
This module aims to provide a critical examination of key issues and processes related to the international relations of Japan. The focus of this module is on developments since World War Two, but with a particular emphasis on the post-Cold War period. By the end of the module, students will be able to: – Demonstrate an understanding of the complex issues and processes related to Japan’s political, economic and security relations. – Apply conceptual tools to analyze key events and processes in the international relations of Japan. – Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, develop the capacity for independent learning, critique major texts on Japan’s international relations, and participate in class debates.
Literatuur
Students will be expected to use additional sources to those in the suggested reading list.
Core textbooks include:
Hook, Glenn, D., Gilson, Julie, Hughes, Christopher, W., and Dobson, Hugo (2001), Japan’s International Relations – Politics, Economics and Security, London and New York: Routledge
Berger, T., Mochizuki, M. and Tsuchiyama, J. (eds.) (2007) Japan in International Politics – The Foreign Policies of an Adaptive State, Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner
Hook, G. and Hasegawa, H. (eds.) (2006) Japanese responses to globalization – Politics, Security, Economics and Business, New York and Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Stockwin, J.A.A. (1999) Governing Japan – Third Edition, Oxford: Blackwell
Toetsing
Participation element (incl. attendance, participation, and debate): 30%
Analytical element (analytic essay (1,000-1,500 words)): 20%
Research element (research essay (2,000-2,500 words)): 30%
Summative element (exam): 20%
Informatie
For further information about the course, please contact Dr. L. Black ( l.black@hum.leidenuniv.nl)
This course is a part of “Keuzepakket Japanse Studies”
Aanmeld- en inschrijfprocedure colleges en tentamens: www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/japans/studenten/aanmeldingsprocedure.jsp
Blackboard/webpagina
A handbook denoting weekly readings will be posted on blackboard the week before the start of the semester.
Ingangseisen
Some background in modern East Asian politics and international relations would be useful, but not necessary.