The purpose of this course is to offer students opportunities to understand how Japan and the international community interact with each other from the perspectives of Political Science and Area Studies. Students first learn international and domestic politics of Japan. After learning basics research methods, students will think about global issues such as Ukraine war, democracy backsliding, and coups in Africa. Students are expected to have two Three-minute Talks, a midterm presentation and a final presentation. Three-minute Talk is a brief explanation, by a student, about an article they choose from the reading list.

By the end of the course, you will be able to
1. explain international and domestic politics of Japan,
2. understand the latest global issues, and
3. find a global issue and think about solutions to it on their own.

This course consists of Three-minute Talk, discussions, lectures, students presentations. On week 1, students are asked to choose two articles from the reading list for two Three-minute Talks. A student briefly explains the article at the beginning of a class. Students are also required to prepare and have a midterm presentation and a final presentation. Students' active participation in class is highly recommended.

The above schedule is a tentative plan. About 5 out of 15 lessons will be conducted online. The updated schedule indicating the date for online lessons will be distributed on Week 1. The lesson on Week 11 will be conducted in the 6th period of Week 10. (It might be conducted in the 5th period if all the students have no class scheduled for the period.)

Students will get comment on their presentations from the lecturer.

Read assigned articles prior to class. Prepare for Three-minute Talk, discussions in class, a midterm presentation, and a final presentation. Self-studying hours: about 1 or 2 hours per class.

Class participation (How actively a student contributes to discussions in class) = 15%
Three-minute Talk (10%) × two times = 20%
Midterm Presentation: Submission of presentation material (15%) + Oral Presentation (10%) = 25%
Final Presentation: Submission of presentation material (20%) + Oral Presentation (20%) = 40%

The reading list will be provided on Week 1.

Be prepared to express your opinion and to have active discussion in class.