Course Overview

The aim of this course is to introduce students to some of the main theories of conflict and cooperation in international relations. Students are expected not just to understand the main arguments of various theories, but also to critically examine them and develop skills to think like a social scientist.

Learning Achievement

Goals of the Course: Through studying various international political issues and major International Relations theories, students will be able to acquire "expertise," and "research ability" needed to understand how theories can be applied. Students will also improve “communication ability,” broaden their “global awareness,” and learn the significance of the "capacity to leverage academic knowledge."

Competence

Competences:
Generic Competences: Capacity to Leverage Academic Knowledge; Communication Ability; Global Awareness
Specific Competences: Research Ability; Expertise Acquisition

Course prerequisites

None.

Grading Philosophy

Grades will be based on a term paper (50%), classroom participation (25%), and a presentation (25%).

Course schedule

Organizational Meeting and Introduction
Realism
Liberal Theory
Unipolarity
Normative Source of Japan's National Security
Why no NATO in Asia?
The Rise of China
Base Politics
The Pandemic and the Future
Summary

Course type

Lectures

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Ohtomo Takafumi

Other information

None.

Site for Inquiry

Link to the syllabus provided by the university