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 apply theories to explain actual cases. Students are also expected to consider policy implications of various theories, and explore what they mean for today’s international relations.

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 classroom participation (20%), presentation (30%), and a term paper (50%).

Course schedule

Organizational Meeting and Introduction
Realism after the Cold War
Choosing Primacy: US Strategy after the Cold War
Japan’s Security Policy in the Abe Era
China under Xi
Order in East Asia
Nuclear Taboo
Extended Deterrence
Declining Hegemon Doesn’t Always Fight
Dealing with a Declining Hegemon

Course type

Class Exercises

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Ohtomo Takafumi

Other information

None.

Site for Inquiry

Link to the syllabus provided by the university