English

This advanced seminar course explores the problems associated with global political economy. The first half of the course provides students with the analytical and conceptual tools to better understand the complexities of international politics and economics. The second half is issue-based,  focusing on major developments in contemporary international and economic relations and how states manage these issues. The course consists largely of student research, consultation, group presentation, and peer review/comments. Student should expect to complete a 3500 word case study and participate in group presentations.

China’s rise has been one of the defining issues of contemporary world history. Examine this transformation in global affairs from both outside-in and inside-out perspectives. This course explores how China has shaped, and been shaped by, its encounters with the international order, from the Qing Empire to the present. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this course brings together research from history, international relations, and international political economy.  

This course examines modern literature on exchange rate markets, exchange rate determination and the implications of exchange rate movements for various economic issues. Students will gain an understanding of why exchange rates change, of financial market arrangements, and of the reasons for, and implications of, recent events in international financial markets.

This course provides an overview of occupational health and safety conditions worldwide. The course addresses how to enhance working conditions and prevent accidents and injuries through the implementation of ILO training programs practiced globally. The course also introduces key Japanese concepts such as kaizen and 5S, allowing students to engage with these training approaches while developing practical skills for planning and implementing workplace improvements applicable to future work environments.

This course examines the basic properties of biomaterials and methods so that students can manipulate them. Topics include the basic physiological consequences in relation to biomaterial implantation, and the methods for testing biomaterial compatibility. This course gives background knowledge for biomedical engineers to work in biomedical fields.

This course aims to develop flexible and logical problem-solving skills, understanding of main bioinformatics problems, and appreciation of main techniques and approaches to bioinformatics. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, students (i) master the basic tools and approaches for analysis of DNA sequences, protein sequences, gene expression profiles, etc. (ii) understand important problems and applications of computational biology, including identifying functional features in DNA and protein sequences, predicting protein function, and deriving diagnostic models from gene expression profiles, (iii) be confident to propose new solutions to both existing and emerging problems in computational biology. This course requires students to take prerequisites.

The course examines the role of culture in shaping psychological processes, with particular focus on Māori world views, and Pacific cultural contexts.

This course explores how to balance contemporary ecological and social imperatives with the economic and aesthetic functions of cities, particularly in an unpredictable future. While there is no simple answer to this question, the course engages with various theories, technologies, and practices in urbanism and architecture to critically examine it. By reflecting on the historical development of architecture, infrastructure, and urban design, the course provides a contextual framework for analyzing the city as a complex system.  

Throughout the course, various practitioners and theorists from different design fields will be invited to discuss projects and case studies from Japan and around the world. Key topics include spatial design, urban design, design utilizing digital technology, sustainable design, landscape design, and craftsmanship.  

The course examines New Zealand’s relations with major countries, its policies in key regions, and its position on contemporary issues in international politics. It explores how a small state navigates complex global environments where optimal outcomes are not always possible. It also provides an insider’s perspective on how strategic decisions are made, drawing on conversations with senior political leaders, diplomats, and national security officials. It analyzes how New Zealand evaluates options, develops policy, and responds to global challenges in ways that safeguard its defense, economy, and societal interests.

This course unfolds the institutions, treaties, procedures and practices of intergovernmental organizations, providing perspectives on the evolving rules and normative standards defining international human rights, the actors involved, and the processes and means by which they are monitored and their implementation is promoted. Students gain knowledge about institutions and procedures, selected rights and the obligation of states; and analyze challenges and achievements of the international human rights regime through country studies.