Japan

This course provides intermediate econometric techniques used in empirical analysis, including least square estimation, serial correlation, simultaneous equation, granger causality, panel data analysis, logit regression and difference-in-difference approach. We focus on practical training using personal computer and statistic package of either Stata or R. Grade is determined by the terminal paper test and a report of empirical analysis.

This course is for students in enrolled in Advanced Japanese and provides additional activities to improve Japanese speaking skills.

The purpose of this course is to enable students to analyze and create all kinds of stories, including modern literature, through the study of literary theory. The course focuses on poems, novels and dramas of leading authors and poets of the modern period, concentrating on the works of Meiji and Taisho period writers. 

This intermediate course is designed for students who have acquired an elementary level of Japanese. It develops an understanding of Japanese language through the introduction of new grammar patterns necessary for communication in Japanese. Approximately 150 new kanji are introduced at a rate of 10 per week. Students learn the correct stroke order of kanji, kanji compounds, and how to differentiate polite and casual forms of similar verbs based on kanji composition. Additionally, students have the chance to view various media in Japanese and discuss recent events in Japanese to further their Japanese proficiency and fluency. 

After the end of the Cold War many of us hoped that the time of war and conflict was over and we could enjoy and more peaceful and perhaps prosperous times. We could not have been more wrong. The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, the subsequent Gulf War, the civil conflict in Former Yugoslavia, the war in Bosnia, the NATO strikes in Kosovo, the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and particularly in Israel, the terrorist attack on 9.11, and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and now in Iraq, are just a few examples of military activities in the last decade. In addition, we witnessed a chain of humanitarian crises' in the form of lack of access to food, water, and shelter, and often human-induced (un)natural disasters like floods and droughts in many parts of the developing world.

The courses Peace Studies I and II will provide students with an insight into the central questions, concepts, theories, and debates within contemporary peace studies. Students will read basic texts from peace researchers, politicians, peace movement representatives, social and natural scientists in order to understand the various approaches to peace; how and why conflicts occur, and finally how to deal or prevent wars. Peace studies have developed a basic core of ideas and arguments, but researchers concerned with peace and conflict issues come from a variety of fields and scientific disciplines. At first international relations and international policy, political science and historical studies might come to mind; however, scientists in sociology, anthropology, biology, psychology, economics, or environmental studies have also developed concept and theories attempting to analyze and explain potential and actual conflict situations. They have also developed ways to prevent or moderate conflicts and considered approaches to prevent them from developing into violent conflicts or open wars. Part one and two of this course attempt to cover a broad range of these approaches.

This course is considered a continuation of the course, "Special Topic in Japanese Culture A" and aims to deepen understanding of Shinto and Zen Buddhist traditional Japanese culture through three cultural experiences. The course provides an overview of Japanese religious culture and consider the religious consciousness of the Japanese people as seen in Oni and Mononoke, etc, in Japanese anime.
 

The course instructs on the origins of Shinto, as well as Shinto thought; the period of shrine establishment; histories of the shrine maiden; rituals; music; history, and development of Dance in Japan. This section also covers Shintoism and Kotodama (the philosophy of words and spirits) and Kodaimoji (ancient scripts.), as well as the philosophy of Budo (Martial arts). Then, the course provides a general overview of the development of Buddhism in Japan, including the development of Japanese Zen Buddhism and its wide range of cultural influence. It covers the history and thought of Zen Buddhism; its words; the relationship between Zen and Martial arts; Zen painting, as well as a Zazen experience. Through these studies and experiences, students will learn the characteristics of Japanese culture.

This course is for advanced learners who wish to build presentation and discussion skills in Japanese. The course instructs on the grammar, expressions, and vocabulary that are unique to such situations, and provides opportunities for students to learn and understand the points of discussion and present their findings or views about Japan and their own countries; social issues, or world events.

This course examines financial accounting and reporting from a decision usefulness perspective. Specifically, the course explores contemporary accounting theory and research to examine the role and implications of accounting information in decision-making. It builds on basic knowledge of financial accounting by examining implications of financial reporting for business decision-making.

If a child born to Japanese parents were raised by a Chinese national in China, legal issues aside, could the child really be called Japanese? Also, if a child born to an American couple were raised in a Japanese family in Japan, would that child have American characteristics? Therefore it can be said that people shape themselves through culture, which includes family relationships, language, eating habits, bodily movements, annual events, weddings, and funerals. This course focuses on traditional Japanese culture from the perspective of education and human development.

This course provides an overview of the basics of international law, including its history and legal sources. The course examines issues and disputes between nations through the basic structure and perspective of international law.