Meiji Gakuin University

This course is taught in two sections A and B. Students may enroll in a single session with the approval of the instructor. This course is thematically organized to achieve a critical and broad-ranging understanding of the essential elements embodied within, and characteristic of, Japanese literary and cultural modernity from the end of the Edo period in the mid-nineteenth century (circa 1850), through the early twentieth century and the interwar era and war years and into the postwar decades. Focusing on seminal literary texts, modern autobiographical narratives, modes of cultural expression, and Japanese cinematic works ranging from the productions of Kumai Kei, Fushimizu Osamu, and Yamamoto Satsuo, the course aims to elucidate socio-historical perspectives to the understanding of one of the most dynamic intellectual and literary traditions not only in modern East Asia, but also in the world at large. Assessment: midterm (25%), final exam (25%), class presentation and attendance (25%), written work assignment (25%).

This course examines the field of international relations. It assumes both a theoretical and empirical approach, and is being organized around three core themes: international relations theory; history, in our case, the Cold War; and post-Cold War power issues in international affairs. Theories discussed include realism, liberalism, Marxism and critical theory, and post-structuralism. Cold War topics include from containment to division; from division to deterrence; from deterrence to collapse. Other topics include peace and security and religion and identity.

This course considers the religious, political, and cultural significance of Buddhism in modern Asia, with a particular focus on Japan. Students survey Japan's religious history and traditions and also recent issues facing Buddhist communities and modern society. Specific topics include religion and nationalism, gender issues in modern temple practices, the diffusion of consumer oriented prayer services and material culture, and religious violence. Students gain a solid understanding of East Asia's religious heritage, and develop critical perspectives on the impact of religion on modern Asian societies. Assessment: Class attendance (15%), class participation (20%), short writing assignments (20%), oral report (10%), final project (35%).

This course is an introduction to statistical analysis. Student mainly learn how to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret the data.This course emphasizes the importance of understanding the logic of statistical inference, rather than memorizing formulae or calculating statistics. Topics: the important concepts and the logic of quantitative methods; how to argue statistical fallacies and accurately use the statistical methods; how to use basic statistical functions of Microsoft Excel to solve statistics problems; and how use quantitative methods for the graduation thesis.

This class discusses the history of postwar Japan through the writings of so-called "movement intellectuals" and examines changing ideas of Shimin through the postwar period and their implications for today's perspectives on politics. Text: Simon Andrew Avenell, MAKING JAPANESE CITIZENS: CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE SHIMIN IN POSTWAR JAPAN. Assessment: response papers, research paper, presentation. Units: The regular version of this course is worth 3.0 UC quarter units. The AQ version of this course is worth up to 4.5 UC quarter units. Students must submit a special study project form which outlines the requirements for the additional units. This is typically an additional paper graded by the instructor of the course.

This course provides an in-depth understanding of contemporary European politics and societal issues which have developed throughout the last 30 years. The course covers five main areas. First, it examines the history of Europe – the development of democracy and the nation-state and how modern Europe came to be after the wars of the 20th century. Second, the course looks at the different political systems which exist within Europe's democracies. Third, it takes a more detailed look at specific countries and their relations with each other in the context of intra-European relations. The course also compares society in Europe's different nation states and the relationship between government and civil society, the media and issues such as gender, race and identity. The final part of the course looks at the history of the European Union and contrast its achievements with its present-day challenges including Brexit and the rise of populism, and the role of Europe as a global actor.

The theme of this course is social entrepreneurship. Such enterprises are established with the primary purpose of finding a solution to a social problem or creating social value by reaching out to underserved sections of the society. The course is conducted with a combination of lectures and case discussions. This course aims to introduce the concepts, theories and real cases in social enterprises. An increasing number of talented, ambitious individuals around the world, out of their concern for the varied problems faced by humanity are trying to solve these problems, some at a local level, some at an international level. Through real world examples and case study analysis, students will learn how such enterprises are organized, what their challenges are and how exactly they try to solve social problems.

This course is an introduction to statistical analysis. Student mainly learn how to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret the data.This course emphasizes the importance of understanding the logic of statistical inference, rather than memorizing formulae or calculating statistics. Topics: the important concepts and the logic of quantitative methods; how to argue statistical fallacies and accurately use the statistical methods; how to use basic statistical functions of Microsoft Excel to solve statistics problems; and how use quantitative methods for the graduation thesis. Units: The regular version of this course is worth 3.0 UC quarter units. The Q version of this course is worth 4 or 4.5 UC quarter units. Students must submit a special study project form which outlines the requirements for the additional units. This is typically an additional paper graded by the instructor of the course.