Political Science

This course examines the history of social movements in Japan from the 1940s to the 1990s. By focusing on the formation and transformation of “good citizenship” in the political discourse of postwar Japan, and by introducing several key Japanese intellectuals’ discourses on democracy and modernity, the class discusses how political ideas have affected the social process, especially in the attempt of re-establishing the relationship between the private sphere and the public sphere.

This course introduces students to Italian politics and political economy in the context of its insertion into European integration and world politics, and is divided into three parts. The first part deals with the historical analysis of the Italian institutional and administrative systems; the Italian political system; interest organization; and socio-economic cleavages and the Italian labor markets. The second part focuses on the political economy of Italy in Europe, Europeanisation of decision-making and implementation in economic, monetary, and fiscal matter and the impact of the Euro-zone crisis on Italy. The third part is concerned with the place of Italy in the world, Italian migratory policy and its relations with neighboring countries.

The course is intended covers issues from a number of different perspectives, specifically considering cultural, political, legal, but also economical aspects, including those relevant outside a Western context. It provides an overview of the legal situation in a national, European, and international setting. Participants gain an understanding of the various forms of intellectual property (copyright, patent, trademark, etc.) and expanding or antagonistic concepts including the creative commons, open access, open source, and piracy. 

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director of Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. Graded P/NP only.