SISU-332 Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy (3)

In September 2009, a change in government took place as a result of the opposition party winning a majority of seats for the first time in the postwar era in Japan. This course analyzes the implications of this transformative change in government through an analysis of Japanese political culture, political institutions, and political actors. The course provides a contemporary understanding of Japanese domestic politics. Through empirical case studies, students get a better grasp of the actual decision making process in Japan. Then, by examining what has/has not changed since 2009, students consider the impact of the change in government on the Japanese political process. Grading: A-F only. Prerequisite: SISU-206 and SISU-230.