JFOU Summer 2027 S3 Business Topics(International Relations) .xlsx

	A	B	C	D	E	G	I
1	Syllabus format 2027
2	Semester	2027Summer
3	Course	Business Topics(International Relations)
4	Instructor	TBD
5	Instructed only by foreign languages
6	Instruction Language		English
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10	Active Learning included
11	Active Learning Type		Discussion, Debates			Group work	Presentation
12			Flipped Classroom		Practicum/Fieldwork		Experience
13			Investigation		Mock classes	PBL	Others
14	Course Description	This course introduces students to the field of International Relations with special reference to the countries of Asia and the Pacific, particularly Japan. The first part of the course examines major theories and concepts in International Relations, including key perspectives in International Political Economy and Human Rights. The second part focuses on issues relating to Japan's foreign policy, including Japan's post-war diplomacy, East Asia's regional cooperation, development challenges, security issues, and Japan's evolving role in regional and global affairs. The course culminates in discussions of contemporary issues that have a profound impact on Japan and East Asia's stability and future directions. To deepen students' understanding through experiential and applied learning, the course incorporates field trips and guest lectures that connect classroom concepts with real-world practice. Students will participate in a visit at Rikugien Garden, examining cultural heritage and identity in Japan, and a visit to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to explore Japan's role in international development and global cooperation. Guest lectures will provide practitioner perspectives on contemporary issues in Asia, including a session by a former security officer reflecting on peace and security challenges during a period of political transition and populist leadership in an Asian country, and a comparative discussion of Japan's immigration policies within broader global debates on migration, demographic change, and integration. Students are expected to actively participate in workshops, active learning tasks, field experiences, and discussions on key issues in contemporary International Relations. The course meets for a minimum of 45 contact hours over a two-week period. Students receive 4 Oberlin College credits and a Certificate of Completion upon passing the course with a minimum grade of D.
15	Course Objectives	1. To develop students’ understanding of International Relations and Japan's foreign policy from a historical, political/strategic, and economic perspective. 2. To apply and develop the skills and knowledge of political theory and method through analysis of policy issues. 3. To provide students with the background that will enable them to include a reference to Asia and the Pacific and Japan in their research.
16	Course Schedule　※Fill in according to the number of times the class is to be held.
17		Date		Details
18	1st	15-Jun		Course Orientation, Introduction to International Relations, Key Concepts and Theories, Workshop 1
19	2nd	16-Jun		Field Trip: Rikugien Garden Tour-Afternoon at Komagome (An Introduction to the intersecting economic and cultural Interests in Japan/Japanese culture as softpower) https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/rikugien/ ) Theories of International Relations: Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Critical Theories
20	3rd	17-Jun		Peace and Security: IR Theories, Issues and Challenges Guest Speaker 1 on Peace and Security: Surviving Presidents, Populists and Disruptions International Relations of East Asia
21	4th	18-Jun		Japan's post-war diplomatic policy and Japan's Overseas Development Assistance; Video Watching: About the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); Preparation for JICA Field Trip
22	5th	21-Jun		JICA Global Center Field Trip - Ichigaya, Tokyo
23	6th	22-Jun		Theories of International Political Economy Global ; Japan's interaction with the World: ASEAN, US and China
24	7th	23-Jun		Human Rights and Humanitarian action; Guest Speaker 2: Japan's Immigration Policy in Comparative Perspective; Research Development
25	8th	24-Jun		Individual report on contemporary political and economic issues in Japan and the Asia Pacific
26	9th	25-Jun		Individual report on contemporary political and economic Issues in Japan and the Asia Pacific Wrap-up Lecture and Discussion
27	Supplementary Activities　※Fill in according to the number of times the class is to be held.
28		Date		Details
29	1st	15-Jun		Current-events briefing applying a major international-relations theory to Japan.
30	2nd	16-Jun		Soft-power observation journal examining how Japanese culture contributes to the country’s international image.
31	3rd	17-Jun		East Asian security scenario analyzed through realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
32	4th	18-Jun		Short policy memo on Japan’s postwar diplomacy and overseas development assistance.
33	5th	21-Jun		Reflection on JICA’s role in international cooperation and sustainable development.
34	6th	22-Jun		Strategic-relations map examining Japan’s connections with ASEAN, the United States, and China.
35	7th	23-Jun		Comparative analysis of human rights, humanitarian action, and immigration policy.
36	8th	24-Jun		Peer-review activity for the individual report on an Asia-Pacific political or economic issue.
37	9th	25-Jun		Final policy recommendation and reflection on Japan’s changing international role.
38	Feedback Method		Critique and Commendary in class
39			Provide feedback via email, etc.
40			Correct and return tests and reports
41			No feedbacks
42			Others(Details=>)
43	Textbook	The instructor will provide class materials.
44	Supplementary Reading
45	Grading	90-100 = A 80-89 = B 79-70 = C 60-69 = D 50 and below = F Breakdown: ● Class Participation: 25% ● Attendance: 25% ● Assignments: 20% ● Final Project: 30%
46	Contact with Instructor
47	U R L
48	Courses taught by faculty with practical experience	The instructor previously worked as a public official in a developing country government, an international consultant in a multilateral bank, and research analyst at a top-tier international think-tank based in Tokyo. Her research interests include International Politics, International Political Economy, Free Trade Agreements/Regional Trade Agreements, Asia Regional Cooperation and Economic Security of Asia and the Pacific. She currently teaches International Relations, Global Governance and International Political Economy of East Asia at universities in Tokyo.
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