LAS4125 Global Governance and Japan

Overview

This module provides a detailed understanding of Japan's international relations on the one hand, and its role in global governance on the other hand. The first part of the module adopts a theoretically informed approach based on the structure of the international system, the actors involved in international relations, and the norms that inform their behaviour. It then focuses on the key sites of Japan's international activity, particularly the United States and East Asia. The module then explores the institutional mechanisms of governance at the global level and the role Japan plays in these institutions (the UN, G8, World Bank, IMF and WTO) in addition to a number of specific case studies (First Gulf War, East Asian Economic Crisis and 'War on Terror'). 

Topics Covered 

• Japan's international relations

• Global governance

• Japan and international security governance

• Japan's economic diplomacy and international economic governance

• Japan and regional financial and monetary cooperation

• Japan's international and regional trade governance

• Japan's foreign and investment governance

• Japan and international environmental governance

Skills Development

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Academic writing

• Communication skills

• Critical ability

• Cultural agility

• Independent learning

• Knowledge

• Economic literacy

• Presentation skills

• Teamwork

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 300 hours working on a 30-credit module. This will include:

• Lectures: 10 hours

• Seminars: 10 hours

• Independent study: 280 hours 

Reading list

• Key textbooks, weekly readings and seminar questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lxA4OYfea1ToEmlRhZRpmqxAMZ-maJ97RuAp3IoLeHg/edit?usp=sharing