POLI 3010 Politics of Post-War Japan

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Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 100278

Coordinator Steven Drakeley Opens in new window

Description The unit studies the post-war Japanese political experience: a vanquished country transformed into an economic super power with a 'peace' constitution and now in relative decline. In particular the unit will examine the impact of the dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party on domestic politics and the intersection between domestic political developments and security and foreign policy matters.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Political Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Restrictions Successful completion of 60 credit points of study in currently enrolled program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Describe the major developments in post-war Japanese politics
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the linkages between 'domestic' and 'international' politics in Japan
  3. Show an understanding of the main political parties and the assumptions implicit in each party
  4. Identify multiple perspectives on Japanese politics
  5. Interpret current policy debates and international trends relevant to Japan.

Subject Content

- Japan at The end of World War Two
- The occupation period and impact
- The 1955 system
- The party system and political stability: 1955-1993
- Corruption and scandals
- political activism at The national and sub-national level
- The role of The opposition
- The party system in transition: 1993 and electoral reform
- 1993-2015: Conservative party dominance and voter disengagement from the political process
- Issues in foreign/security relations: role of The United States
- Issues in foreign/security relations: Rising China
- Issues in foreign/security relations: Revision of Article Nine?

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Presentation 15 minutes maximum 30 N Individual
Essay 3,000 words 40 N Individual
End-of-session Exam 2,000 words maximum 30 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Stockwin, J.A.A.A. (2008). Governing Japan: Divided Politics in a Resurgent Economy. Oxford: Blackwell.

Teaching Periods

Structures that include subject