Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 100278

Coordinator Peter Mauch Opens in new window

Description The subject 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 subject 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 fees 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

1. World War II: What was Japan fighting for? 
2. The occupation period and impact 
3. Independence and the Yoshida Doctrine 
4. Godzilla and the fear of nuclear annihilation 
5. Security Treaty Crisis 
6. Tokyo Olympics 
7. Japan as number one? 
8. Japan in the brave new, post-Cold War world 
9. Remembering World War II 
10. Revisiting Article 9 
11. What does it mean to be Japanese, anyway?

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