HIST 117(S) History as Politics: Japan*

This course analyzes some of the key controversies in recent US-Japan relations. We begin by discussing what US policy planners felt was wrong with Japan in 1945, and then analyze the subsequent disputes over the War Crimes trials and Japanese militarism, the 1947 Constitution and the legal system, the economy and foreign trade disputes, and education and gender relations. There will also be opportunities for independent work on approved subjects. In each of these cases, our discussions will focus on why commentators on both sides of the Pacific often strongly disagree on issues of current concern. Evaluation will be based on class participation, three papers, and a final examination. Enrollment limited. Preference to first-year students.

Hour: FROST