The sample student papers are from a previous version of 17.537.
Undergraduate Assignments
Assignment 1
Choose one book from the list below. In 5-7 pages summarize the author’s main thesis and identify the major issues associated with this topic. Criticize the author’s approach if appropriate.
Undergraduate book list (PDF)
Sample student paper (PDF)
Assignment 2
Write a short 5-7 page essay on one group of readings from the course. Read the graduate-level readings if listed, as well as, at least three readings footnoted in the texts. What do the authors say? Why is the subject important? What do they omit? Are there better readings to assign?
Sample student paper (PDF)
Graduate Assignments
Assignment 1
Review the literature on Japanese politics and write a clear, concise, thoughtful essay (10-15 pages) identifying the central themes, models and approaches. What questions are not fully addressed in the literature? What sort of approach would be more useful? How well have Japan specialists used political science theories? Should they have better anticipated the events of 1993? Which ones anticipated these events best?
Assignment 2
Write a creative 10-15 page essay on the subject: “The X Policy Process in Japan.” (X = the policy area of your choice linked to your classroom presentation.) How do the actors and institutions identified in the first half of this syllabus interact to make policy in this area? Is there a useful model to explain these interactions? Is there a single policy process in Japan? How important is conflict? How widespread is consensus? Has this policy process changed since 1993?
