Courses

Study of Political Processes, taught by Professor Masato Kamikubo, provides a comprehensive overview of politics and political processes at the national level. This lecture is characterised by its adoption of the innovative ‘Hanten Jyugyou (flipped classroom)’ model, which goes beyond passive listening to promote advanced critical thinking.

The flipped classroom mechanism:

1. Pre-class learning: Prior to each session, students watch a 30-minute lecture video and read academic journals and books.
2. In-class activities: Class time is entirely dedicated to active learning. Students engage in a 40-minute group workshop discussing complex political issues, followed by a 10-minute presentation receiving direct feedback from the instructor.

Deepening Analytical Skills

By shifting the “lecture” component to Active learning, students can dedicate class time to analysing topics such as democratic versus authoritarian governance, legislative bodies, party systems, electoral systems, bureaucracy, interest groups, public policy, and the policy process. This approach demands that students cultivate the rigorous analytical skills essential for future policy leaders.