This course has three components.  First, the course has a general substantive law component in which deeper exploration of a variety of Japanese legal areas may be explored.  The specific areas of law will be decided depending upon the students? interests and background in the first week of the course following consultation between the lecturer and students.  This is particularly necessary as the survey nature of ASIA2032 does not allow coverage of many important areas or does not allow sufficiently deep investigation of other areas.  Second, the course will have a practical skills component using video negotiation with students in Tokyo to test theories of Japanese legal consciousness, Japanese negotiation, Japanese contracting, and Japanese dispute resolution.  Students with sufficient language skills will be encouraged to negotiate wholly or partially in Japanese language.  This portion of the course seeks to provide an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and thereby gain the concomitant benefits.  Third, the course has a component for personal research in Japanese law.  This portion of the course will be largely directed by the students? own research projects in an area of Japanese law.  This portion seeks to both engage students in directing their own education and to prepare them for more significant research projects such as Honours or work demands.

Assessment will be based on (1) student preparation and participation in class discussions (10%), (2) participation and documentation of video negotiation (40%), and (3) brief class presentation (10%) and paper (40%) on a topic of student?s choice.  The word limits and other duration requirements will be set consistent with University policy. Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work, tailored to their interests.

Permission of Coordinator.

A printed course ?brick? and / or handouts will be provided after consultation with the students.