Ken Kawan Soetanto, Waseda University 

Objectives of the Course
This class will lecture the education system in US, Europe and Asia (Japan, China, Indonesia, Singapore, etc.) The second half, we will take the issues in detail on the Japanese Education system, such Japan education after WW II, recent circumstances in education, crams and preschool in Japan, circumstances, and Junior High students losing interest in math and science etc. We will discuss as well regarding the most recent article “Students' poor performance in OECD survey shocks Japan'.

Students will learn the differences of the various education systems globally as well as the students get in depth understanding to the problems that Japan education has facing now.

Further Reading
1) The Development of Asian University. Philip G. Altbach and Viswanathan Selvaratnam
2) Nippon. The Land and Its People. GakuseiSha

Grading Policy
Attendance and class participation: 40%
Discussion and presentation: 20%
Final paper/Group case study & presentation: 40%

In addition to traditional type classes, we will read and analyze recently published articles in a discussion format. Students are expected to actively participate in the discussion.

Course outline
1) Comparative Study in Education System
2) US Education
3) UK Education
4) China Education
5) Hong Kong Education
6) Singapore Education
7) Indonesia Education
8) Japan Education System
9) Students' poor performance in OECD survey
10) Japan Society
11) Education
12) Home Life
13) Problems of Japan Education after WW II and Future of Japan
14) Recent Circumstance Education in Japan
15) Cram Schools (Juku) and Preschools (Yobiko) in Japan
16) The “Five Schooldays a Week” System
17) Civilian Principals of Public School
18) Junior High Students Losing Interest in Math and Science
19) Examination for Service of Teachers in Japan
20) How to Evaluate Teachers in Japan?