Transnational Studies - Japan and the World from edX

The contemporary world is marked by a curious state of tension. On the one hand, it is deeply globalized, with goods, people, culture and ideas circulating across borders on an unprecedented scale. Neither can two of the major crises we are facing, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, be contained on the level of individual states. Yet, nation states are still the most powerful political entities in the world, and nationalism is resurging, mobilizing the imagination and aspirations of people everywhere. Academic knowledge, too, is still often aligned with national borders and categories.

Transnational studies is an interdisciplinary field that lives in the interstices of this tension. It reflects on why the “nation” has come to have such a powerful grip on the human imagination and social organization. It offers approaches that follow the historical and contemporary movement of ideas, things, people and practices beyond (= “trans”) national borders, explores how they are transformed along the way, and analyzes what enables and limits these movements.

In this course, you will gain foundational knowledge about how to think transnationally. An initial module which introduces key concepts and approaches in transnational studies will be followed by four modules that use concrete case studies centered on Japan to spotlight how the transnational can be fruitfully employed across different disciplines, from history to sustainability studies. In doing so, the course offers foundational knowledge in how to navigate the complexities of our globalized world.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand how the idea of nations structures movement and mobility in the contemporary world
Understand how people, things and ideas flow and circulate across borders
Analyze these flows on the material, conceptual and institutional levels

Learn through four case studies how transnational analysis applies to japan
Employ questions from transnational studies in different disciplines from history to sustainability studies

Understand how the idea of nations structures movement and mobility in the contemporary world
Understand how people, things and ideas flow and circulate across borders
Analyze these flows on the material, conceptual and institutional levels
Learn through four case studies how transnational analysis applies to japan
Employ questions from transnational studies in different disciplines from history to sustainability studies

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for learners interested in international relations, history, sustainability, and cultural studies

Presents a solid theoretical foundation in transnational studies

Provides practical examples through case studies focused on Japan

Examines the impact of globalization and national identity in a contemporary context

Taught by experienced instructors in international relations and cultural studies

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Transnational Studies - Japan and the World with these activities:

Compile the course materials

Show steps

Structure your learning experience by gathering your course materials in a centralized location for easy access.

Show steps

Identify all the materials for the course
Create a system for organizing the materials
Store the materials in the designated location

Review key historical contexts

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of the historical antecedents that shape our contemporary world.

Show steps

Identify the key historical periods and events that are foundational to the course material
Review your notes, textbooks, or online resources to refresh your memory on these historical contexts
Summarize your understanding of the key concepts, events, and figures from each historical period
Consider how these historical contexts may relate to the topics you will be studying in the course

Review "Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism"

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of the origins and development of nationalism by delving into a seminal work in the field.

View Language and Power: Exploring Political... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book carefully, taking notes and highlighting key passages
Summarize the main arguments and ideas presented in the book
Consider how the book's insights relate to your own understanding of nationalism and its role in the contemporary world

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Explore online resources on transnational studies

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of transnational studies by exploring online resources and engaging with experts in the field.

Show steps

Identify online resources that provide information on transnational studies, such as websites, blogs, and academic journals
Follow thought leaders and experts in the field on social media to stay up-to-date on current research and debates
Attend online lectures, webinars, or conferences to learn from experts in the field

Develop a research proposal on a transnational topic

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of transnational studies by designing a research project that investigates a topic across national borders.

Browse courses on Comparative Analysis

Show steps

Identify a research question that explores a transnational phenomenon or issue
Develop a research design that outlines your methodology, data collection methods, and analysis plan
Write a research proposal that presents your research question, design, and expected outcomes
Seek feedback on your research proposal from peers or a mentor

Contribute to an open-source project related to transnational studies

Show steps

Gain practical experience in transnational collaboration by contributing to an open-source project that addresses global challenges.

Browse courses on Open Source

Show steps

Identify an open-source project that aligns with your interests and the course content
Review the project's documentation and codebase to understand its purpose and structure
Identify an area where you can contribute your skills and knowledge
Submit a pull request to the project with your proposed changes or additions
Collaborate with other contributors to refine your contribution and ensure its quality

Mentor a peer in the course

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of transnational studies by sharing your knowledge and insights with a peer.

Browse courses on Mentoring

Show steps

Identify a peer who could benefit from your support and guidance
Offer to mentor the peer, providing regular feedback and support on their assignments and course progress
Meet with the peer regularly to discuss their progress, challenges, and opportunities
Provide constructive criticism and encouragement to help the peer develop their skills and knowledge

Career center

Learners who complete Transnational Studies - Japan and the World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Development Specialist

International development specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries by providing technical assistance, managing development projects, and advocating for policy changes. An understanding of transnational studies can help international development specialists understand the complex challenges facing developing countries and design more effective and sustainable development programs. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of development in the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability consultants help organizations develop and implement sustainability strategies. They advise on environmental, social, and economic issues and help organizations reduce their environmental impact and improve their social and economic performance. An understanding of transnational studies can help sustainability consultants develop a deeper understanding of the global context of sustainability issues and design more effective and sustainable strategies. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

International Relations Analyst

International relations analysts research and analyze political, economic, and security issues affecting international relations. They provide insights to governments, businesses, and other organizations on how to navigate the global landscape. An understanding of transnational studies can help international relations analysts develop a deeper understanding of the forces shaping global affairs and provide more informed analysis. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of international relations in the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Analyst

Public Policy Analyst

Public policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues and make recommendations to policymakers. An understanding of transnational studies can help public policy analysts develop a deeper understanding of the global context of public policy issues and design more effective and sustainable policies. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the public policy challenges and opportunities facing the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Translator

Translators convert written or spoken text from one language to another. They work in a variety of settings, including government, business, and education. An understanding of transnational studies can help translators develop a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of the texts they translate and produce more accurate and nuanced translations. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region, which is often a major focus of translation work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Social Worker

Social workers help people cope with personal and social problems. They provide counseling, support, and resources to individuals, families, and communities. An understanding of transnational studies can help social workers develop a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to social problems and develop more effective and sustainable interventions. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing communities in the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Researcher

Researchers conduct original research on a wide range of topics, including social, economic, political, and environmental issues. An understanding of transnational studies can help researchers develop a deeper understanding of the global context of their research and produce more nuanced and informed findings. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing communities in the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit program managers plan, implement, and manage programs and services for nonprofit organizations. An understanding of transnational studies can help nonprofit program managers develop a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing communities around the world and design more effective and sustainable programs. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing communities in the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events for newspapers, magazines, television, and online media. An understanding of transnational studies can help journalists develop a deeper understanding of the global context of the stories they cover and provide more nuanced and informed reporting. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region, which is often a major focus of news coverage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Political Scientist

Political scientists study political systems and institutions, public policy, and political behavior. An understanding of transnational studies can help political scientists develop a deeper understanding of the global forces shaping politics and governance. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the political dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Foreign Correspondent

Foreign correspondents report on international news and events for media outlets around the world. They travel to different countries to cover stories, interview sources, and provide analysis of current affairs. An understanding of transnational studies can help foreign correspondents develop a deeper understanding of the global context of the stories they cover and provide more nuanced and informed reporting. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region, which is often a major focus of international news coverage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Correspondent

International Lawyer

International lawyers advise clients on legal issues related to international law, such as cross-border transactions, human rights, and environmental protection. They also represent clients in international courts and tribunals. An understanding of transnational studies can help international lawyers develop a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks governing international relations and provide more effective legal advice to their clients. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the legal frameworks governing international relations in the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Lawyer

Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries abroad, negotiating with foreign governments and international organizations. They work to promote their country's interests, build relationships, and resolve conflicts. An understanding of transnational studies can help diplomats navigate the complexities of the globalized world and develop effective strategies for cooperation and conflict resolution. In particular, the course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of international relations in the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat

Teacher

Teachers plan, implement, and evaluate learning experiences for students. They teach a variety of subjects, including social studies, history, and geography. An understanding of transnational studies can help teachers develop a deeper understanding of the global context of their subject matter and create more engaging and informative lessons. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Museum curator

Museum curators research, acquire, preserve, and display museum collections. They also develop and lead educational programs and exhibitions. An understanding of transnational studies can help museum curators develop a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of the objects in their collections and create more engaging and informative exhibitions. The course's focus on Japan and the world can provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region, which is often a major focus of museum collections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator