Description
To what extent can International Relations theories provide adequate conceptual frameworks to analyze key issues in East Asia? Why do our interpretations of events and policy-makers alone not suffice to comprehend the complexities of the international relations in the East Asian region? What are the limitations of International Relations theories and how do contemporary issues highlight these theoretical deficiencies? In this course, students will learn valuable theoretical, methodological and analytical skills enabling them to interpret key issues in the international relations of the East Asian region.
The course is divided into two sections. The first section is designed to give students a basic knowledge of a range of international relations theories. In the second section, students will employ these theories to interpret a number of key economic, political and security issues in the international relations of East Asia.
Students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of a range of contemporary issues pertaining to East Asian international relations. In particular, students will study the war on terrorism, China’s rise, China-South Korea economic relations and economic integration, the US-Japan alliance, Japan’s Overseas Development Aid (ODA) policy, the comfort women and US military base issues, the construction of ASEAN Plus Three (APT) framework, energy and environmental issues, and the division of the Korean Peninsula.
The issues addressed in this course will have relevance to a number of disciplines. Students should draw on previous work they have done in other academic fields and demonstrate their knowledge in seminars, as well as in their assessed work. It is also hoped that students will apply the knowledge they gain through studying theories and issues in the international relations of East Asia to other courses they are taking.
Students will be expected to use additional sources to those in the suggested reading list.
Time table
For more information, check time table.
Teaching method
Lectures and seminars
Admission requirements
Successful completion of either BA2 International Relations of Japan Focus Course or BA2 International Relations of China Focus Course.
This requirement can be waived with the agreement of Dr. L. Black in consultation with both the TCC and TCJK Examinations Committees.
Course objectives
This module aims to provide a critical examination of key issues and processes related to the international relations of East Asian states. The focus of this module is on developments since World War Two, but with a particular emphasis on the post-Cold War period. By the end of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the complex issues and processes related to the political, economic and security relations of East Asian states.
Apply conceptual tools to analyze key events and processes in the international relations of the East Asian region.
Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, develop the capacity for independent learning, critique major texts on the international relations of the East Asian region, and participate in class debates.
Course load
24 Hours of classes
72 Hours of reading and web post responses/class preparation (6 hours per week over 12 weeks)
24 Hours to complete the Research Essay
10 Hours to prepare for the debate
10 Hours to prepare for the Critical Literature Review
140 Hours in Total for 5 ECTS
Required reading
Burchill, Scott. et. al. 2005. Theories of International Relations. New York and Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Beeson, M. Ed. 2007. Bush and Asia: America’s Evolving Relations with East Asia, London and New York: Routledge.
Ikenberry, G.J. and Mastanduno, M. Eds. 2003. International Relations Theory and the Asia-Pacific, New York: Columbia University Press
Burke, Anthony and McDonald, Matt. Eds. 2007. Critical Security in the Asia-Pacific. Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Test method
Research Element: One Essay of up to 3,000 words (40%)
Analytical Element: One Critical Literature Review up to 1,500 words (20%)
Participation(40%) in classes, web posts, discussions, one debate and attendance
Contact
For further information about the course, please contact Dr. L. Black
Registration
Via U-twist, check enrollment
Blackboard
A handbook denoting weekly readings will be posted on blackboard the week before the start of the semester.
Additional information (PowerPoint presentations, useful websites, etc…) will also be found on blackboard over the course of the semester.
Students are also required to submit five web posts (short responses to seminar questions based on the weekly readings) over the course of the semester.
Remarks
None