Admission requirements
This course is open to Master students of the Institute of History, in particular those with an interest in Russia and Latin America (10 students), Master studentsn of International Studies (20), and Master students of Leiden University Institute for Area Studies, in particular China and India (10 students).
Description
This course has two main objectives. First, we discuss the BRIC concept (Brazil, Russia, India and China), its origins and relevance, and possible implications for the countries involved, the way the concept is used by these ‘emerging powers’, and its perception by third countries. Our second objective is the comparative study and discussion of Brazil, Russia, India and China. We will look at the political, social and economic structures of these countries, highlight their domestic and international objectives, and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. The course intends to contribute to a deeper empirical and theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of ‘emerging powers’ as an aspect of the widely observed shift in global powers.
Course Objectives
This course engages students with the scholarly debates and the practical implications concerning the current changes in global relations as a result of the (re) emergence of major powers, in particular the BRIC countries Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
Students will expand their knowledge of the major theoretical approaches to the current global power shifts, including the BRIC phenomenon, and of the specifics as well as the commonalities of the four countries involved (their policies, societies, and economies). Students are required to study both academic texts and other relevant primary and secondary sources with respect to global political change in general as well as the four emerging powers.
The course consists of 13 weekly two-hour lecture and seminar classes. Students will be required to study and summarize readings, to write and present brief assignments on relevant issues, and to complete (during the second part of the course) a research paper proposal on a well-defined aspect of the course. The papers are due after the end of the course.
Timetable
The course will start on September 6, 2012; from 9 -11 am.
There will be a class each Thursday from September 6 – December 6, 2012, except on October 18, 2012.
The outline for the research paper will be presented on December 20, 2012.
Deadline for the final paper is 17-1-2013.
First bloc: lectures, required readings, assignments.
Second bloc: lectures, required readings, designing and presenting research paper outline.
Before Mid-January 2013: writing research paper.
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Research
Assessment Method
First bloc: lectures, required readings, papers on Brazil and Russia (1,500 words / paper).
Second bloc: lectures, required readings, papers on India and China (1,500 words/paper), designing and presenting research paper outline.
Before Mid-January 2013: writing research paper (3500 words).
Weekly readings and assignments (60%: 15% /country)
Presentation research paper outline (5%)
Research paper (35%)
Blackboard
A reading list with articles will be put on Blackboard.
Reading list
There will be a list for weekly readings (about 50 pages/week) and a list for further reading, which can be used for the papers
Registration
Via uSis.
Contact information
With the coordinator, by e-mail: dr. M.L. Wiesebron.