The Making of Modern Asia
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHIR1015 | Politics and International Relations | 1 | 10 | Autumn Malaysia |
- Code
- PHIR1015
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn Malaysia
Summary
This survey subject explores the politics of modern Asia beginning with the colonial encounter in the 19th Century and ending in the early 21st Century and the heralding of the Asian Century. The themes of nation and state building, power, and political legitimacy will accompany the chronological narrative. The module explores the contending political projects that have struggled for dominance in the region. The survey samples from the experiences of many countries including Japan, China, Thailand, the Koreas, Indonesia and Cambodia. The subject will go beyond the cliché of the Asian miracle and come to terms with the great diversity of opportunities and tragedies that mark Asia.
Coverage: colonialism in Asia; Occidentalism and Enlightenment in Asia; Japanese Imperialism, Asian Nationalisms, the Cold War in Asia, capitalist and communist regimes, democratization and globalization.
Target Students
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences students. Available to JYA/Erasmus students. This module has been identified as being particularly suitable for first year students, including those from other Schools.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: 1000 word equivalent contribution to Communication Project
- 50% Coursework 2: 1250 word essay
- 10% Participation: Participation and Attendance
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
By the end of the module students will:understand selected key concepts for the study of modern politics (imperialism, nationalism, liberalism, communism, capitalism, globalization, regimes, Orientalism, Occidentalism, political legitimacy)have the capacity to apply those concepts to a study of modern Asia;demonstrate broad understanding of major events and trends that have shaped the politic of modern Asian states.communicate understanding to a defined audienceundertake relevant research and develop evidence based argument and analysis.Learning Outcomes
a) Knowledge and understanding:
- students will gain knowledge of the contested politics of modern Asia and possess the conceptual tools to analyses these contests
- students will develop understanding of the interests and identities behind these contestations.
b) Intellectual skills
- Think reflectively and critically about the connection between concepts and empirical analysis;
- Develop critical skills of analysis in relation to one of the contested arenas;
c) Professional and practical skills
- Develop communication skills for specified audiences
- Connect evidence to persuasive argument
- Independent learning.
d) Transferable (key) skills Through active participation in the module students will acquire:
- the capacity to engage in structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (class discussions);
- skills of rhetoric (to be practiced in the op-ed piece, communication project);
- the ability to write in a structured and analytical manner (to be assessed in the research report);
- the ability to productively work in groups to achieve specified objectives