Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module POLI3131: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF EAST ASIA

Department: GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (POLITICS)

POLI3131: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF EAST ASIA

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap 60. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • At least one of: Theories of International Relations (POLI2131), Dynamics of Change in International Relations (POLI2181)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module will provide an insight into the particular nature of problems of relationships between states and communities in East Asia, their relationships with the wider international society and to alert students to the problems of understanding across cultures.

Content

  • East Asia involves East Asian as well as Southeast Asian countries.
  • This module will examine the international relations of East Asia in four dimensions: geopolitics, regional integration, culture and the emerging factors of China.
  • The first term's study can be divided into three parts: theories, geopolitical relations and regional integration.
  • We shall embark on the study of traditional power relations of East Asia and the political economy of East Asia.
  • Some major actors such as China, the U.S., Japan and Southeast Asian countries will be critically examined individually.
  • The final section is about the regional integration of two major regional organisations in East Asia: ASEAN and APEC.
  • The second term can be briefly divided into two parts: Culture and emerging Chinese factors.
  • We shall examine Confucianism and other East Asian cultures in relation to the political economy and the democratisation process of East Asia.
  • In addition, many Chinese emerging factors such as Greater China, overseas Chinese and Hong Kong will be analysed in responding to the challenge of globalisation/regionalisation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • .
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • .

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Seminars 13 Distributed throughout the teaching year 2 hours 26
      Preparation and Reading 174
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Essays Component Weighting: 100%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      essay 1 3000 words 50%
      essay 2 3000 words 50%

      Formative Assessment:

      Each student will be required to submit 1 1500 word essay and make at least one seminar presentation during the year.

      ■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University