International Relations of East Asia
GOVT 336
Fall 2010 not offered
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This course will serve as an introduction to the international relations of East Asia. Though the region has a much longer history, we will focus our investigation beginning in the mid-1800s to examine and understand the reactions of the major powers (most notably China and Japan) to Western imperialism. From there we will follow their trajectories through the 20th century and conclude with an examination of current political problems facing the region. The course readings will encompass a great deal of history, which we will review utilizing different analytical approaches and research traditions from the field of international relations theory. In doing so, we seek to understand and unlock various "empirical puzzles," to learn not just what happened at a given point in time, but why. Do patterns emerge over time that would lead us to predict certain behaviors? How much do ideas matter versus material constraints? Can changes in identity fundamentally alter our conceptions of interest? By the end of the class, we hope to answer some of the questions with a deep appreciation of the East Asian experience and a confidence in applying various theoretical approaches. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Speaking, Writing
This course will focus on speaking and writing in terms of enhancing student's essential capabilities. Students will be expected to consistently engage in thoughtful discussion with their peers on the important issues examined in the course to draw out critical insights and develop a deeper understanding of the course materials. Students will also be given several writing assignments in which they will be asked to analyze historical events or problems in the context of comparing and contrasting the explanatory power of certain theoretical approaches. They will be asked evaluate the various approaches against the empirical record and present a clear, logical argument for the approach that they favor.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS GOVT |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: GOVT155 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (GOVT) |
Major Readings:
G. John Ikenberry and Michael Mastanduno, eds., INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY AND THE ASIA-PACIFIC, New York: Columbia University Press, 2003
Warren I. Cohen, EAST ASIA AT THE CENTER, New York: Columbia University Press, 2001
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Examinations and Assignments:
There will be 2 take home exams (mid-term and final) and two shorter papers, and class participation. |
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