Course content

The course focuses on East Asia after 1989. The post-Cold War period in East Asia has been shaped, on the one hand, by the different dynamics in the region, especially the economic and political rise of China and the complex relationships between China, Japan, and North- and South Korea. On the other hand, global events, developments and political decisions in other parts of the world have also influenced the region, e.g. the war on terror after 9/11, the US administration’s pivot to Asia, the global financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its repercussions on energy markets and the global order. In the first part of the seminar, we will take the perspective of Comparative Politics and study the political systems and societies of East Asia and, based on this, the countries’ outlook on the big questions of international relations in East Asia and beyond. In the second part, we will take the angle of international relations and analyse the different bilateral or multilateral constellations, problems and geopolitical conflict potentials in the region, and the relations of the East Asian countries with other countries and regions of the world. Through various case studies, we will also review key concepts, such as institutions, nationalism, the developmental state, regionalism, rule-taking and rule-making, as well as theories and methods of Comparative Politics and International Relations.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have knowledge of how theory and empirical data are tied together in political science research work in the field of East-Asia and comparative and international politics.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• treat a research question related to the themes discussed in the seminar in an independent empirical analytical manner which fulfills the requirements for academic writing.
• be able to orally discuss and reflect over one's own written work and the themes which were taken up in the seminar.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminars equivalent to four hours per week. Guidance in writing the paper. The essay is to be an independent discussion of a topic taught in lectures, and is to consist of 20 pages. The language of instruction is English. If 6 or fewer students attend the course the two first weeks of teaching, the course will be offered as an individual study course with supervision.

Supervised writing of a term paper on a topic of the student’s choice related to the topics covered in the course. Active participation in classroom discussions is expected.

Compulsory assignments:

• 80% attendance (obligatory for the first lecture and the four presentations).
• Four 15-minute presentations (one book presentation, one presentation of the term paper and two presentations on topics specified at the beginning of the semester).

Compulsory assignments

• 80 % attendance
• Four 15-minute presentations

Recommended previous knowledge

See required previous knowledge.

Required previous knowledge

Master's degree in Political Science or the equivalent.

Course materials

Given at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions