Content

This course considers international relations and political science approaches to conceptualizing, analyzing, and discussing the East Asian region. It equips students to acquire theoretical, methodological, and critical knowledge regarding the organization and operation of the main states and institutions in East Asia. Emphasis is placed on a transregional, transnational understanding of processes of regionalization, security, and institutionalization. 

The course is ideally divided into two parts. The main section of the course analyses the political, economic, historical, and identity dynamics of Southeast Asian and Northeast Asian countries, both in their own national and regional respect, and vis-à-vis other global actors such as Russia, the United States, and the European Union. The second section of the course focuses on case studies illustrative of processes of securitization and regionalization in contemporary East Asia, including heated issues such as human rights, and the politics of cultural convergence. 

Course material

The course does not adopt a specific textbook. A full list comprising selected chapters from the most recent and state of the art handbooks and scholarly articles in the fields of international relations, political science, security studies and cultural studies is made available upfront by the instructor on Toledo in digital format.  

The course material is accompanied for study and assessment facilitation by detailed PowerPoint slides, governmental and institutional reports, media excerpts, as well as a list of reputable online resources on current East Asian affairs. All these materials will be equally available on Toledo.  

Format: more information

Students are required to participate in the course through active individual participation and group work. The course consists of lectures and tutorials (“research seminars”). The format will allow for in-class student participation and activities such as discussions with peers and instructor. Students will receive detailed instruction for seminar preparation and activities to the applicable classes, and are expected to check Toledo regularly.