Wednesday 6-8:50pm

Dr. Dennis V. Hickey                                                                                                         Tel: 836-5850
Spring 2007                                                                                                                    Office: STRO 325

Office. Hours:   Monday 4:00-6:00
Wednesday 1:00-3:00; 5:00-6:00pm
Email:  dvh804f@missouristate.edu

Professor’s Homepage:  http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/hickey.htm

Useful Links Page:  http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/useful%20links.htm

This course is designed to introduce students to the political and economic systems of contemporary East Asia. Primary emphasis is placed upon the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam and the two Koreas. The class will provide students with an understanding of the ideologies and strategies pursued by these governments as well as an appreciation of contemporary economic, political and strategic issues in the region.  This semester, special emphasis will be placed upon security issues relating to East Asia.

This course adopts a country-by-country approach to the politics of East Asia. However, students should not consider each country as an isolated case or "discrete experience." Some issues might well be unique to a particular country. But many others transcend national borders (for example, population pressures, economic development strategies, pollution, health issues, proliferation and so forth). Furthermore, students should adopt a comparative approach when studying such topics as economic development, political modernization, etc.

Students are advised that MSU provides opportunities for students to spend an entire semester taking classes in the People's Republic of China. Like MSU, Qingdao University enrolls close to 20,000 students. Qingdao is located on the ocean and also is fairly close to Beijing--China's capital. For more information, please contact Mrs. Dana Carroll in Room 205 of the University College (extension 6-6368). Moreover, the graduate program in international affairs at MSU has an exchange agreement with the Graduate Institute in Political Science at National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan.  Limited support is available on a case-by-case basis for those students who wish to participate in this program.  Furthermore, classes in Mandarin Chinese and Japanese are available at MSU. For more information, please contact the Department of Modern and Classical Languages (ext. 6-5122).  To learn more about Asian studies at MSU, also be sure to visit the Asian studies website at http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/asianstudies.htm

In addition to the web based readings, students must purchase the following three titles from the MSU bookstore:

Clark D. Neher, Asia in the New Millennium (Glen Allen, Virginia:  College Publishing, 2004)

 Global Studies, Japan and the Pacific Rim, Eighth Edition (Guilford, CT:  Dushkin/McGraw Hill, 2006).

Global Studies, China, Eleventh Edition (Guilford, CT:  Dushkin/McGraw Hill, 2006).

3 examinations (format may vary, but probably short answer/definition & essay) including a final that covers material on Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. Each student will take his/her examination on the scheduled examination day (see below). Be sure to bring a blue book to class with you on examination day. In order to prepare for examinations, attend class, take notes and read the texts. Academic dishonesty (cheating) is not tolerated and may result in a grade of “F” for an examination or the entire semester. For more information, see BearFacts guidelines. If a student misses an examination, s/he must contact the professor by telephone (836-5850) and provide a valid (and documented) excuse within 24 hours of the scheduled exam.  Depending upon the circumstances, a make-up exam may be scheduled.

All graduate students will be required to write a book report on one of the following titles. These books may be obtained through the MSU library, the public library, Amazon.Com, Barnes & Nobles, ebay or any number of sources. As obtaining a book might require some lead-time, and/or effort, obtain your book as soon as possible.  Book reports are due on April 11, 2007. Students may choose among the following titles:

(1)   James Brady, The Marines of Autumn (New York, Thomas Dunne Books, 2001). This novel is a riveting account about the experiences of several US Marines during the Korean War.

(2)   Peter Hessker, River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze.(New York:  Harper Collins, 2001).  Great (and at times hilarious) account of the experiences of a peace corp volunteer’s life in China.

(3)   Kappa Senoh, A Boy Called H:  A Childhood in Wartime Japan (New York:  Kodansha International, 1999).  The story of a child growing up in wartime Japan-- this book sold over 2 million copies in Japan.

(4)   John F. Copper, Dog’s Daughter. Autobiographical novel about the life of a Chinese woman and her journey from the horrors of China’s labor camps to America and the persecution she confronts from “politically correct” professors in an American university.

(5)   J.G. Ballard, Empire of the Sun (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1984). Autobiographical novel of a spoiled English boy whose life of luxury in Shanghai comes to an abrupt halt when Japan declares war on the UK and places the British in internment camps.

(6)   Laura Tyson Li, Madame Chiang Kai-shek (New York:  Atlantic Monthly Press, 2006).  The definitive biography of one of the most important figures in modern Chinese and Taiwanese history and politics.

As described above, there will be no make-ups for unexcused absences. In the event that you miss an exam, you must contact the professor within 24 hours to arrange a make-up (phone 836-5850 and leave a message where you can be reached if I am not in the office). Unless you are lost somewhere in the Nevada desert, you or someone else should be able to reach a telephone and contact me. And note that there will be no make-ups for make-ups.

As this class/seminar meets only once per week, attendance is critically important. Missing one class is the equivalent of missing an entire week of classes. And be forewarned--some questions on the exams may be from material NOT covered in your texts.

It is rude, boorish and disruptive behavior to permit your cell-phone to ring during class. Turn it off before entering the classroom or do not bring it with you to class.

1. Scope: Students will be required to write a research paper. Approaches, methodologies and topics will vary. For example, a student may wish to write a policy paper. Another might adopt a more theoretical approach. Irrespective of approach, however, ALL topics must be approved by the instructor no later than February 28, 2007.  Be forewarned at plagiarism is cheating and may result in a grade of “F” for the paper and the course. Some possible topics are provided below. Note that these are only examples.

A.) Democratic Reform in Taiwan and Mainland China: A Comparison of Strategies and Performance.

B.) The Consequences of Land Reform in Japan, Taiwan & South Korea

C.) United States Defense Relations with Japan: Problems and Prospects.

D.) Japan's Growing Economic Relations with China

E.) Economic Development in Taiwan and Mainland China: A Comparison of Strategies and Performance.

F.) Population Control in China

G.) China's Arms Sales to the Mideast

F.) American Arms Sales to Taiwan

G.) US Policy and Counterfeit Products in Asia

H.) The US, the DPRK and Weapons of Mass Destruction

I.)  The US, East Asia and the War on Terrorism

J.) Religious Persecution in Vietnam

K.) Taiwan’s Relations with its “Little Friends” in Latin America

L.) China’s Threat to Taiwan

M.) Religious freedom in China

O.) Chinese perceptions of Japan and the Changes in the US-Japan Defense Alliance

P.) China’s quest for energy resources

Q.) US-China military cooperation

As students will present the results of their research to our class, each student will focus on a different area. Topics will be assigned (approved) on a first come, first serve basis.  In the event that two or more identical proposals are submitted on the same day, we will toss a coin, draw straws or otherwise resolve the issue quickly.

2. Requirements for Undergraduate Students: 10-20 pages (excluding endnotes & bibliography), type-written, double spaced, fifteen outside sources (beyond assigned readings in class). Papers are due no later than the class meeting on April 11, 2007 (five points deducted for each day late--April 12 will be counted as the first penalty day and the maximum amount that will be deducted is 25 points). Students will submit two copies of their research paper. A "marked-up" copy will be returned during the final examination.  Please do not ask for your paper to be returned early.

3. Requirements for Graduate Students: 20-30 pages (excluding endnotes & bibliography), type-written, double spaced, twenty outside sources (beyond assigned readings in class). Papers are due no later than the class meeting on April 11, 2007. Students will submit two copies of their research paper. Papers will be returned during the final examination.

4. Warning: Begin your project ASAP. Do not wait until April to learn that you have to wait for inter-library loan materials. This is not an excuse for a substandard research paper. And always make a "back-up" file when using a computer. "Losing" your work on a computer is not an acceptable excuse.

5. Class Presentation:  Students will present the results of their research during class.  Prepare your presentation carefully--it is advisable to use "working notes," but do not read your paper to the class. If you will require an overhead projector, wish to use powerpoint or any other special equipment, please provide me with several weeks advance notice. You will be provided with roughly ten minutes for your presentation and five minutes for Q & A.  Practice your presentation prior to class. Under no circumstance will students exceed the ten minute limit!

6. Research Facilities at MSU:  Missouri State University is a multipurpose, metropolitan university serving almost 20,000 students.   In 1995, Missouri lawmakers approved legislation providing this institution with a statewide mission in public affairs and it is the only university in the state with such a mission.  As might be expected, the university's research facilities in this area are unsurpassed in Missouri.  For example, in the area of Asian politics, MSU subscribes to more scholarly journals than any other university that I have visited in Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. Library holdings include Asian Affairs, Asian Survey, Issues & Studies, Journal of Contemporary China, Journal of Asian Studies, East Asia and the list goes on and on.  In the area of electronic resources, the library subscribes to both Lexis/Nexis and the World News Connection (successor to the Foreign Broadcast Information System). You might also wish to take advantage of the materials available from the “useful links” website and the CSIS Pacific Forum website that is linked to the PLS 545 homepage. With respect to books, our library's holdings are particularly strong in the areas of East Asian Security and the politics of China, Taiwan and Japan as I have consistently ordered books in this area and have obtained external support to bolster the library’s holdings. In short, there is no reason for a student in this class to submit a poorly researched paper on April 11. 

Students will keep up on current affairs in East Asia by reading articles on the world wide web. Each week, students will bring an article to class and be prepared to discuss it. At the end of the class, you will turn in the article and a brief summary of it. It might prove wise policy to read articles related to your research project each week. Links to a variety of sources may be found on my website page entitled, Useful Links.  Alternatively, you may wish to visit the CSIS Pacific Forum website.  You will find both the PacNet Newsletter and the journal, Comparative Connections, most useful

Your final grade will be based upon examination scores (roughly 25% each), the research paper (roughly 20%), and evidence of preparation for class and meaningful contribution to class discussion (roughly 5%). Being unprepared, failing to attend class and/or failing to turn in your weekly news article summary may lower your grade. Most students should expect a breakdown which approximates the following:

EXAM I: 25%

EXAM II: 25%

FINAL EXAM: 25%

PAPER: 20%

CLASS PARTICIPATION & WEEKLY ARTICLE SUMMARY 5%

Your final grade will be based upon examination scores (roughly 20% each), the research paper (roughly 20%), the book report (15%) and evidence of preparation for class and meaningful contribution to class discussion (roughly 5%). Being unprepared, failing to attend class and/or failing to turn in your weekly news article summary may lower your grade. Most students should expect a breakdown which approximates the following:

EXAM I: 20%

EXAM II: 20%

BOOK REPORT 15%

FINAL EXAM: 20%

PAPER: 20%

CLASS PARTICIPATION & WEEKLY ARTICLE SUMMARY 5%

DISABILITY ACCOMODATION POLICY: To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact Disability Services (DS), Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 (voice); (417) 836-6792 (http://www.missouristate.edu/disability/). Students are required to provide documentation of disability to DS prior to receiving accommodations. DS refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC). The LDC also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. A fee is charged for testing. For information, contact the LDC (417) 836-4787.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: MSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Carrington 128, (417) 836-4252. Concerns about discrimination can also be brought directly to your instructor’s attention, and/or to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: All members of the University community share the responsibility and authority to challenge and make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any student detected participating in any form of academic dishonesty in this course will be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures (http://www.missouristate.edu/provost/AcademicIntegrity.html); also available at the Reserves Desk (Meyer Library), and in abbreviated form in the MSU Undergraduate Catalog. It is your responsibility to read and understand MSU’s Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures.  As described above, academic dishonesty may result in a grade of “F” on an exam or term paper or a grade of “F” for the entire semester.

(1).  "The Pacific Rim: Diversity and Interconnection" in Global Studies, Japan and the Pacific Rim, Eighth  Edition (Guilford, CT:  Dushkin/McGraw Hill, 2006)

(2)Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, Introduction and Chapter 1.

(1)China Country Report in Global Studies, Japan and the Pacific Rim, Eighth Edition, pp.47-56

(2) China Country Report in Global Studies, China, Eleventh Edition, pp.2--46.

(3) “Inside the New China: Part Communist, Part Capitalist—and Full Speed Ahead,”  Article Number 3 in China, Eleventh Edition.

(4)“Inside the New China:  Little Emperors,”  Article Number 6 in China, Eleventh Edition

(5) “Holding Up Half the Sky:  Women in China,” Article Number 8 in China, Eleventh Edition

(6) “Home Alone,” Article Number 9 in China, Eleventh Edition.

FILM:    MAO

VIEW:   CULTURAL REVOLUTION POSTER PAGE  

(1)   “Discontent in China Boils into Public Protest,” Article 19 in China, Eleventh Edition.

(2)   “Tiananmen: Victory for Capitalism,” Article 22 in China, Eleventh Edition

(3)   The Emperor is Far Away:  Understanding the Challenges Faced by the New Leadership,” Article 27 in China, Eleventh Edition

(1)   Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 2 except last portions on Taiwan and Hong Kong.

(2)   “Quest for Oil”, Article 14 in China, Eleventh Edition

(3)   “China’s Africa Strategy, Article 15 in China, Eleventh Edition

(4)   “China Rising,” Article 26 in China, Eleventh Edition

(5)   “The Defense of Xinjiang” Article 28 in China, Eleventh Edition

Two Tourists in Shanghai, circa 2005
 

(1)   Hong Kong in China, Eleventh Edition, pp.46-68 and Hong Kong in Japan Eighth Edition (pp. 59-64 and Hong Kong in Clark Neher, Asia and the New Millennium (pp. 54-57) in Chapter 2.

(2)   “One Country, Two Systems:  Getting Beyond Boundaries” Article 30 in China, Eleventh Edition

(3)   “Hong Kong:  One Country, Two Systems” in Troubled Waters,” Article 32 in China, Eleventh Edition

(4)   “Hong Kong: Still ‘One Country, Two Systems,” Article 11 in Japan, Eighth Edition.

View of Central District in Hong Kong

 WEEK FIVE: February 14, 2007--TEST NUMBER ONE COVERING INTRODUCTION,  CHINA & HONG KONG (two hours allowed). BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS! THE EXAM WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 6 and 8 pm.

(1)   “Taiwan Country Report” in China, Eleventh Edition

(2)   "Taiwan Country Report" in Japan and the Pacific Rim

(3)   “Taiwan” in Clark Neher, Asia and the New Millennium (pp. 52-54) in Chapter 2.

(4)   “Taiwan’s Democratic Movement and Push for Independence,” Article 9 in Japan and the Pacific Rim

Dr. Hickey Meets with Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's President

TOPICS: Taiwan’s Security and Relations with PRC and USA

(1) Dennis V. Hickey, "Continuity or Change: The Administration of George W. Bush and US Policy Toward Taiwan," in  THE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY CHINA, Volume 13, Number 40, August 2004, on the world wide web at the PLS 545 class homepage.

(2) “US-China: Quest for Peace,” Article 34 in China, Eleventh Edition

(3) Dennis V. Hickey, "The Bush Administration and Taiwan" Testimony Before the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Room 192, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., February 6, 2004.

(1)   "South Korea" in Japan and the Pacific Rim

(2)   Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 3

Dennis Hickey, “Reaching for Regional Power Status:  A net Assessment of the Military Capabilities of the Republic of Korea” on the world wide web at the PLS 545 homepage

 WEEK NINE: March 21, 2007

The Dear Leader!

(1)    North Korea Country Report in Japan and the Pacific Rim

(2)    Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 4.

(3)    “Whither North Korea?”  Article 7 in Japan and the Pacific Rim

(4)    “A Doomed Reform,” Article 14 in in Japan and the Pacific Rim

FILM: A short film on Japan will be viewed (precise title to be announced in class) after the examination.

(1)   "Japan” in  Japan and the Pacific Rim,

(2)   Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 5

(3)   “As Japan’s Women Move Up, Many are Moving Out,” Article 6 in Japan and the Pacific Rim

(4)   “Japan’s Homeless Find their Place in Public Parks,” Article 16 in Japan and the Pacific Rim

(5)   “Marriage in Japan,” Article 24 in Japan and the Pacific Rim

 WEEK THIRTEEN: April 18, 2007

(1) “The Japan that Can Say Yes,” Article 10 in Japan and the Pacific Rim

(2) “Japan’s English Lesson,” Article 21 in Japan and the Pacific Rim.

(3) “Meeting the Needs of the Developing World, Article 1 in Japan and the Pacific Rim

 WEEK FOURTEEN:  April 25, 2007

TOPICS:  SINGAPORE & VIETNAM

REQUIRED READINGS

(1)    Singapore Country Report in  in  Japan and the Pacific Rim,

(2)    Department of State Background Notes on Singapore

(3)   Department of State Background Notes on Vietnam

(4)Vietnam Country Report in Japan and the Pacific Rim

(5)Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 6 on Vietnam.

FILM: SINGAPORE:  A WORLD AWAY

 WEEK FIFTEEN:  May 2, 2007

CLASS PRESENTATIONS BY ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS AND SOME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

 WEEK EIGHTEEN May 9, 2007

CLASS PRESENTATIONS BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

 FINAL EXAM:  MAY 16, 2007 AT 6:00 P.M COVERING JAPAN, SINGAPORE & VIETNAM (two hours allowed). BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS.  GRADED TERM PAPERS WILL BE RETURNED DURING THE FINAL

 IMPORTANT DATES:

February 14, 2007:  Exam One

February 21, 2007:  No class (Monday evening classes meet)

February 28, 2007: Paper topics must be submitted

March 21, 2007: No class (spring break)

April 4, 2007:  Exam Number Two

April 11, 2007: Graduate Student Book Reports Due

April 11, 2007:  Term Papers Due

May 4, 2007: Last day to drop

May 16, 2007:  Final Exam at 6:00pm and Term Papers Returned