REQUIRED READINGS:
POLITICS OF EAST ASIA
POLITICAL SCIENCE 545 & 645
Dr. Dennis V. Hickey
Tel: 836-5850
Spring 2011
Office: STRO 325
Office. Hours: Tuesday 1:00-2:00; Wednesday 1:00-3:00; and
Thursday 1:30-3:30.
Email:
dennishickey@missouristate.edu
Professor’s Homepage:
http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/hickey.htm
Useful Links Page:
http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/useful%20links.htm
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
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. As such, it promotes the university’s mission in public affairs by enhancing and promoting the cultural competence of MSU students.
APPROACH TO COURSE:
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 at Qingdao University. 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. Moreover, the graduate program in Global Studies at MSU has just launched an exciting new exchange agreement with Renmin (People’s) University in Beijing, China. See Dr. Hickey for more information. Finally, remember that classes in Mandarin Chinese and Japanese are available at MSU. For more information, please contact the Department of Modern and Classical Languages.
REQUIRED READINGS:
In addition to the web based readings, students must purchase the following three titles from the MSU bookstore:
EXAMINATIONS:
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 below. 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.
MAKEUP EXAMS:
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.
ATTENDANCE:
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.
RESEARCH PAPER & CLASS PRESENTATIONS:
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 March 2, 2011. Be forewarned that 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
Normally, students will present the results of their research to our class during the last two weeks of the semester. 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 usually will toss a coin, draw straws or otherwise resolve the issue quickly. This semester, we may do something different and cancel the presentations (the papers are still required!!!). Your professor is seeking to bring some prominent speakers to campus and this may necessitate a change in our schedule (meaning that there may not be sufficient time remaining for presentations at the end of the semester)
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 beginning of our class meeting on April 13, 2011 (five points deducted for each day late--April 14 will be counted as the first penalty day—and the maximum to 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 PLS 645 Graduate Students: 15-25 pages (excluding endnotes & bibliography), type-written, double spaced, twenty outside sources (beyond assigned readings in class).
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 never an acceptable excuse.
5. Class Presentation: Normally, students will present the results of their research during class. If we schedule presentations, 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 power-point 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! As noted, however, presentations may be cancelled this semester (spring 2011) due to special circumstances!
6. Research Facilities at MSU: Missouri State University is a multipurpose, metropolitan university serving well over 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 Lexis/Nexis. 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 545/645 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.
PLUS AND MINUS GRADING (new to MSU):
MSU switched to the “plus and minus” grading system last year. The system used in this class is as follows:
93-99% A
90-92% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
67-69% D+
60-66% D
GRADES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS:
Your final grade will be based upon examination scores (roughly 25% each) and the research paper (roughly 25%). But being unprepared and/or failing to attend class may lower your grade. Most students should expect a breakdown which approximates the following:
EXAM I: 25%
EXAM II: 25%
FINAL EXAM: 25%
PAPER: 25%
GRADES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS:
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%). From time to time, graduate students will be called upon to present summaries of assigned reading to the class (see below). Being unprepared or failing to attend class 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 PRESENTATIONS (Discussion Leaders) 5%
GRADUATE STUDENT DISCUSSION LEADERS:
From time to time, graduate students will be expected to summarize readings and lead class discussion. The instructor will appoint discussion leaders. The graduate student should prepare a short talk outlining the major points of the article and distribute a short handout to students and the professor. A power-point presentation is acceptable. Undergraduates are encouraged to ask penetrating questions!!!
BOOK REPORTS FROM GRADUATE STUDENTS
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 15, 2009. 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. Be forewarned—I own the movie and I’ve read the book and I am very familiar with the differences between the two.
(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.
(7) Li Zhisui, The Private Life of Chairman Mao (New York: Random House, 1994). The highly controversial account of the life of Chairman Mao Zedong that was written by his personal physician.
NON DISCRIMINATION STATMENT:
Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure 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 Office for Equity and Diversity, Park Central Office Building, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head. Please visit the OED website at www.missouristate.edu/equity/.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION:
To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of Disability Services, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY), www.missouristate.edu/disability. Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. For information about testing, contact the Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, (417) 836-4787, http://psychology.missouristate.edu/ldc.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following the university’s student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at www.missouristate.edu/assets/provost/AcademicIntegrityPolicyRev-1-08.pdf and also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy. Plagiarism on your briefing book could earn you a failing grade on the project and/or in the seminar.
DROPPING THE CLASS:
It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. For information about dropping a class or withdrawing from the university, contact the Office of the Registrar at 836-5520.
CELL PHONES, PAGERS, ETC:
As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of the Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent (vibrate) mode and ordinarily should not be taken out during class. Given the fact that these same communication devices are an integral part of the University’s emergency notification system, an exception to this policy would occur when numerous devices activate simultaneously. When this occurs, students may consult their devices to determine if a university emergency exists. If that is not the case, the devices should be immediately returned to silent mode and put away. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the instructor. For example, Dr. Hickey will make allowances for a sick child or immediate relative, pregnancy, and so forth. Discuss your situation with him.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYLLABI STATEMENT:
Students who require assistance during an emergency evacuation must discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Services. If you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. For additional information students should contact the Office of Disability Services, 836-4192 (PSU 405), or Larry Combs, Interim Assistant Director of Public Safety and Transportation at 836-6576. For further information on Missouri State University’s Emergency Response Plan, please refer to the following web site: http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/erp.htm.
SHOWING PROPER RESPECT FOR OTHERS IN THE CLASSROOM:
Please do not arrive late for class or leave class early. If you talk, annoy your neighbors or engage in other disruptive activity during the lecture period, you will be asked to leave. If one of your classmates engages in disruptive activity, bring it to the attention of the instructor--do NOT wait until the end of the semester. And, if you are too tired to stay awake in class, you should be home in bed! What about cell phones, pagers and such? See comments above.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
A class schedule follows. Please note, however, that this schedule (including examination dates) is subject to change. For example, cataclysmic world events (turmoil in western China, a bigger war in the Middle East, snow in Springfield, etc.) and/or class discussion may necessitate a change in the schedule. In this respect, attendance may be of critical importance--all changes in schedule will be announced in class. Also, there is a good chance that we will have a featured speaker or two during the semester—perhaps even a banquet. This will necessitate a change in our schedule.
WEEK ONE: January 12, 2011
TOPICS: INTRODUCTION TO EAST ASIA (AND INTRODUCTION TO CHINA--TIME PERMITTING)
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1). "The Pacific Rim: Diversity and Interconnection" in Global Studies, Japan and the Pacific Rim, Tenth Edition (Guilford, CT: Dushkin/McGraw Hill, 2011)
(2)Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, Introduction and Chapter 1.
PART I: P.R. OF CHINA AND HONG KONG, S.A.R.
WEEK TWO: January 19, 2011
TOPICS: China: History, People, Economy
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1)China Country Report in Global Studies, Japan and the Pacific Rim, Tenth Edition, pp.51-60
(2) China Country Report in Global Studies, China, 13th Edition, pp.4--48.
(3) “Mao Now,” Article Number 23 in China, 13th Edition.
(4)“Ignoring the Past ” Article Number 24 in China, 13th Edition
(5) “China’s Spiritual Awakening,” Article Number 16 in China, 13th Edition
(6) “Confucius Makes a Comeback” Article Number 27 in China, 13th Edition.
(7) Dennis V. Hickey, "Returning to Teach in China," THE CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, November 5, 2008 will be emailed to students.
FILM: MAO
VIEW: CULTURAL REVOLUTION POSTER PAGE
CULTURAL REVOLUTION POSTER PAGE
SUGGESTED READINGS:
(1) “China’s New Prosperity Fuels Fitness Craze,” Article 26 in China, 13th Edition.
(2) “China’s Complicit Capitalists,” Article 7 in China, 13th Edition
(3) “China’s Living Laboratory in Urbanization,” Article 8 in China, 13th Edition
WEEK THREE: January 26, 2011
TOPICS: China: Politics and Security
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 2 except last portions on Taiwan and Hong Kong.
(2) “The Real China Threat”, Article 1 in China, 13th Edition
(3) “At the Gate of Greatness” Article 2 in China, 13th Edition
(4) “Does China have it Right?” Article 3 in China, 13th Edition
(5) “China’s Rebalancing Act” Article 19 in China, 13th Edition
Fulbright Professor & Tai Tai in Beijing
circa 2008
WEEK FOUR: February 2, 2011
TOPICS: Chinese Society
Also, Hong Kong: S.A.R. of PRC
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) Hong Kong in China, 13th Edition, pp.49-70 and Hong Kong in Japan Ninth Edition (pp. 59-64 and Hong Kong in Clark Neher, Asia and the New Millennium (pp. 54-57) in Chapter 2.
(2) “Hong Kong Poses Threat to City,”Article 37 in China, 13th Edition
(3) “Hong Kong’s Make-Believe Election,” Article 6 in Japan and the Pacific Rim
WEEK FIVE: February 9, 2011--TEST NUMBER ONE COVERING INTRODUCTION, CHINA & HONG KONG (two hours allowed). BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS! THE EXAM WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 6:30 and 8:30 pm.
WEEK FIVE CONTINUED:
FILM: A short film on Taiwan will be viewed (precise title to be announced in class) after the examination.
WEEK SIX: February 16, 2011
TOPICS: Introduction to Taiwan
REQUIRED READING :
(1) “Taiwan Country Report” in China, 13th Edition
(2) "Taiwan Country Report" in Japan and the Pacific Rim, Tenth Edition
(3) “Taiwan” in Clark Neher, Asia and the New Millennium (pp. 52-54) in Chapter 2.
(4) “Taiwan’s Cultural Revolution,” Article 12 in Japan and the Pacific Rim
WEEK SEVEN: February 23, 2011
NOTE: THERE IS NO CLASS ON FEBRUARY 23, 2011 (Monday classes meet on Wednesday night)
WEEK EIGHT: March 2, 2011
TOPICS: Taiwan’s Security and Relations with PRC and USA
REQUIRED READING:
(1) Dennis V. Hickey, "The USA's Continuing Commitment to Taiwan," in Steve Tsang (editor), TAIWAN AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. Oxford: Peter Lang Publishers, 2008. This document will be emailed to students.
(2) Dennis V. Hickey, "Reading China's 'Peace' as "Sugar Coated Poison: Interview with President Chen Shui-bian," CHICAGO TRIBUNE, January 6, 2008, Section 2, p.4. This will be emailed to students
(3) “Taiwan’s Liberation of China,” Article 32 in China, 13th Edition
(4) “”Beijing and Taiwan Try Their Hand at Détente,” in China, 13th Edition
(5) Dennis V. Hickey, “China, the US and Taiwan,” Los Angeles Times, November 11, 2009 on the world wide web at http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-hickey11-2009nov11,0,476157.story
(6) Dennis V. Hickey, "Rapprochement between Taiwan and the Chinese Mainland: Implications for American Foreign Policy," forthcoming in Journal of Contemporary China. This document will be emailed to students.
WEEK NINE: MARCH 9, 2011: NO CLASS (SPRING BREAK)
WEEK TEN: March 16, 2011
TOPICS: Republic of Korea (South Korea)
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) "South Korea" in Japan and the Pacific Rim
(2) Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 3
WEEK ELEVEN: March 23, 2011
TOPICS: Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) North Korea Country Report in Japan and the Pacific Rim
(2) Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 4.
(3) “Inside the Hermit Kingdom,” Article 9 in Japan and the Pacific Rim
WEEK TWELVE (March 30, 2011): TEST NUMBER TWO COVERING TAIWAN AND THE KOREAS (two hours allowed). BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS!
WEEK TWELVE CONTINUED:
FILM: A short film on Japan will be viewed (precise title to be announced in class) after the examination.
WEEK THIRTEEN: April 6, 2011
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) "Japan” in Japan and the Pacific Rim,
(2) Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 5
(3) “In Japan, New Nationalism Takes Hold,” Chapter 15 in Japan and the Pacific Rim
WEEK FOURTEEN: April 13, 2011
TOPICS: JAPAN: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DEFENSE
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) Dennis V. Hickey and Lilly Kelan Lu, "Japan's Military Modernization: The Chinese Perspective," in James C. Hsiung (editor), CHINA AND JAPAN AT ODDS: DECIPHERING THE PERPETUAL CONFLICT, New York: Palgrave-MacMillan Publishers, 2007 This Article will be emailed to Students.
Other readings will be emailed to students.
WEEK FIFTEEN: April 20, 2011
REQUIRED READINGS
(1) Singapore Country Report in in Japan and the Pacific Rim,
(2) Department of State Background Notes on Singapore on the world wide web on PLS 545/645 homepage
(3)Vietnam Country Report in Japan and the Pacific Rim
(4)Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 6 on Vietnam.
(5)Department of State Background Notes on Vietnam on the world wide web on PLS 545/645 homepage
(6) “Yoneji Kuryanagi,” article 14 in Japan and the Pacific Rim.
WEEK SIXTEEN: April 27, 2011
CLASS PRESENTATIONS BY ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS AND SOME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (if they are not canceled due to guest speakers—see information above)
WEEK SEVENTEEN: May 5, 2011
CLASS PRESENTATIONS BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (if they are not canceled due to guest speakers—see information above)
FINAL EXAM: MAY 11, 2011 AT 6:30 P.M COVERING JAPAN, SINGAPORE & VIETNAM (two hours allowed). BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS. GRADED TERM PAPERS WILL BE RETURNED DURING THE FINAL. PLEASE NOTE THAT ACCORDING TO THE FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE, THE EXAM DOES NOT BEGIN UNTIL 8:00PM. BUT WE WILL TRY TO MOVE IT TO 6:30PM.
Miscellaneous Information
January 12: Day of Class
February 23: No class (Monday evening classes will meet on Wednesday evening)
March 9: Spring Break (no class)
April 8: Last Day to Drop
May 11: Final Exam
RETURN TO DR.DENNIS HICKEY'S HOMEPAGE