POLITICS OF EAST ASIA
POLITICAL SCIENCE 545
Dr. Dennis V. Hickey
Tel: 836-5850
Spring 2009
Office: STRO 325
Office. Hours: MWF 10:00-11:00 & Wednesday 1:00-3:00;
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.
STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES & LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION
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. 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. Furthermore, 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:
Clark D. Neher, Asia in the New Millennium (Glen Allen, Virginia: College Publishing, 2004)
Global Studies, Japan and the Pacific Rim, Ninth Edition (Guilford, CT: Dushkin/McGraw Hill, 2008).
Global Studies, China, Twelfth Edition (Guilford, CT: Dushkin/McGraw
Hill, 2008).
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.
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.
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 February 25, 2009. 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 beginning of our class meeting on April 8, 2009 (five points deducted for each day late--April 13 will be counted as the first penalty day due to Spring holiday 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 8, 2009. 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 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!
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 8.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT--CURRENT EVENTS AND THE WORLD WIDE WEB:
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 use material from the CSIS Pacific Forum website. You may find the appropriate link on the PLS 545 homepage.
GRADES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS:
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%
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%). 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 ACCOMMODATION POLICY:
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.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
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/.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
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.
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.
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? 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.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE 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.
WEEK ONE: January 14, 2009
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, Ninth Edition (Guilford, CT: Dushkin/McGraw Hill, 2008)
(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 21, 2009
TOPICS: China: History, People, Economy
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1)China Country Report in Global Studies, Japan and the Pacific Rim, Eighth Edition, pp.47-57
(2) China Country Report in Global Studies, China, Twelfth Edition, pp.2--46.
(3) “Home Alone,” Article Number 3 in China, Twelfth Edition.
(4)“Where the Broon Does Not Reach” Article Number 5 in China, Twelfth Edition
(5) “China’s Conservative Middle Class,” Article Number 10 in China, Twelfth Edition
(6) “Corruption, Growth and Reform” Article Number 12 in China, Twelfth Edition.
(7)
Dennis V. Hickey, "Returning to Teach in China," THE CHRONICLE OF HIGHER
EDUCATION, November 5, 2008 on the world wide web at
http://chronicle.com/jobs/news/2008/11/2008110501c.htm
FILM: MAO
VIEW: CULTURAL REVOLUTION POSTER PAGE
SUGGESTED READINGS:
(1) “Fueling the Dragon,” Article 17 in China, Twelfth Edition.
(2)
“China’s Changing Landscape,” Article 18 in China, Twelfth Edition
(3)
“China as No.1,” Article 21 in China, Twelfth Edition
Two Tourists in Shanghai, circa 2005
and Fulbright Professor and Tai Tai (wife) in Beijing in 2008
WEEK THREE: January 28, 2009
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) “China Goes Global”, Article 20 in China, Twelfth Edition
(3) “Will China Go to War over Oil?” Article 19 in China, Twelfth Edition
(4) “Managing China’s Rise,” Article 13 in China, Twelfth Edition
(5)
“The Ambiguous Arsenal” Article 16 in China, Twelfth Edition
WEEK FOUR: February 4, 2009
TOPICS: Chinese Society
Also, Hong Kong: S.A.R. of PRC
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) Hong Kong in China, Twelfth Edition, pp.46-68 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: One Country, Two Systems” in Troubled Waters,” Article 33 in China, Twelfth Edition
(3) “A Big Awakening for Chinese Rivals Article 32 in China, Twelfth Edition.
WEEK FIVE: February 11, 2009--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.
WEEK FIVE CONTINUED:
FILM: A short film on Taiwan will be viewed (precise title to be announced in class) after the examination.
NOTE: THERE IS NO CLASS ON FEBRUARY 18 (Monday classes meet on Wednesday night)
WEEK SIX: February 25, 2009
TOPICS: Introduction to Taiwan
REQUIRED READING :
(1) “Taiwan Country Report” in China, Twelfth Edition
(2) "Taiwan Country Report" in Japan and the Pacific Rim, Ninth Edition
(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 24 in Japan and the Pacific Rim
WEEK SEVEN: March 4, 2009
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, "New Directions and New Concepts: President Ma and Taiwan's Chief Challenges," Paper delivered at the 21st Annual International Meeting of the Association of Chinese Political Studies, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, October 11-12-2008. This document will be emailed to students.
(3) 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.
Dr. Dennis Hickey was an observer during the ROC
(Taiwan) landmark presidential election in 2008.
This image shows Dr. Hickey at the election center with a scholar from the
Brookings Institute.
WEEK EIGHT: March 11, 2009
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 NINE: March 18, 2009
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) “North Korea’s Weapons Quest,” Article 3 in Japan and the Pacific Rim
(4) “North Korea’s Double Edged Sword,” Article 6 in in Japan and the Pacific Rim
Kim Jong-Il, the Dear Leader
WEEK TEN: March 25, 2009
NO CLASS--SPRING BREAK!!!
WEEK ELEVEN (APRIL 1, 2009) : TEST NUMBER TWO COVERING TAIWAN AND THE KOREAS (two hours allowed). BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS!
WEEK ELEVEN CONTINUED:
FILM: A short film on Japan will be viewed (precise title to be announced in class) after the examination.
PART
III: JAPAN, SINGAPORE & VIETNAM
WEEK TWELVE: April 8, 2009
TOPICS: INTRODUCTION TO JAPAN
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) "Japan” in Japan and the Pacific Rim,
(2) Clark Neher, Asia in the New Millennium, all of Chapter 5
WEEK THIRTEEN: April 15, 2009
TOPICS: JAPAN: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DEFENSE
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) “In Japan, New Nationalism Takes Hold,” Article 2 in Japan and the Pacific Rim
(2) 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.
(3) “A tense Courtship,” Article 10, in Japan and the Pacific Rim.
WEEK FOURTEEN: April 22, 2009
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 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 homepage
(6) “Vietnam’s Bumpy Road to Reform,” Article 18 in Japan and the Pacific Rim.
WEEK FIFTEEN: April 29, 2009
CLASS PRESENTATIONS BY ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS AND SOME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
WEEK SIXTEEN May 6, 2009
CLASS PRESENTATIONS BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
FINAL EXAM: MAY 13, 2009 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
Miscellaneous Information
January 14: First Day of Class
February 18: No class
March 23-27: Spring Break (no class)
May 1: Last Day to Drop
May 8: Study Day
May 13: Final Exam (Saturday)
RETURN TO DR.DENNIS HICKEY'S HOMEPAGE