International Relations of the Asia Pacific
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHIR2013 | Politics and International Relations | 2 | 20 | Spring Malaysia |
- Code
- PHIR2013
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring Malaysia
Summary
This module provides students with a contemporary overview of the international politics of the Asia- Pacific, including: the role of the United States of America in the region: the rise of China and the impact on the Asia Pacific; the normalization of Japan; conflict on the Korean peninsula; the South China Sea dispute and the role of Southeast Asian middle powers, and the international politics of human rights.
Target Students
PHIR and Faculty of Arts and Social Science students Available to JYA/Erasmus students.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks
Module Activities: The lecture will be one hour with 2 hours seminar.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: 2500 word essay
- 50% Exam 1 (2-hour): two hour exam
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
By the end of the module students will:Identify and describe key actors, institutions and issues in the international politics of the Asia-PacificExplain the causes and effects of a specific conflict in the international politics of the Asia-Pacific using relevant disciplinary insightsApply a recognised approach to the international politics of the Asia Pacific (e.g. feminism, realism, liberalism, Marxism, etc.) to a specific conflict. •Compare and contrast approaches to international politics in relation to a specific conflictEvaluate the causes or propose solutions to conflicts under studyLearning Outcomes
to include
a) Knowledge and understanding:
- Students will understand the historic and contemporary interests that structure state-to-state relations and multilateral cooperation in the Asia Pacific
- They will understand the context-specific nature of conflicts
- They will be able to understand the challenges of applying theory in complex settings.
b) Intellectual skills
- Analysis of conflict using relevant theory and approaches
- Empathy with opposing views and solutions
- Critical capacity to discern deviations from declaratory policy and practice.
c) Professional and practical skills
- Students will write a briefing paper for a chosen audience (foreign minister, intelligence agency, visiting delegation etc.). These will be modeled on embassy communiqués or Briefing notes issued to senior personnel in relevant international agencies.
- Problem solving skills will be developed by students (extending from diagnosis of a problem to proposing a solution) in relation to the simulation of an international crisis
- Skills of rhetoric will be advanced by use of knowledge in the simulation.
- Practices of negotiation and compromise will be enhanced and experienced in the simulation.
d) Transferable (key) skills through active participation in the module students will acquire:
- Professional writing skills
- Problem solving skills
- Negotiating Skills