COURSE SYLLABUS - Spring 1997
Political Science 425 - Asian Politics
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00-3:15 PM, Diloreto 11
INSTRUCTOR: Prof. Paul Petterson
OFFICE: 015 Diloreto Hall
OFFICE PHONE: 832-2969
OFFICE HOURS: Monday 2:00-4:00 PM
Tuesday
3:15-4:30 PM
Wednesday
2:00-3:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM-12:15 PM, 3:15-4:00 PM
And
by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will examine contemporary Asian politics and government, with a major focus on the nations of Japan, India, and China. The course will seek to familiarize students with current political behavior and institutions, and their relationship to historical and cultural forces. Particular attention will be given to crossnational comparisons of Asian nations, to highlight the similarities and differences in each country's political evolution. The course will also address the impact of Western nations on Asia. The course's goal is to promote a better understanding of this increasingly important region, which includes the world's largest democracy (India), the largest nation under Communist rule (China), and one of the world's most successful economies (Japan).
TEXTBOOKS (Available at The Other Bookstore and Campus Bookstore)
Junnosuke Masumi, Contemporary Politics In Japan (1995).
Lucian Pye, Asian Power and Politics: The Cultural Dimensions of
Authority (1985).
Ramesh Thakur, The Government and Politics of India (1995).
James C.F. Wang, Contemporary Chinese Politics, 5th Ed. (1995).
REQUIREMENTS
| In class exam - March 11 | 20% of grade |
| Presentation on readings | 10% of grade |
| Research paper - Due April 22 (15 pages minimum) |
30% of grade |
| Presentation on Researach Paper | 10% of grade |
| Final exam - May | 20% of grade |
| Class partaicipation | 10% of grade |
Students are expected to attend lectures and do assigned readings on time. Each student will have to do one oral presentation on assigned readings, summarizing and critiqueing the material presented (5-10 minutes). Times will be assigned.
The topic for the research paper is open, but you will need to have your topic approved in advance. You will be expected to give a 5-10 minute oral presentation on your findings.
Late work must be approved-emergencies only!
SCHEDULE OF LECTURES AND ASSIGNMENTS
| 1/28, 30 | Introduction: Course overview Recent Asian History: The Western Impact |
| 2/4, 6 | Comparing Asian Political Systems Culture, Power and Politics Alternative Roads To Nationhood Readings: Pye, Chapters 1-5, 11-12 |
I. Japanese Politics
| 2/11, 13 | Politics Since 1945 Governing Institutions: Constitution and Legislature The Role of Political Parties Readings: Masumi, Introduction and Chapters 6, 8 Pye, Chapter 6 |
| 2/18, 20 | Governing Institutions: The Executive PM and Cabinet The Role of the Bureaucracy Other Political Actors Readings: Masumi, Chapters 7, 9, 10 |
| 2/25, 27; 3/4, 6 |
The Policymaking Process: Forces and Issues Economic Growth Political Corruption Foreign and Defense Policy: Japan in Asia and Global Politics Readings: Masumi, Chapters 1-5 |
| 3/11 | IN CLASS EXAM |
II. Chinese Politics
| 3/13, 18, 20 | Politics Since 1945 Governing Institutions: The Communist Party The Role and Development of Ideology Readings: Wang, Chapters 1-4 and Appendices Pye, Chapter 7 |
| 3/25, 27 | NO CLASS - Spring Break |
| 4/1, 3 | Governing Institutions: Cadres, Crowds, and the PLA Cadres and Cults of Personality Law and Politics The Role of The Masses The Military and Politics Readings: Wang, Chapters 5, 6, 8, 9 |
| 4/8, 10 | Policy Issues Democratization and Economic Growth Internal Divisions China in Asia and Global Politics Readings: Wang, Chapters 7, 10-12 Pye, Chapters 8-9 |
III. Indian Politics
| 4/15, 17 | Politics Since 1945 Governing Institutions: Constitution and Legislature Readings: Thakur, Chapters 1-2, 6 |
| 4/22, 24 | Governing Institutions: The Executive Prime Minister and Cabinet The President The Role of Political Parties and Elections Congress Paarty Dominance Readings: Thakur, Chapters 4-5, 9-10 RESEARCH PAPER DUE 4/22 |
| 4/29; 5/1, 6 | Policymaking in India: Processes and Issues The Role of the Bureaucracy Internal Divisions/Communalism Development Issues Regional Tensions Readings: Thakur, Chapters 3, 7, 8, 11, 12 Pye, Chapter 10 |
| 5/8, 13 | CLASS PRESENTATIONS ON RESEARCH PAPERS The Future of Asia: Directions For Change |
| 5/20 | FINAL EXAM - 2 P.M. |
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