International Relations and East Asia

International Politics of East Asia

This module examines the major structures, actors, and ideas shaping international politics in East Asia today. A major aim is to introduce students to new theories about international order and identity linked to emerging trends in the region. Central themes address changing power dynamics and international order; regional identity and Asian centrism; great power competiton between China and the United States, and the emerging multilateral architecture. The module explores both traditional and emerging security challenges facing the region on the basis of foreign policy analysis, interactive seminars, group tasks, and scenario building exercises. Special topics include the crisis on the Korean Peninsular, the Taiwan Strait, maritime disputes, and environmental threats.

30 credits

Research and Dissertation Preparation

This module is designed to prepare the student for writing their dissertation. This module serves to introduce the student to the nature of the research process and encourage the student to focus on developing their research question and methodology that underpin the full dissertation. The module also aims to develop the students' research retrieval skills and to undertake a literature search to underpin the full dissertation. The module also discusses the nature of the supervision process.

15 credits

Dissertation - one from:

Project

The dissertation is designed to assess the research, analytical, writing and (where applicable) language skills developed in the course of the year. It requires that students work independently, with the support of a supervisor, as they formulate a research question, identify the materials necessary to answer it analytically, and produce an appropriately structured, coherently argued, and fully referenced answer to that question, within the scope of the dissertation format.

60 credits

Politics Dissertation

Students must complete a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice relating to an aspect of their studies in their taught MA programme (International Politics, Politics and Governance, Global Political Economy programmes) under the direction of an academic supervisor. The dissertation gives the student the opportunity to explore an area of interest in depth. To achieve a master standard the student is required to demonstrate and up-to-date critical understanding of the topic, as well as undertake advanced political analysis of the dissertation's subject matter.

60 credits

East Asian studies modules:

Human Rights, Conflict and Development on the Korean Peninsula

This module deals with the complex and often sensitive interactions between human rights, conflict and development on the Korean Peninsula. We examine human rights in the context of both the Peninsula’s history and its current realities, focusing on two key areas where human rights have been a recurring point of contention: 1. In the development trajectories of the two Koreas as they rose from the rubble of the Korean War and sought to legitimise their respective governing models; 2. In the contemporary emergence of issues around gender, social inequality and human security. We will consider the social and political movements that have developed around these issues, and how the two Koreas’ approaches have been mediated by internal and external norms, and their respective international relations.

We will study key academic work and views from policy, non-governmental actors and the media that shape the debate on norms and responses to historical and contemporary challenges on the Korean Peninsula, and engage with a range of case studies through which students will be able to discern how human rights have been abused, re-claimed and even weaponised in struggles for democracy, state security, equality and international recognition. Students will deploy critical thinking and research skills through weekly digital portfolio tasks and will complete a final, Programme Level Assessment in the form of an essay.

30 credits

Japanese Language I

This module aims to enable students with no prior knowledge of Japanese to acquire basic practical language skills, in listening, reading, speaking and writing. Japanese scripts will be introduced at the start and used throughout. On successful completion of the module students will; have a vocabulary of about 300 words related to daily life, understand simple sentences and classroom expressions related to daily activities, be able to obtain specific information from written and audio materials, be able to hold simple conversations; and be able to write about the topics covered in class in simple sentences or forms. 

15 credits

Japanese Language II

This module builds on EAS6122, with an emphasis on learning more elementary knowledge of Japanese to acquire further practical language skills, in listening, reading, speaking and writing. On successful completion of the module students will; have a futher vocabulary of about 400 words related to daily life; understand and use the written forms of all the introduced core grammar patterns; and understand selected simple spoken and written structures and be able to use them as spoken and written communication. 

15 credits

Japanese Language 3

The module follows on from and consolidates the skills acquired in EAS6122/6123. New grammatical patterns and a broader range of vocabulary and a further 111 kanji are introduced and practised. Students will further develop their oral competence in spoken practice through role-plays and discussion activities, focusing on clear and appropriate communication. Students will acquire the skills to read or extract information from unseen materials in reading comprehension class. 

15 credits

Japanese Language 4

The module follows on from and consolidates the skillsacquired in EAS6124. New grammatical patterns and a broader range ofvocabulary and a further 122 kanji are introduced and practised.Students will further develop their oral competence in spoken practicethrough role-plays and discussion activities, focusing on clear andappropriate communication. Students will acquire the skills to read orextract information from unseen materials in reading comprehension class. 

15 credits

Japanese Language 5

The module follows on from and consolidates the skills acquired in EAS6125. New grammatical patterns and a broader range of vocabulary and a further 121 kanji are introduced and practised. Students will further develop their oral competence through role-plays in more practical and detailed situations and discussion activities, focusing on clear and appropriate communication. 

15 credits

Japanese Language 6

The module consolidates the skills acquired up to EAS6126. It is aimed to train students to apply their knowledge in more practical and realistic situations. Further necessary grammatical constructions, a broader range of vocabulary and a further 120 kanji are introduced. The principles underlying the structure of kanji will be confirmed and students will practice how to use a kanji dictionary, thus enabling greater independent study. Students will further develop their oral competence through role playing, speeches, presentations and discussion activities, focusing on clear and appropriate communication. 

15 credits

The Political Economy of China

The course discusses the evolution of China's economic development since 1978. This requires an understanding of both the political changes occurring in China and how political decision-making and globalization shaped China's economic position in the world today. It therefore focuses on the major economic/political events over the past few decades and the contemporary issues in Chinese economy. It serves as a facilitator for students who are interested in working on China (e.g. think tank, international organisation, NGO), with China (business) or in China in the future.

30 credits

Media and Public Communication in Japan

This module will begin by providing a description and analysis of the media environment and leading media institutions in Japan. It will then move on to analysing how the media industry mediates between policy making, corporate, and public interests and will make comparisons between Japanese, British, and other countries' media and communications industries. The module will then pay special attention to the public relations/marketing/advertising industry and how it interacts with the corporate world. Emphasis will also be placed on international access to and interaction with Japanese media and public relations. The module will be delivered through one lecture and one seminar per week, both of 50 minutes. Lectures will be in the traditional style, though student participation will be sought. Seminars will be student led and occasionally feature film/video content. Assessment will be through a student presentation and research essay. 

15 credits

Media and Public Communication in Japan

This module will begin by providing a description and analysis of the media environment and leading media institutions in Japan. It will then move on to analysing how the media industry mediates between policy making, corporate, and public interests and will make comparisons between Japanese, British, and other countries' media and communications industries. The module will then pay special attention to the public relations/marketing/advertising industry and how it interacts with the corporate world. Emphasis will also be placed on international access to and interaction with Japanese media and public relations. The module will be delivered through one lecture and one seminar per week, both of 50 minutes. Lectures will be in the traditional style, though student participation will be sought. Seminars will be student led and occasionally feature film/video content. Assessment will be through a student presentation, research essay, and end of semester exam. 

30 credits

International Business and East Asia

This module will provide students with a sound academic and vocational grounding in the East Asian trading environment and regulatory regimes, to prepare for careers that engage in, manage or regulate trade in East Asia (specifically China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan).It will introduce historical and theoretical perspectives on internal and external barriers to trade and discuss strategies for fostering trade relationships through studies of factors that drive exports; the influence of research and development, the effects of foreign investment, and protectionism. It will include guest lectures by practitioners in Asian business, to share practical information and foster focused discussion. 

15 credits

Chinese Cities in Transition

Chinese cities are home to ten per cent of the world's population. They have experienced tremendous transformation with the country's transition from a planned to a market economy. This module provides an overview of Chinese cities, and includes topics on evolution of China's urban system, economic restructuring, urban expansion and land disputes, property-led urban regeneration, housing market development and policy. The central aim of the module is to help students understand not only the complex character of changing cities but also their place within Chinese economy and society. 

15 credits

Politics and Governance in Contemporary China

This module will introduce master level students to the crucial aspects of politics in contemporary China, with special focus on governance and policy-making process. Drawing on the most recent and cutting-edge research in the field, this module will offer an innovative approach to studying governance and public policy, by focusing on both state and non-state actors role in governance and on the thematic study of some of the most salient areas of policy-making in contemporary China. The module will introduce key issues related to the role of the state in policy-making and governance (the Maoist and imperial legacies in contemporary Chinese governance, the role of ideology, the design and role of state institutions in the post-1978 China, the politics of central-local relations); the role of non-state actors in governance (businesses and financial institutions, international organisations and NGOs, media and citizens); and the themes particularly salient in the current policy-making and governance (the 'rule of law' and anti-corruption policies, labour and citizenship rights, minority rights, anti-terrorism and environmental governance). Apart from the political theory and methods-orientated academic training preparing students to conduct independent piece of research in the future, this module is also intended to prepare master students for professional careers as future leaders and experts engaging with Chinas politics, policy-making, economy, international organisations and

15 credits

Media, Culture and Society in East Asia

This module introduces key ideas surrounding media and culture in the context of East Asian society. Via selected case studies we will explore issues such as power and control, propaganda, politics of memory, politics of representation, media production and consumption, globalisation, transnational cultural exchange, media and nationhood and the changing status of the creative industries in East Asia. This course will examine a variety of media products including film, TV, radio, digital archives, animation, memorials and museums and will engage with the media and culture of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the PRC respectively. 

15 credits

International Politics in East Asia

This module examines the major structures, actors, and ideas shaping international politics in East Asia today. A major aim is to introduce students to new theories about international order and identity linked to emerging trends in the region. Central themes address changing power dynamics and international order; regional identity and Asian centrism; leadership and the emerging multilateral architecture; and the future of ASEAN-led regionalism. The module explores both traditional and emerging challenges facing the region on the basis of a special forum on media and foreign policy analysis, interactive seminars, group tasks, and team projects. Special topics include the crisis on the Korean Peninsular, the Taiwan Strait, maritime disputes, and environmental threats.

15 credits

Work and Organisation in East Asia

The dynamics of change in East Asia are increasingly important for understanding the development of global society. This module will describe and analyse 'work and organization' in East Asia and consider whether its cultures and practices are shaped by national models. Adopting multi-disciplinary perspectives, we will examine the historical and cultural embeddedness of Japanese models and their contemporary socio-economic construction. We will consider structures such as the family and education system that prepare people for workforce entry and look a contrasting working contexts from the participants' perspectives. We will then compare Japanese work contexts with China, Taiwan and South Korea. 

15 credits

Business and Economy of Japan

In recent years the Japanese economy and Japanese business have changed quite dramatically. High speed growth has long gone and low growth and globalization are vital issues that Japanese business management is obliged to confront. In this module we will address the processes of Japan's economic and business development from the beginnings of modern economic growth in the late 19th century to the 'Lost Decade' of the 1990s and developments in the 2000s. We will describe and analyse the role of the state in the post-war and contemporary periods and study Japan's industrial organisation, production systems, human resource management and corporate governance practices. 

15 credits

Postwar Japanese Politics

This module examines postwar Japanese politics and political economy. Main issues include: the US occupation policy of Japan; Japanese politics under the 1955 system; Japanese high economic growth in the 1960s; Japanese politics after the 1994 electoral reform; economic reforms after the collapse of the bubble economy (by focusing on financial regulatory reform and labour-market deregulation); and Japan's international relations in East Asia after the end of the Cold War (by focusing on Japan-China relations). One of the main aims of the module is to understand how 'politics' matters in Japanese economy and society. 

15 credits

Foundation in Korean Language I

This introduction to Korean language does not presuppose prior knowledge. Focus is on Korean alphabet, grammar, conversation and reading. The student is introduced to written and spoken Korean, although the study of Chinese characters is not included at this level. 

15 credits

Foundation in Korean Language II

This module is a continuation of Foundation in Korean Language I and further develops students' grammar, conversation and reading skills. The student is introduced more complex patterns of written and spoken Korean, although the study of Chinese characters is not included at this level. 

15 credits

Chinese Language I

This module aims to provide a basic introduction to all aspects of the Chinese language, including the script. It is geared to practical application in both spoken and written contexts, combining elementary grammatical structures and basic communication skills. 

15 credits

Chinese Language II

This module aims to build on the skills developed in EAS6271, extending communication and language processing skills over a wider range of grammatical structures and vocabulary. Strategies in processing language-reading and listening are also introduced. By the end of this module, students should have active knowledge of around 400 Chinese characters. 

15 credits

Chinese Language III

This module aims to enable students with beginners' level Mandarin Chinese (ca. 300 Chinese characters) to acquire increasingly complex practical language skills. 

15 credits

Chinese Language IV

This module aims to enable students with beginners' level Mandarin Chinese (ca. 450 Chinese characters) to acquire increasingly complex practical language skills. 

15 credits

Contemporary Chinese Business and Management

This module will examine changing cultures and practices of business and management in China in the context of recent economic and political changes, notably rising marketisation and globalisation. 

15 credits

Contemporary Chinese Business and Management

This module will examine changing cultures and practices of business and management in China in the context of recent economic and political changes, notably rising marketisation and globalisation. 

30 credits

Media, State and Society in China

This module explores the workings of the media in China and their treatment of social issues. You will develop critical reading strategies for media, academic, government and corporate sources, research skills and gain experience in writing shorter and longer explanations of these issues.
In the first half of the module, we will critically examine changes in media coverage on Chinese society (in Chinese and overseas print media, social media and documentary film). In the second half of the semester, we will explore a range of social topics, through a combination of academic studies and media sources.

15 credits

Media, State and Society in China

This module explores the workings of the media in China and their treatment of social issues. You will develop critical reading strategies for media, academic, government and corporate sources, research skills and gain experience in writing shorter and longer explanations of these issues.
In the first half of the module, we will critically examine changes in media coverage on Chinese society (in Chinese and overseas print media, social media and documentary film). In the second half of the semester, we will explore a range of social topics, through a combination of academic studies and media sources.

30 credits

Business and Economy of Japan

In recent years the Japanese economy and Japanese business have changed quite dramatically. High speed growth has long gone and low growth and globalization are vital issues that Japanese business management is obliged to confront. In this module we will address the processes of Japan's economic and business development from the beginnings of modern economic growth in the Tokugawa period throught the high-growth era and the the 'Bubble Economy', to the 'Lost Decade' of the 1990s and developments in the 2000s. In addition, we will describe and analyse the role of the state in the post-war and contemporary periods, such as Japan's industrial organisation, human resource management and corporate governance practices. 

30 credits

Global Governance and Japan

This module provides a detailed understanding of Japan's international relations on the one hand, and its role in global governance on the other hand. The first part of the module adopts a theoretically informed approach based on the structure of the international system, the actors involved in international relations, and the norms that inform their behaviour. It then focuses on the key sites of Japan's international activity, particularly the United States and East Asia. The module then explores the institutional mechanisms of governance at the global level and the role Japan plays in these institutions (the UN, G8, World Bank, IMF and WTO) in addition to a number of specific case studies (First Gulf War, East Asian Economic Crisis and 'War on Terror').

30 credits

East Asian Research Methods

Research Methods in East Asian Studies will equip students with the tools required to carry out research in China, Japan, Korea or the wider East Asian region at taught postgraduate level. The module includes training in basic research skills related to East Asia; quantitative methods; qualitative methods; ethical and legal issues; and discursive contexts and reflexivity in East Asian research. 

15 credits

Politics modules:

Contemporary Global Security

This module examines responses at state, regional and international level to key security challenges. It focuses primarily on the post-Cold War setting, the types of security challenges that have developed and the responses to them at state, regional and international level. It analyses the role played by international organisations and develops case analyses of key international security crises that represent or reflect important dimensions of contemporary global security. These could include, for example, the crisis in ex-Yugoslavia, the Rwandan crisis, the first and second Gulf wars and the conflict in Afghanistan. Attention will also be directed to the role and development of key international security organisations, particularly the United Nations.

30 credits

Chinese Governance and Politics

This module focuses on the latest political developments in the People’s Republic of China. It starts by putting contemporary Chinese politics into historical context and introducing students to key institutions in the PRC, including the Chinese Communist Party and the state. It then focuses on important current academic debates related to Chinese politics, including the resilience of China’s authoritarian political system and the implications of Xi Jinping's rise to power. This course also examines key governance challenges in China, including those related to pollution, social stability, and the economy.

30 credits

Global Health and Global Politics

Situated within contemporary approaches to International Relations and International Political Economy, this module will introduce students to the global politics of health, addressing health as both a global issue, and also as a quintessentially political one. The module will: chart the recent rise of health as an issue of 'high politics'; examine the relationship between individual and population health and the global political economy; explore the ways in which and institutions by which health is governed at the global level; analyse some of the key contemporary issues and challenges in contemporary global health governance.

30 credits

Terrorism and Political Violence

This module produces a critical take on security and violence, combining Sociological and International Relations approaches, and applying them to cases ranging from the 'macro-level' (war, including guerrilla warfare/insurgency; genocide and most especially terrorism) through to 'micro-level' sites usually considered 'private' or 'intimate' ('domestic' violence, white supremacist bombing of historical Black churches, etc).

30 credits

Feminist and Decolonizing Approaches to International Relations: Bodies, Coloniality, Knowledge

This module problematizes core IR concepts and themes through an alternative 'geopolitics of knowledge' that comprises postcolonial, decolonial, feminist and queer, Marxist and post-Marxist approaches to IR theory. The first part provides an understanding of key moments, processes, actors and practices in the emergence of the modern system of sovereign states. The second part interrogates key concepts and themes in IR, including violence, the body, capitalism, globalization, sovereignty and anarchy, hierarchy and hegemony/empire, and indigeneity. In place of the 'West versus the Rest', the module will examine the imperial dimension of these themes while revealing the mutually constitutive relations between metropoles/colonies in the formation of modernity both materially and ideationally.

30 credits