166-512 Asia-Pacific: Zone of Conflict or Peace?

Admission to the master of international politics one-year program or fourth-year honours in political science by special permission from the subject coordinator.

This subject provides an examination of some important issues in Asia-Pacific international politics in the light of relevant theorizing, interpretations and debates. The topics for study will normally include the China-US-Japan triangle, the Taiwan and Korean conflicts, the international context of conflicts relating to Indonesia and the Southwest Pacific, Australian engagement in the Asia-Pacific, and new and emerging issues in the Asia-Pacific.

• be able to demonstrate competence in critical, creative and theoretical thinking through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis;

• be able to demonstrate proficiency in the application of selected methods of analysis of international politics;

• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the academic protocols of research and presentation.

A written essay of 3000 words 60% (due late in semester) and a 2-hour exam 40% (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.