This course aims to deepen students? understanding of the turbulent international political history of Northeast Asia from the end of the Asia-Pacific War to the Post-Cold War era. The course will focus on the five nation states that form the core of the region (Japan, China, Taiwan, North and South Korea) and the diplomatic, economic, political, and strategic relationships that developed between them, as well as those with the two major external actors (the Soviet Union/Russia and the United States). Moreover, with the pace of change in each of the core countries varying widely, 1945 and 1991 are clearly not the only turning points, and emphasis will be placed on elements of continuity as well as change.

Research essay (2500 words) (30%); Tutorial contribution (attendance, participation, and presentation) (20%); Short book review of one or more of the core texts (1000 words) (20%); Final exam (2 hours) (30%). Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work, tailored to the graduate students? interests. Graduate students may expect a final assignment rather than an exam.

Permission of Coordinator.

with ASIA6017

No preliminary reading required. In addition to a substantial reading brick, there will be a short list of books assigned as core readings. A booklet of maps showing the changing political geography of the region will also be provided.