Northeast Asia, with a population of some 1.7 billion, and containing the world's second and third largest economies, is a region of enormous political, economic and cultural significance. It is also currently in the midst of major transformations. Developments in the region, including the rise of China and ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis created by the last remaining corner of the Cold War – the division of the Korean Peninsula – have global implications. Meanwhile, the countries of the region are gradually moving towards the creation of closer regional integration.

In order to understand these developments, and their profound implications for Australia and the rest of the world, we need to understand the historical, cultural and social context in which they occur.

This course offers a new look at Northeast Asia. It begins by considering the concept of “areas” as put forward by Area Studies, and considering what it means to treat Northeast Asia as an area. We then go on to look at the key flows and conflicts that have shaped the region over the past century, and at past and present visions of regional cooperation. Key themes addressed include: the Sino-Centric world of the Qing Dynasty, and its legacies for today; the rise of the Japanese empire; transport, migration and cultural flows in Northeast Asia in the first half of the twentieth century; Pan-Asianism and visions of regional community; the legacies of the Asia-Pacific and Korean Wars; the Cold War architecture of Northeast Asia; migration and cultural interactions between the countries of the regions in the Cold War and post-Cold War eras; the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan questions and their implications for relations between the countries of the region; and contemporary proposals for regional integration.

Because this is a Master’s level course, one further aim of the course is to develop research skills. The course provides an introduction to finding and interpreting archival resources, current data and visual material on Northeast Asia. The assessment for the course will include a research element.

In this course, students will acquire:

• an understanding of historical developments in modern Northeast Asia 

• an understanding the current state of relations between the countries of the region.

• ability to analyze and assess debates about the nature of area studies

• ability to critically assess contemporary debates on Northeast Asian regionalism.

• knowledge of the use of online and off-line resources to conduct your own research on topics related to Northeast Asia.

Workshop participation – 15%

Essay of 2,000 words – 35%

Research paper of 3,500 words - 50%

One introductory lecture (2 hours). Two intensive two-day workshops.

5-6 hours per week of reading and preparation.

Meet entry requirement for the MAPS, or consent of PA or delegate.

Delivery mode: Flexible learning. Required attendance at two 2-day workshops held on ANU campus.