This course will focus on the politics of three of the largest countries in
Southeast Asia:  Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.  Our study of
these three countries will, in turn, focus on three major themes.  First, we
will examine important features of the historical process of state formation
in each of the three countries, as well as modern patterns of state-society
relations.  Second, we will analyze recurring tensions between authoritarian
and democratic forms of government throughout the postwar era, and the often
troubled processes of democratization experienced in the Philippines and
Thailand over the past two decades and in Indonesia over the past ten years.
Third, the course will focus on issues of central-regional relations:
decentralization, subnational variation in major patterns of politics, and
movements for regional autonomy and secession (particularly in Aceh,
southern Thailand, and Muslim Mindanao).  

Through readings, lectures, written assignments, and class participation,
students will have an opportunity to gain a firm foundation into the
politics of three major countries currently undergoing sweeping economic,
social, and political change.  The course will also enhance students'
ability to relate major concepts of comparative politics to real-world
politics in Southeast Asia and beyond. 	

Class participation - 10%, Reading Comments, 20%, Large Essay 30% and Exams
40%.