This course provides students with a conceptual toolkit that can be used to analyse political dynamics in any region of the world. Its empirical focus is six major countries in Asia and the Pacific: Japan, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea. Its theoretical focus is four key elements of inquiry in the field of comparative politics: state formation and state strength; regime type, democracy and authoritarianism; the politics of identity (notably, ethnicity, religion and gender); and political economy (notably the role of patronage, corruption and money in politics). This course will draw on some of the expertise that makes the Australian National  University a world leading centre for the study of Asia-Pacific politics. It is appropriate both for students who wish to develop an interest in the politics of the region, as well as for those who have broader interests in global comparative political analysis.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students should be able to:

1. Possess a broad picture of contemporary political dynamics in six major Asian and Pacific nations.

2. Possess knowledge of conceptual foundations for analysing core issues of comparative politics. This will include understanding definitions of key concepts including state, regime, nation, and democracy and analysing different patterns of state-society relations, varieties of authoritarianism, the nature of ethnic cleavages and relationships between states and markets.

3. Apply these concepts in analysing political phenomena within and betweeen states.

4. Understand the foundations and implications of comparative method in political science research.

5. Express themselves clearly in verbal and written formats.

Seminar participation 10%

Four short online responses  (500 words each) 20%

Essay plan (500 words) and consultation 10%

Research essay 2500 words 30%

Examination (2 hours) 30%  

3 contact hours and 6 hours private study per week.

6 university courses (36 units).

No prior knowledge of the Asia-Pacific or Political Science Required.

Readings will be made available on Wattle.

Wattle