The Korean peninsula is a theatre for great power rivalry and politics.  In addition, North Korea poses a major security threat to regional peace and stability, and inter-Korean conflict is more likely than ever.  Despite the same ethnicity, the two Koreas exhibit difference in terms of their respective political, military, economic, and social systems which shape the security and stability of the Korean peninsula.  The course is designed as an introduction to the politics, external relations and security policy-making of the two Koreas, and is divided into three parts: North Korea; South Korea; and Inter-Korean Relations.

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

1. An understanding of the political, military economic, and social systems of the two Koreas;

2. An understanding of the ways in which these systems affect their perceptions and politics regarding international security and the security of the Korean peninsula;

3. An understanding of foreign and security policy-making in the two Koreas and an ability to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the two;

4. Knowledge of the ways in which the two Koreas’ relationships with other major powers shape their security policy-making;

5. A capacity for critical thinking regarding security issues on the Korean peninsula as well as show innovative ways to improve on current problems;

6. The capacity to conduct scholarly research and construct evidence-based arguments in written work.

1. Participation in Discussion - 10%         

2. Research Project - 50%                    

3. Final Exam - 40%

35 contact hours per semester

A 2-hour lecture session per week for 12 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week for 11 weeks of the  semester

None

A basic interest/knowledge in political science and/or international relations.

Key articles will be provided electronically via Wattle.

Wattle access

Power-point and recording enabled lecture theatre