Korea in International Relations, 4 ECTS

More information: Finnish University Network for Asian Studies homepage.

Application Period:

3.-14.9.2012

Time:
Autumn term 2012

Lectures: Thursdays 12.00-13.30, the first lecture on 20.9.2012

NOTE! Lectures on this course are arranged real time. Students follow the lectures in a classroom at fixed lecture times.

Goals: At the end of the course students should be able to

1) be familiar with the political systems of Korea and the main neighbouring countries

2) explain the linkages between local, regional, and global developments and their impact on East Asian politics

3) analyze the foreign policies of the main East Asian states

4) have an understanding of the factors facilitating and hindering regional cooperation.

Content: The aim of this course is to introduce the international relations of Korea and East Asia. The course is divided in two parts. The first provides an overview to the region. An overview of East Asia during the 20th and early 21st centuries is first provided: Attention is paid to state formation, regime types, democratization, and political culture. The second part covers developments in the international politics of East Asia since the end of the Cold War. Here the
interplay between external and regional powers is analyzed alongside the foreign policies of the main actors in the region. Special attention is also given to trends in regionalism (politics, security, economy). The main aims of this course are the following:

• provide an introduction to the domestic and international politics of Korea and East Asia

• provide an overview of the regional policies and bilateral relationships of the major powers (primarily the United States)

• examine regional organizations and the changing nature of regional order 

• discuss the main conflictual dynamics in the region (Taiwan, North Korea)

• discuss post-Cold War continuities and changes

Application for the course: Application period in Sebtember 2012. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to the course in the order of application.

Note! Lectures can be watched in universities in which at least 7 students have been enrolled to the course. If less than 7 students enroll to this course in your university, then you cannot take the course.

Before enrolling on the course the students should check with their own home department that this course can be accepted as part of their degree in their own university.