While the next century may yet be the Pacific Century, the Asia Pacific region remains one of the world's most volatile regions. In this course students will learn about the conflicts and common interests that unite and divide the peoples and states of Pacific Asia. We will consider histories and cultures, points of conflict, security arrangements and organizations, international political economy, internal sources of strength and instability, human rights, and transnational environmental concerns. In the tradition of liberal arts, students will have frequent opportunities to develop their skill in critical reasoning in both written and oral forms. Assignments and Grading 1.
Regular attendance is a minimum standard.
Keeping up with current events and taking part in class discussions are required for higher marks. Students will be supplied with information regarding good sources for news on Asian affairs. Students will submit one paragraph summaries of all assigned readings. Due dates will be announced in class. Pairs of students will offer the class a ten minute presentation with five more minutes for questions on one Asian capital's perspective on the world.