Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Students will not only learn the key concepts and debates in modern East Asian political thought, but also understand how they have been used and transformed over time. The relationship between East Asian and Western political thought will become clearer. Most importantly, it will provide a solid, non-Western perspective on imperialism, colonialism, the global economy and Western ideological hegemony.

Outline Of Syllabus

Part I - Foundations of the Modern History of East Asian Political Thought

Week 1 - Introduction: Review of Traditional Thought and Concepts
Week 2 - The Challenge of Imperialism
Week 3 - East Asian Socialism, Anarchism, Feminism and Communism (up to 1945)
Week 4 - Nationalism and Internationalism before World War II
Week 5 - The Kyoto School

Part II - Contemporary East Asian Political Thought

Week 6 - Post-War Japanese Political Thought
Week 7 - Maoist Political Thought
Week 8 - Ideologies of Economic Growth and Democratisation
Week 9 - New Confucianism
Week 10 - Situating Contemporary East Asian Political Thought

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

An understanding of the range and depth of East Asian political thought.

Substantive knowledge of one thinker or school of thought in modern East Asia and the relationship of this thought to global political thought.

Awareness of the issue involved in comparative political thought.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will have developed the skill to think rigorously and critically about concepts and
arguments from outside of the Western tradition, including the application of hermeneutics to texts. This will build confidence for future engagement with ideas and individuals from the East Asia.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The seminar format provides the incentive and opportunity for students to initially engage the material with the guidance of the module leader, in order to identify key issues and critically discuss them at a high level of theoretical sophistication. This is essential preparation for the research papers which form the assessment for the module.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The students will have an opportunity to present material and receive formative feedback during the seminars, in particular the seminar in which they have played a leading role in presenting material, and, subsequently, in consultation with the module leader. A research paper has a length necessary to explore the issues involved in a particular thinker or school of thought to the depth required of a paper at the postgraduate level.

General Notes

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