Course Syllabus
The syllabuses on both this page and the NTU online course information are synchronized.
Course Information
| Item | Content |
| Course title | Seminar on Comparative Politics of Southeast Asia |
| Semester | 114-1 |
| Designated for |
Program for East Asian Studies DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE |
| Instructor | KAI-PING HUANG |
| Curriculum No. | PS 5720 |
| Curriculum Id No. | 322 U2560 |
| Class | |
| Credit | 2 |
| Full/Half Yr. | Half |
| Required/Elective | Elective |
| Time | Wednesday 3,4(10:20~12:10) |
| Place | 社科306 |
| Remarks | The course is conducted in English。 |
Course Syllabus
| Item | Content |
| Course Description | In this course, we will discuss theories and concepts related to political development in Southeast Asian countries. Our discussion will focus on the reasons behind the differences in political development between these countries, as well as key factors influencing their economic, social, and political progress. Students will be introduced to several different themes throughout the course, with each week focusing on different countries. For a full participation in class discussions, students should supplement their knowledge with information regarding the history and systems of Southeast Asian countries outside of class. The purpose of this course is to guide students in understanding the following questions: What are the influences of colonialism, economic development, ethnic identity, religious beliefs, and culture on Southeast Asian political development? What causes some countries to be able to democratize while others cannot? What are the challenges to Southeast Asia's democratic consolidation? In what ways does autocratization occur in the region? |
| Course Objective | By the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. identify and analyze concepts and theories in comparative politics related to Southeast Asian contexts; 2. examine these concepts and theories in real-life case studies and gain a better understanding of the criteria and methods for cross-national analysis; 3. articulate and demonstrate how to apply the concepts and theories in your own analysis; 4. gain in-depth understandings of the following countries: the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. |
| Course Requirement | Reading discussion 10% In-class discussion 15% Mid-term exam 25% Group presentations 20% Final term paper 30% |
| Expected weekly study hours before and/or after class | 1-2 hours |
| References | See material list |
| Designated Reading | See material list |
Progress
| Week | Date | Topic |
| Week 1 | 9/3 | Course Introduction |
| Week 2 | 9/10 | The Legacy of Colonialism: Indonesia and the Philippine |
| Week 3 | 9/17 | The Legacy of Colonialism: Malaysia, Singapore, and Myanmar |
| Week 4 | 9/24 | The Legacy of Colonialism: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand |
| Week 5 | 10/1 | Nationalist Movement |
| Week 6 | 10/8 | Ethnic Conflicts: Malaysia and Indonesia |
| Week 7 | 10/15 | Ethnic Conflicts: Myanmar |
| Week 8 | 10/22 | Mid-term exam |
| Week 9 | 10/29 | Authoritarian Resilience |
| Week 10 | 11/5 | Clientelism I |
| Week 11 | 11/12 | Clientelism II |
| Week 12 | 11/19 | Challenges of Democratization |
| Week 13 | 11/26 | Democratic Backsliding |
| Week 14 | 12/3 | Group Presentations I |
| Week 15 | 12/10 | Group Presentations II |
| Week 16 | 12/17 | Final term paper due |
Makeup Class Information
| NO | Date | Start Time | End Time | Location or Method |
Grading
| NO | Item | Pc | Explanations for the conditions |
| 1 | Reading Discussion | 10% | To complete one record, submit your questions or thoughts regarding the course readings to NTU COOL before class begins. TWO records can be exempted. That is, in the case of 12 weeks of discussion, students only need 10 records to gain 100 points. |
| 2 | In-class Discussion | 15% | This course is premised on active discussion and students are expected to come to class having completed the readings and ready to discuss them. THREE records can be exempted. That is, in the case of 12 weeks of discussion, students only need 9 records to gain 100 points. |
| 3 | Mid-term Exam | 25% | The mid-term exam will include short answer and essay questions. Application and identification are stressed more than memorization of material. The test will be conducted online and will last two hours. |
| 4 | Group Presentations | 20% | Students should form groups with 3 members at the beginning of the semester. First come, first served. The topic is to discuss a critical moment in the history of a country of your choice and its influence on the development of its politics. |
| 5 | Final Term Paper | 30% | Students will write an essay (not more than 10 pages, including the reference list) on a topic they choose for the final report. The instructor will provide the topic in advance. Grading criteria will include whether or not there is a clear argument, sufficient and convincing reasons and evidence to support the argument, and the relevance of the argument to the literature. |
Adjustment methods for students
| Adjustment method | |
| Teaching methods | Assisted by video |
| Assignment submission methods | Mutual agreement to present in other ways between students and instructors |
| Exam methods | Written (oral) reports replace exams |
| Others | Negotiated by both teachers and students |
Office Hour
| NO | Day | Start time | End time |
| 1 | Fri | 12:30 | 13:30 |
| Remarks | Or by appointment |