University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Tues 12pm

Hot economics, cold politics' is a phrase used by scholars since the 1990s to describe the relations between states in Northeast Asia. It captures the counter-theory experience of the region that has highly interdependent economies but also thorny politics and security issues. In this module we will explore different approaches to understanding and explaining the relations between these states. The module starts by setting out some theories that we might view as relevant including some traditional and critical IR concepts. Afterwards, we move to look at the history of the region including the Chinese world order, Japanese empire and Cold War, and evaluate how these historical experiences inform current relations. The final part of this course explores some key issues or relationships, including, China-Japan relations, Japan-Korea (North and South), Taiwan, and the barriers to regionalism in Northeast Asia.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 11 weekly lectures and 10 weekly tutorials, with 2 3-hour simulation exercises Tutorials – teams and in-person. Matrix game – teams, online and in-person (still 3 hours on Friday week 8/9). Lectures – recorded and available on Moodle. Weekly asynchronous component – narrative Moodle online, to include quizzes.

Scheduled learning hours: 49

Guided independent study hours: 253

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Assessment consists of 50% coursework and 50% written examination

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: Re-assessment consists of 100% written examination

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr C M Jones
Module teaching staff: Dr Catherine Jones

Intended learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a clear knowledge of the dynamic relationships between Northeast Asian States (Japan, China, South Korea, North Korea and Taiwan), in terms of their economic and political interactions.
• Students should be able to evaluate different and competing approaches to theorising about these interactions
• Students will have participated in matrix games in order to deepen their understanding of the nature of political and economic interactions and use these games as a source of critical insights into the readings.
• Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between security and growth for the states of Northeast Asia.