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IR4519   Politics and Development in Southeast Asia

Academic year(s): 2023-2024

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: Tues 9am

This module looks at the development experience of the Southeast Asian region. Southeast Asia has one of the best records in creating economic growth and reducing poverty -- forming part of what the World Bank famously described as the 'Asian Miracle' (though the less impressive part, lagging behind Northeast Asian star performers like Taiwan and Korea). It is also a highly diverse region with an interesting history, providing a lens through which to explore a wide range of contemporary development issues. In particular, Southeast Asia presents a number of challenges for the applicability of developmental logics derived from approaches. In particular, the assumption that free market capitalism and laissez faire economics, coupled with democratic structures are essential elements for economic development. The module also considers the concept of the developmental state and evaluates its different enunciations.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 9 weeks), weekly office hours for student consultations (x 10 weeks) Tutorials – teams and in-person. Addition – mini conference of research proposals – online/in person. To replace the lecture week 9 and add two contact hours for the conference. Lectures – recorded and available on Moodle. Weekly asynchronous component – narrative Moodle online, to include quizzes.

Scheduled learning hours: 39

Guided independent study hours: 260

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 50%, Take-home Examination to be completed in 8-hour period = 50%

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

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Review the theoretical literature on a range of development issues, particularly concerned with the role of the state in economic management
  • Relate theoretical debates about issues to empirical data drawn from the Southeast Asian region
  • Critically assess the appropriateness of disciplinary concepts to the Asian region
  • Develop a research agenda (including appropriate research methods) for the study of at least two Southeast Asian States
  • Evaluate and provide a critical reflection on a book.