The Course

Scholars have long speculated about the rise of Asia, but Asia has already risen. Asian economies are driving global growth; Asian governments are some of the largest purveyors of foreign aid and investment; and Asian superpowers like China are shaping and shifting geopolitics. This course offers students the opportunity to unpack the complexity and diversity of Asia across time and space. We will explore Asia through political science and historical concepts against the background of China’s evolving role within the region. At the same time, we will focus on elevating diverse Asian voices to understand how historical concepts and political and economic trajectories have shifted over time and what it means for domestic and global audiences in the 21st century.

The study of global Asia is analytical and interdisciplinary: we examine the political, economic, and social trajectory of Asia to shed light on the most dynamic region of the world. We also devote considerable time to understanding how historical legacies and patterns such as colonialism or economic imperialism impact Asia today. Lectures, assigned readings covering a wide range of primary and secondary sources in political science and history, and a discussion-oriented format introduces students to issues ranging from populism, party-state capitalism, and poverty alleviation to soft and sharp power, demographic crises, surveillance, and social unrest.

Learning Goals

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Have a working knowledge of global Asia
2. Analyze political and socio-economic issues, phenomena, and events related to Asia by using political science and historical concepts, theories, and methodologies
3. Distinguish between particular perspectives and goals of Asian countries in the regional, global and historical context
4. Compare and contrast the uneven experiences of globalization in Asia
5. Critically evaluate the positive and negative aspects of global Asia
   • Think critically and creatively in formulating opinions and arguments
   • Back arguments and positions with appropriate evidence
   • Raise and answer counter arguments