This course has three aims. The first is to explore and explain the nature of power politics as a mode of international relations. The second is to explore specifically the power politics of Asia today, and try to understand what is happening and where it is going. And the third is to explore some concepts and ideas that can help us understand power politics better. The study of power politics is central to any study of strategy, but it is especially interesting and important in Asia today, because Asia is right now in the throes of a major power-political revolution as a radical change in the distribution of wealth and power overtakes the old order and forces the creation of a new one. We will explore this process closely in the course, by looking at how key regional powers are trying to position themselves in the new order of the Asian Century, and how their interests and aims interact with one another in the regional strategic system.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On completion of the course, students will be able to:1. Demonstrate knowledge of the factors – historical, social, political, economic and cultural – which shape grand strategies of key Asia-Pacific powers.
2. Evaluate and critically assess the new power politics of Asia and how power politics in the region is changing.
3. Compare and contrast the grand strategies of a diverse range of Asia-Pacific states.
4. Conduct scholarly research, express ideas and construct evidence-based arguments in both written and oral form via formal lectures, class room discussions, tutorials and a variety of written assessments.
Research-Led Teaching
The seminars for this course are delivered primarily by Professor Taylor, who is an internationally-recognised authority on Asia's Power Politics. His writings on this subject have been published in prominent international outlets, including Survival, The Washington Quarterly, International Affairs, The Pacific Review and Review of International Studies. Professor Taylor is the author or editor of ten 10 books. His most recent book, The Four Flashpoints: How Asia Goes to War, was published by Black Inc in 2018.
Field Trips
N/A
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional class costs associated with this course.
Examination Material or equipment
N/A
Required Resources
Required readings for each session are available from the course Wattle site.
Recommended Resources
A list of recommended readings for each topic is available from the course Wattle site.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- Written comments
- Verbal comments
- Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | What is Power Politics? What is Asia? | 7 March |
2 | What does China want? | 14 March |
3 | A new US-China Cold War? | 21 March |
4 | Without America: Who else could check China? | 28 March |
5 | Is there an Asian arms race? | 4 April (Commentary assignment due 1 April) |
6 | Asia's Cuban Missile crises? Korea and Taiwan | 2 May |
7 | Tinderboxes on water? East and South China Sea | 9 May |
8 | Can architecture tame Asia's power politics? | 16 May (Research essay due 13 May) |
9 | What are Australia's choices? | 23 May |
10 | What is Asia's strategic future? | 30 May |
Tutorial Registration
N/A
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment |
---|---|---|---|
Commentary | 20 % | 01/04/2019 | 22/04/2019 |
Research Essay | 40 % | 13/05/2019 | 03/06/2019 |
Examination | 40 % | 06/06/2019 | 04/07/2019 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.Participation
N/A
Examination(s)
The course includes a take home examination, held during the end of semester examination period.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes:
Commentary
Due 11:55pm, Monday 1 April 2019 via Turnitin
1500 words. Detailed assignment instructions are provided on the course Wattle site. An in-class academic skills session for this assignment will also be provided.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes:
Research Essay
Due 11:55pm, Monday 13 May 2019 via Turnitin
2500 words. Detailed assignment instructions are provided on the course Wattle site. An in-class academic skills session for this assignment will also be provided.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes:
Examination
To be held in end of semester examination period. Dates TBA.
Take home exam consisting of a two short (1,000-1,500 word) essay-style questions to be completed over a three-day timeframe. Detailed assignment instructions will be provided on the course Wattle site. An in-class academic skills session for this assignment will also be provided.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.Late Submission
Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension is penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research InterestsEast Asian flashpoints, US-Australia alliance, Asia-Pacific security architecture |
Prof Brendan Taylor
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Prof Brendan Taylor
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