POS BC 3424 Asian Politics
Fall 1994
Xiaobo Lü
 

Democracy vs Authoritarianism: The East Asian Experience

The purpose and methods of this course can be summarized as "1-2-3-4": it has one theme: the struggle for democracy in East Asia; two analytical focuses: political institutions and political processes; three methods: lectures, discussions and visual aids; four political entities: China (PRC), Japan, Korea (ROK), and Taiwan (ROC). A survey of political dynamics in East Asia will be made, during which we try to seek answers to such important questions as: How is democracy conceived of and realized in East Asia? To what extent do the processes and problems of democracy differ when cultural and historical background vary? Is authoritarian form of government a historical necessity? Can democracy work in East Asia? Is there an "East Asian model" of political development?

Required Readings:

1. Lucian Bianco, Origins of the Chinese Revolution 1915-1949 (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1971)
   
2. Gordon White, Riding the Tiger (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1993)
   
3. Ellis Krauss & Takeshi Ishida, eds., Democracy in Japan (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1989)
   
4. Hagen Koo, ed., State and Society in Contemporary Korea (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1993)
   
5. Tun-jen Cheng & Stephan Haggard, eds., Political Change in Taiwan (Boulder: Lynne Riener, 1992)

   These books are available from Columbia University Bookstore and Barnard Forum. Some of them are also on reserve at Barnard College Library and the East Asian Library of Columbia University in Kent Hall.

6. A course reader which contains some required readings is available from Village Copier (115 Street, W of Broadway). Please also note that due to copyright restriction, some reading materials can not be included in the reader. They, along with other "supplementary readings," are available for your own copying at the store. Ask store clerk for the master copy.

Additional recommended readings are on reserve in the above-mentioned libraries. Please check with the reserve desk of each library.

Exams and Grades:

1. A midterm exam consisting of identification and essay questions will be given in class. It counts as 30% of term grade.

2. A short paper (5-7 pages) on a topic related to politics in East Asia. It will count as 30% of term grade. Please seek in advance the consent of the instructor on the topic of your choice.

3. A final exam of identification and essay questions. It counts as 40% of term grade.

In addition to these requirements, students are also expected to fulfill reading assignments and class participation. Some quizzes (not to be graded) may be given during the course of the semester to evaluate students' performance.