DR. DRURY FALL 2002

Americans commonly view Asia as a continent of mystery, beauty, cruelty, and despair. Because the ethnic linkage of most Americans is with European nations, most of us know relatively little about the Asian nations. As changes in communications and transportation moves us toward the "global village," it is appropriate to recognize the accomplishments of the Asians, and to understand their potential for influencing world affairs.

Asia is the home of almost two-thirds of the world’s people, some of whom live in small countries such as Brunei (population 343,000) but most live in large countries such as China (population 1.2 BILLION). Asia features extreme diversity in wealth, politics, culture, and geography. Asia has the oldest state (China) and also several new states (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, for example).

Many of the Asian countries are undergoing rapid political and economic change. Their immediate past experience was with colonialism and/or authoritarianism. They are now attempting to adapt their often-ancient cultures to the Western ideas of a capitalist market economy and liberal representative democracy. This transition has often been presided over by leaders who are alternately (or simultaneously) patriots and tyrants. The success (or failure) of the Asian states in this grand experiment will have a major impact on the peace and prosperity of the all nations of the world.

TEXTS: Charlton, Comparing Asian Politics: India, China and Japan, Westview, 1997, and

Marlay and Neher, Patriots and Tyrants: Ten Asian Leaders, Rowman and Littlefield, 1999.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction

A. A Political and Geographic Survey of Asia. Any good World Atlas

B. Culture, Leadership and the Political Process. Marlay and Neher, 1-11; Charlton, 1-14

C. Social Structure of India, China and Japan. Charlton, 17-76

2. Historical Foundations and Ancient Cultures

A. Indian Culture and Religion. Overview, Charlton, 83-102

Gandhi and Indira. Marlay and Neher, 261-325

B. Confucianism and Chinese Nationalism. Overview, Charlton, 104-123

Mao and Deng. Marlay and Neher, 13-71

C. Japanese Aristocracy and Isolation. Charlton, 126-142

3. Governmental Structure

A. The Constitutional Basis for Government. Charlton, 145-162

B. Parliamentary Government in India and Japan. Charlton, 164-181

C. Party Government in China. Charlton, 184-201

D. Pluralism or Centralization. Charlton, 205-221

4. Leadership Style and the Politics of Mass Society

A. Indonesia---Demagogue versus Bureaucrat. Marlay and Neher, 203-259

B. Vietnam---Mandarin versus Revolutionary. Marlay and Neher, 74-137

C. Cambodia---Aristocrat versus Nihilist. Marlay and Neher, 140-201

D. The Hermit King (N. Korea) versus the Modern Samurai (S. Korea)

E. Pakistan—Populist versus Praetorian

5. Pluralism and the Decay of Authoritarianism

A. The Demise of One-Party Rule. Charlton, 225-248

B. Confusion---Institutionalization, Diversity, Law and Civil Society

YOUR GRADE

The grade for the course will be based equally on the your performance on the Midterm Exam (essay, on or about October 9), the Final (essay, on December 4) and the research paper. The research paper (10-20 double-spaced, typed pages following the American Political Science Association Manual of Style) should be a documented analysis of a current political problem confronting Asian nations in general or a particular Asian country. A topical outline for the paper, including hypotheses, should be submitted by October 2. The completed paper is due on November 11.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Oct. 2: Outline for research paper due, and last day for penalty free drop or withdrawal

Oct. 9: Mid-term Hour Exam

Nov. 8: Last day to drop or withdraw if passing

Nov. 11: Research paper due

Dec. 3: Finals Preparation Day

Dec. 4: Final Exam (11:00 AM)

OFFICE HOURS: My office is O-80 in the Maes Building (880-8528).

My office hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:45-10:00;

Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30-10:45; and most afternoons by appointment.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Students are specifically warned against all forms of cheating and plagiarism. The Lamar University Student Handbook 2001-2002 states:

Any student found guilty of dishonesty in any phase of academic work will be subject to disciplinary action. [Punishable offenses include, but are not limited to,] cheating on an examination or academic work which is to be submitted, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. (81)

One aspect of the handbook definition of cheating is, "purchasing, or otherwise acquiring and submitting as one's own work any research paper or other writing assignment prepared by an individual or firm" (82). Plagiarism is defined as, "the appropriation and the unacknowledged incorporation of another's work or idea into one's own offered for credit" (82).

Punishments for cheating or plagiarism range from a zero on the paper to an F in the course, with a letter placed in a student's file both in the major department and in the Student Affairs Office. The department recommends expulsion as an appropriate punishment for a second offense. Students may appeal the professor's decision through the departmental chair, the Dean of Arts and Sciences, and the student discipline procedure.