GES3470

Development and environment in Asia-Pacific and Australia

Dr Peter Marden

12 points - 3 hours per week (two 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial) - Second semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: Any second-year human geography subject or permission of the head of department

Objectives On the successful completion of this subject students should have gained an understanding of the social, political and environmental costs of rapid economic growth in Asia and a grasp of the various competing approaches to Australia's role in the region.

Synopsis The Asia-Pacific region is recognised as a major area of growth, and Australia's future is increasingly seen as linked with this region. In this subject the causes of rapid growth are examined, and the role of Australia in the emerging division of labour in the region is evaluated. Of particular concern are the long-term development prospects of the 'miracle' economies of Asia within the context of a changing global political-economy. Issues such as nationalism, superpower politics and strategic interests are examined. Particular emphasis is given to the environmental implications of continued growth in the region. The political, social, and cultural dimensions of change are explored as well as the economic. Particular emphasis is placed on the social and cultural aspects of change in this dynamic region, with a specific focus on Australia's role.

Assessment Written (6000 words): 60% - Examinations (2 hours): 30% - Tutorial: 10%

Prescribed texts

Milner A (ed.) Comparing cultures OUP, 1996

Recommended texts

Bello W and Rosenfeld S Dragons in distress Penguin, 1992
Deyo F (ed.) The political economy of the new Asian industrialisation Cornell U P, 1987
Dirlik A (ed.) What is in a rim: critical perspectives on the Pacific region idea Westview, 1993
Evans G Cooperating for peace: the global agenda for the 1990s and beyond Allen and Unwin, 1993
Hewison K and others (eds) Southeast Asia in the 1990s Allen and Unwin, 1993

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