KOS2010

Korean politics and economy

Adrian Buzo

8 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Clayton

Objectives Students who successfully complete this subject should have an understanding of the Korean political tradition, and of the development of the political and economic systems of North and South Korea since 1945.

Synopsis This subject provides an introduction to traditional and modern Korean politics and economy. It deals with the development of the Korean political tradition during the Chosen period (1392-1910), the transition of Korea from dynastic monarchy to Japanese colony and then to its current divided state. The subject investigates the process of development in both the ROK and the DPRK, comparing and contrasting strategies. It also examines the influence of the postwar international economic and political orders on these strategies. Areas to be examined include foreign and domestic policy, respective roles in the Asia-Pacific region, and relations with Australia.

Assessment Written (3000 words): 20% - Examinations (3 hours): 50% - Seminar participation/attendance: 30%

Recommended texts

Cotton J (ed.) Korea under Roh Tae-woo: Democratisation, northern policy and inter-Korean relations Allen and Unwin, 1993
Eckert, Carter J and others Korea old and new: A history Illchogak, 1990
Haggard S J Pathways from the periphery: The politics of growth in newly industrializing countries Cornell U P, 1990
Kim Key-Hiuk The last phase of the East Asian world order University of California, 1980
Palais, J B Politics and policy in traditional Korea Harvard U P, 1975
Yang, Sung-Chul The North and South Korean political systems: A comparative analysis Westview Press, 1994

Back to the 1999 Arts Handbook