2022/2023
National Identity, Social and Political Development in Asia
Type:
Mago-Lego
Delivered by:
Institute of Asian and African Studies
When:
1, 2 module
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Contact hours:
36
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course is intended for students majoring in Master’s Programme “Business and Politics in Modern Asia”, who are eager to deep in sociocultural peculiarities of interaction between politics and culture. The course examines the problem of Asian countries identity (China, Vietnam, Japan), the issues of East Asian identities typologization, the civilizational specifics of Asian countries and its impact on all aspects of social and political life, the main aspects of Asian national identity formation in the context of a globalized world. Students are expected to read literature recommended in the syllabus, as well as to search for extra sources, especially in order to get most recent information on the topic of their presentation. Students are involved in group presentations, the list of topics for presentations is distributed in advance. Depending on the number of students, presentations will be conducted in groups by 2-4 students. The course consists of 9 lectures (18 hours) and 9 seminars (18 hours). Lectures are supported by .ppt presentations, video materials. Lectures and seminars are organized as discussions over either recommended papers or students’ presentations. Students are encouraged to interact with colleagues and teachers.
Learning Objectives
- The main aim of the course is to introduce students to a phenomenon of contemporary Asian societies and identities (based on specific values, beliefs, traditions) and to provide students with basic theoretical and practical skills in analysis and conducting research in socio-political and socio-cultural spheres.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Communicate in English on professional topics, related to the sociocultural specifics of Asian countries.
- Communicate in English on professional topics, related to the sociocultural specifics of Asian countries.
- Prepare scientific and analytical reports, reviews, presentations, information briefs and explanatory notes in their professional field, related to the sociocultural specifics of Asian countries.
- Take into account the cultural specificity characteristic of the countries of the studied region in their practical and research activities.
- Understand and analyze sociocultural problems and processes occurring in Asian societies.
- Use the conceptual apparatus of scientific research, critically analyze the information.
- Work with information: find, evaluate, systematize and use information necessary for solving scientific and professional problems from various sources (on the basis of a systematic approach).
- Apply the conceptual apparatus of scientific research, critically analyze the information.
Course Contents
- 1. Introduction. National identity and its influence on sociopolitical development
- 2. China's search for national identity: past, present and future
- 3. Cultural identity and traditional cultural values: the case of China
- 4. China’s national identity in a globalized world
- 5. Cultural identity, religion and traditional cultural values: the case of Vietnam
- 6. Children of the dragon and grandchildren of the fairy’: constructing identity in Vietnam
- 7. Emperor of Japan: history of cult and recent changes
- 8. Russia and the West in Japanese identity
- 9. Traditional family patterns and its influence in contemporary Japan
Assessment Elements
- Presentation № 1Depending on the number of students, presentations will be conducted in groups by 2-4 students. The time limit for presentation is 20 minutes and should not be exceeded. Students are expected to read literature recommended in the syllabus, as well as to search for extra sources, especially in order to get most recent information on the topic of their presentation. The report begins with the presentation of the topic/abstract/objectives to the audience and ends with conclusions and a list of references. 1. Content of the report: - corresponds to the stated topic, fully reveals the topic; - should be made in an academic language; - reporter should present logical and convincing argumentation, complete and reasoned answers to the questions; - lack of factual errors; - reporter should understand the main terms of the report, if necessary – explain their meaning to the audience; - appropriate conclusions to the stated objectives. 2. Presentation design: - the presence of illustrative material (maps, diagrams, tables, photos) with an indication of the source; - a list of sources, drawn up in accordance with the requirements. 3. Speech: - it is not allowed to read in advance prepared text on any medium; - the roles of the participants are evenly distributed; - compliance with the time limit (20 minutes). NOTE that the highest grade (10) implies the involvement of the audience in the discussion.
- Presentation № 2Depending on the number of students, presentations will be conducted in groups by 2-4 students. The time limit for presentation is 20 minutes and should not be exceeded. Students are expected to read literature recommended in the syllabus, as well as to search for extra sources, especially in order to get most recent information on the topic of their presentation. The report begins with the presentation of the topic/abstract/objectives to the audience and ends with conclusions and a list of references. 1. Content of the report: - corresponds to the stated topic, fully reveals the topic; - should be made in an academic language; - reporter should present logical and convincing argumentation, complete and reasoned answers to the questions; - lack of factual errors; - reporter should understand the main terms of the report, if necessary – explain their meaning to the audience; - appropriate conclusions to the stated objectives. 2. Presentation design: - the presence of illustrative material (maps, diagrams, tables, photos) with an indication of the source; - a list of sources, drawn up in accordance with the requirements. 3. Speech: - it is not allowed to read in advance prepared text on any medium; - the roles of the participants are evenly distributed; - compliance with the time limit (20 minutes). NOTE that the highest grade (10) implies the involvement of the audience in the discussion.
- Test (in-class participation)Lecturers evaluate students’ progress with passing tests based on the materials of each lecture session. The component is calculated as an average grade achieved on all tests. Accumulative marks for tests (min – 0, max – 10) are released at the end of the course (before the final assessment takes place).
- ExamThe exam for the course will be held in the test format on the SmartLMS platform, includes 30 questions. Regulations: quiz = 1 minute, fill the gaps = 2 minutes, open-ended = 3 minutes. Updating the answer is not allowed.
Interim Assessment
- 2022/2023 2nd module0.2 * Presentation № 1 + 0.5 * Exam + 0.2 * Presentation № 2 + 0.1 * Test (in-class participation)
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Hamid, M. E. B. A. (2006). Understanding the Cham Identity in Mainland Southeast Asia: Contending Views. SOJOURN: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia, 21(2), 230–253. https://doi.org/10.1355/sj21-2e
- Harry Irwin. (1996). Communicating with Asia : Understanding People and Customs. Routledge.
- Ming Dong Gu. (2018). Why Traditional Chinese Philosophy Still Matters : The Relevance of Ancient Wisdom for the Global Age. Routledge.
- Pan, C. (2015). Understanding Chinese Identity in International Relations: A Critique of Western Approaches. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.B31BB10D
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Croucher, S. M. (2016). Understanding Communication Theory : A Beginner’s Guide. New York: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1055331
- Nuyen, A. T. (2003). Confucianism, Globalisation and the Idea of Universalism. Asian Philosophy, 13(2/3), 75–86. https://doi.org/10.1080/0955236032000162727
- Tamaki, T. (2019). Repackaging national identity: Cool Japan and the resilience of Japanese identity narratives. https://doi.org/10.1080/02185377.2019.1594323
- Yu, F.-L. T., & Kwan, D. S. M. (2008). Social construction of national identity: Taiwanese versus Chinese consciousness. Social Identities, 14(1), 33–52. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504630701848515