James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

PL2110:03

Government and Politics in Developing Areas *

26 hours lectures, 10 hours tutorials. Semester 2.

Staff: Dr S Maisrikrod.

This is a comparative politics subject. It first introduces students to a variety of analytical approaches to understanding politics in the developing world. It will then compare important political practices and institutions of various countries, including structures of government, military in politics, bureaucratic politics, economic development, political parties and participation, civil society and democratisation, political violence and opposition and regional organisations, such as ASEAN and APEC. Empirically, the subject will focus on the Asia-Pacific region, a region of immense political, economic and strategic importance to Australia, but students will be given the opportunity to work on other parts of the developing world, such as Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe.

Learning Objectives:

1. enhance students’ skills in approaches to comparative political studies;
2. provide students with the ability to analyse and evaluate political events in developing countries more critically;
3. broaden students’ horizons on and appreciation of the different political systems and practices;
4. value students’ own political system against others’;
5. enhance students’ skills in research and writing in the discipline of political science.

Assessment by examination (40%); at least 10% invigilated tutorial work; the remainder, essay work, in accordance with University guidelines on invigilation. Assessment will be finalised after consultation with students.