Course Information
Course title
 Seminar on Comparative Politics of Southeast Asia 
Semester
 112-2 
Designated for
 COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES  DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE  
Instructor
 KAI-PING HUANG 
Curriculum Number
 PS5720 
Curriculum Identity Number
 322EU2560 
Class
  
Credits
 2.0 
Full/Half
Yr.
 Half 
Required/
Elective
 Elective 
Time
 Friday 3,4(10:20~12:10) 
Remarks
 The upper limit of the number of students: 30. 
  
Course introduction video
 
Table of Core Capabilities and Curriculum Planning
 Table of Core Capabilities and Curriculum Planning
Course Syllabus
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Course Description

In this course, we will discuss theories and concepts related to political development in Southeast Asian countries. Our discussion will focus on the reasons behind the differences in political development between these countries, as well as key factors influencing their economic, social, and political progress. Students will be introduced to several different themes throughout the course, with each week focusing on different countries. For a full participation in class discussions, students should supplement their knowledge with information regarding the history and systems of Southeast Asian countries outside of class.
The purpose of this course is to guide students in understanding the following questions:
 What are the influences of colonialism, economic development, ethnic identity, religious beliefs, and culture on Southeast Asian political development?
 What causes some countries to be able to democratize while others cannot?
 What are the challenges to Southeast Asia's democratic consolidation? In what ways does autocratization occur in the region?
 

Course Objective
 By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. identify and analyze concepts and theories in comparative politics related to Southeast Asian contexts;
2. examine these concepts and theories in real-life case studies and gain a better understanding of the criteria and methods for cross-national analysis;
3. articulate and demonstrate how to apply the concepts and theories in your own analysis;
4. gain in-depth understandings of the following countries: the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
 
Course Requirement
 Reading discussion 10%
In-class discussion 15%
Mid-term exam 25%
Group presentations 20%
Final term paper 30%
 
Student Workload (expected study time outside of class per week)
 1-2 hours 
Office Hours
 Fri. 12:30~13:30 Note: Or by appointment 
Designated reading
 See material list 
References
 See material list 
Grading
  
No.
Item
%
Explanations for the conditions
1. 
 Reading Discussion 
10% 
 To complete one record, submit your questions or thoughts regarding the course readings to NTU COOL before class begins. TWO records can be exempted. That is, in the case of 12 weeks of discussion, students only need 9 records to gain 100 points. Adding extra submissions is a bonus, but the final score shouldn't exceed 12. 
2. 
 In-class Discussion 
15% 
 This course is premised on active discussion and students are expected to come to class having completed the readings and ready to discuss them. THREE records can be exempted. That is, in the case of 12 weeks of discussion, students only need 9 records to gain 100 points. Adding extra submissions is a bonus, but the final score shouldn't exceed 12. 
3. 
 Mid-term Exam 
25% 
 The mid-term exam will include short answer and essay questions. Application and identification are stressed more than memorization of material. The test will be conducted online and will last two hours.  
4. 
 Group Presentations 
20% 
 Students should form groups with 3 members at the beginning of the semester. First come, first served. The topic is to discuss a critical moment in the history of a country of your choice and its influence on the development of its politics.  
5. 
 Final Term Paper 
30% 
 Students will write an essay (not more than 5 pages) on a topic they choose for the final report. The instructor will provide the topic in advance. Grading criteria will include whether or not there is a clear argument, sufficient and convincing reasons and evidence to support the argument, and the relevance of the argument to the literature. 
 
Adjustment methods for students
  
Teaching methods
 Assisted by video
Assignment submission methods
 Mutual agreement to present in other ways between students and instructors
Exam methods
 Written (oral) reports replace exams
Others
 Negotiated by both teachers and students
Progress
Week
Date
Topic
Week 1
 2/23  Course Introduction 
Week 2
 3/1  The Legacy of Colonialism: Indonesia and the Philippine 
Week 3
 3/8  The Legacy of Colonialism: Malaysia, Singapore, and Myanmar 
Week 4
 3/15  The Legacy of Colonialism: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand 
Week 5
 3/22  Nationalist Movement 
Week 6
 3/29  Ethnic Conflicts: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar 
Week 7
 4/5  Holiday 
Week 8
 4/12  Mid-term exam 
Week 9
 4/19  uthoritarian Resilience 
Week 10
 4/26  Clientelism: Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand 
Week 11
 5/3  Clientelism: Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore 
Week 12
 5/10  Challenges of Democratization 
Week 13
 5/17  Democratic Backsliding 
Week 14
 5/24  Group Presentations 
Week 15
 5/31  Q & A 
Week 16
 6/7  Final term paper due