Advanced-level readings and analysis of economic and social development issues in the Asian region. Objective: To research and discuss issues of livelihood, environmental resources, health, and migration within the ASEAN countries in the postwar and contemporary periods.
The focus is on the issues that have arisen from the impact of economic development on local communities and ordinary citizens.
Method: In addition to reading theoretical and critical works on development, there is weekly discussion based on the readings. We adopt a regional focus on Southeast and East Asian with successful and unsuccessful examples. There is also a practical and micro-level focus on the people and communities that are experiencing development themselves. After the mid-term, we explore various strategies for Sustainable Development and participatory development by looking at some current projects in Asia.
We look at 5 main issues in contemporary development in rural Asia: 1) Unsustainable and Sustainable livelihoods in rural areas 2) Efforts to fulfil Basic Human Needs and Human Security 3) Labor force: gender, migration (both domestic and cross-border), wages 4) Public Health issues and policies 5) Impacts of Climate Change on developing countries and populations。
For a basic grasp of the topics above, students will need to complete a fair amount of reading each week. After reading the assigned materials for each week and participating in the lectures on the reading material, students are expected to participate in questions and discussion. Students should also look at the materials and issues from a multi-faceted point of view. For this purpose they should also research on their own into other relevant primary sources, including books, websites, and current statistical data. Suggestions on these other materials are offered in class.