1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

context for understanding the radicalisation of the
Gorbachev reform agenda. The policies of glasnost and
~erestroikare interpreted as a response to the failure of
Andropov's technocratic economic reforms. The priority
given by Gorbachev to democratic political reforms
provides a basis for understanding his loss of the political
agenda and the consequent collapse of the Soviet Union as a
communist state.
Recommended reading
Hosking, G. A History of the Soviet Union. rev. edn, London,
Fontana Press, 1990
Schmidt-Haeuer, C. Gorbachw: The Path to Power. London, Pan
Books, 1986
AP304 Japan in Asia
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: two stage two
political studies subjects Assessment: seminar participation
and papers
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objectives and Content
A study of Japan's involvement in South-East and East Asia
since 1952. Students will be required to investigate Japan's
relationship with one nation and to examine the
E
0 ramifications of Japan's expanding role and influence in the
C Asia-Pacific region and the implications of the emerging
n patterns of political relationships, investment, aid and trade.
E.
F
AP308 Seminar in Political Studies
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: two stage two
political studies subjects Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Obiectives and Content
A series of advanced seminars on contemporary issues or an
intensive study of a specific topic in political studies. The
topics to be offered are specific illustrations of one or more
of the following broad themes within political studies the
politics of modern industrial society, scicial and political
change in Asia, and the political economy of
underdevelopment. These seminars include considerations of
the methodological questions involved.
In 1996 the subject will be devoted to the study of electoral
behaviour and political elites in Australia.
AP311 Politics of China B
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: two stage two
political studies subjects. AP206 is highly recommended,
Students who have not passed this subject are advised to
consult with the course convenor before enrolling
Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
(This subject cannot be taken by students who have passed
AP310 Politics of China B)
Obiectives and Content
By means of detailed case studies in Chinese foreign policy,
this subject aims to develop and explore ways of interpreting
and understanding the People's Republic of China's
relationships with other countries since 1949. The focus is
on countries within the Asian region, including Australia
and the United States. On the basis of some appreciation of
the issues and problems in domestic politics, topics will
include Maoist foreign policy, international relations, an
examination of the value of cultural and technological
exchanges with developed countries and China's current
'open door' policy.
Recommended reading
Klintworth, G. China's Modernisation: The Strategic Implications
for the Asia-Pacific Region. Canberra, AGPS, 1989
Yahuda, M. Towards the End of Isolationism: China's Foreign Policy
After Mao. London, Macmillan, 1983
AP312 Problems of Contemporary
South-East Asia
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: two stage two
political studies subjects Assessment: class participation, a
short seminar and a final paper of 3,000 words
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objectives and Content
This subject provides an understanding of the problems of
countries in Australia's region, and the background from
which many of Australia's most recent immigrants have
come. It is intended to develop students' capabilities for
undertaking research on the background of contemporary
issues, and for sifting facts out of the conflicting propaganda
and reportage, and identifying possible courses of action.
The present focus is on Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The
subject also deals with the impact events in Indochina have
had on Australia.
Recommended reading
Evans, G. and Rowley, K. Red Brotherhood at War: Vietnam,
Cambodia and Laos since 1975. Rev. edn, London, Verso, 1990
AP313 India - Uneven Development
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: two stage two
political studies subjects Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objectives and Content
The course highlights the uneven character of development
in India, relating it to the economic-political structure of
Indian society. It explains why a country with an extensive
and relatively advanced industrial base also suffers
widespread poverty. The course deals with both the
empirical and theoretical aspects of development in India.
Topics include 'green revolution', , land reform, agrarian
conflict, industrialisation, gender relations, caste and social
status, and population and family planning.
Recommended reading
Alavi, H. and Harriss, J. (eds) South Asia. Basingstoke, Macmillan,
1989
Jeffrey, R. et al. India: Rebellion To Republic Selected Writings,
1857-1990. New Delhi, Sterling, 1990
Stern, R. W., Changing India: Bourgeois Revolution on the
Subcontinent, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1993