PS5111 - Research Design in Political Science

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): PS5101, PS6101
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This module is an introduction to some of the research methods used in the empirical study of politics and public policy. The objective is to familiarise students with (i) concepts in research design, and (ii) practices in analytical methods. Topics covered include the logic of empirical research, sampling methods, descriptive statistics, probability distributions, statistical estimation and inference, and hypothesis testing in group comparisons and regression analysis. Besides regular homework assignments, there will also be a mid-term test, a project, and a final examination.

PS6770 - Graduate Research Seminar

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This is a required module for all research Master’s and Ph.D. students admitted from AY2004/05. The module provides a forum for students and faculty to share their research and to engage one another critically in discussion of their current research projects. The module will include presentations by faculty on research ethics and dissertation writing. Each student is required to present a formal research paper. Active participation in all research presentations is expected. The module may be spread over two semesters and will be graded “Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory” on the basis of student presentation and participation.

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This module covers basic inferential statistics and its application to the systematic study of politics. Topics covered will include descriptive statistics, sampling and probability, simple and multiple regression, interpretation of regression coefficients, regression diagnostics, visualisation of data, and computation of quantities of substantive interest. The focus is on the statistical underpinnings of the ordinary least square regression model and on developing practical data analysis skills.

PS5603 - Introduction to Qualitative Methods

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This module is an introduction to qualitative methods in political science. After a review of the main competing epistemological approaches we concentrate on the most prevalent qualitative method in political science: the comparative case-study. We then turn to interpretivism, ethnography, and discourse analysis, and their respective applications in political science.

PS6603 - Topics in Political Science Research Methods

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): PS5111
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

The module provides graduate students with intensive, focused, and hands-on training in specific advanced research methods. It introduces students to and familiarizes them with such advanced quantitative and qualitative methods as multiple regression, structural equation modeling, qualitative comparative analysis, experimental design, and interpretative methods. Unlike existing methods modules, which aim to provide a general introduction to a wide variety of research methods, this module focuses on the development of highly specific methodological skills.

PS6660 - Independent Study

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

Independent research plays an important role in graduate education. The Independent Study Module is designed to enable the student to explore an approved topic in Political Science in depth. The student should approach a lecturer to work out an agreed topic, readings, and assignments for the module. A formal, written agreement is to be drawn up, giving a clear account of the topic, programme of study, assignments, evaluation, and other pertinent details. The Head’s and/or Graduate Coordinator’s approval of the written agreement is required. Regular meetings and reports are expected. Evaluation is based on 100% Continuous Assessment and must be worked out between the student and the lecturer prior to seeking departmental approval.

PS5312 - Seminar in Comparative Politics

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): PS5213, PS6301B
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This seminar will survey the methodology, dominant approaches and theories in comparative politics. The seminar will place emphasis on methodological and theoretical issues that are common to the study of comparative politics. Classic works by leading comparativists will be used to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the existing methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of comparative politics.

PS5313 - Seminar in State and Society

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This seminar builds on and complements the graduate core module in comparative politics PS5312 Seminar in Comparative Politics. It will place emphasis on understanding, analysing, and critiquing the numerous methodological, theoretical, and empirical issues in the more contemporary studies of comparative politics. Prominent, cutting-edge research by new emerging comparative scholars will be used to illustrate the advances and limitations of the frontiers of comparative political science.

PS5319 - The American Presidency

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This module surveys the foundations of American presidential authority and power, traces the historical development of the institution, and evaluates various scholarly approaches to understanding the American presidency. The American presidency was the first of its kid, the distinguishing feature of one of two prototypical systems of government that has come to be known as presidentialism, in contrast to parliamentarism.

PS5321 - Seminar in Chinese Politics

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): PS6316
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This seminar addresses some major questions of politics in China in recent decades. These include leadership succession, economic privatization, new forms of social stratification, representation and elections, civil society, changing rural governance, corruption, protest politics, the role of the Internet, and ethnic politics. The module will review current scholarship and provide a foundation for masters and doctoral students planning to undertake research on Chinese politics.

PS6314 - Advanced Studies in Asian Politics

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): GEK2003, SSA2209

This module is meant to familiarise students with some of the more important domestic political issues in Northeast and Southeast Asia. It will examine a number of common themes that are relevant to both regions like political development and stability, state-society and civil-military relations and comparative democratisation. The module is ideal for students who would like to acquire a broader and deeper understanding of Asia and reflect on sub-regional differences.

PS5314 - Seminar in International Relations

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): IZ5102, PS5208, PS6208, PS6301A, PS6401
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This is a core module in international relations which also challenges post-graduate students to begin original research in the subfield. Masters and Ph.D. students who specialise in international relations will be required to read this module. The module will introduce to students important and influential theories on international relations, including realism and liberalism, that attempt to explain cooperation and conflict among nations. Students will also be exposed to some of the important methods of analysis - such as case studies, formal modeling, and statistical analysis - that help distinguish the current study of international relations from that of previous eras. Important approaches, such as constructivism and rational choice, will also be discussed. Under the instructor's guidance, students will undertake an academic-quality presentation to the class and write a paper which proposes in detail an original research project in international relations.

PS5408 - International Institutions

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): PS5404, PS6404
Cross-listing(s): Nil

There are various types of international institutions with implications for international politics, security, and economic affairs. In this regard, the module examines issues such as transnationalism, complex interdependence, regime theory, neo-functionalism, and neo-liberalism. Apart from examining global institutions like the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organisation, special emphasis is placed on institutions that have direct impacts on international relations in Asia, including ASEAN, APEC, ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEM, and SAARC. Students interested in International Relations are encouraged to read this module.

PS6402 - International Conflict and Security

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

The main emphasis of the module will be to explore major theoretical concerns in international conflict. The connection between basic theories about the nature, determinants and dynamics of international conflict will be analysed. Protracted conflicts like the ones in the Middle East, South Asia and Northeast Asia will be studied in depth. Conflict termination strategies and the role of track two diplomacy and third party mediation will also be explained. The seminar will also discuss other non-traditional security issues, including environmental protection, terrorism, and migration, in light of theories on conflict resolution and cross-country cooperation. Students interested in International Relations are encouraged to read this module.

PS5201 - Seminar in Political Theory

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): PS5315/PS5315R
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This is a core module in political theory designed for students in any subfield of political science. It selectively examines both the history of the subject and current ideas, theorists, and methodologies. Particular attention is given to alternative understandings of the activity of theorising (e.g., scientific explanation, historical explanation, cultural interpretation, moral prescription, and philosophical analysis of concepts and presuppositions) and to debates about the character and aims of political theorising.

PS5316 - Seminar in Public Administration

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This seminar is designed for graduate students in any subfield of political science. The module examines the intellectual history of public administration and the basic issues that confront it today. The seminar pays particular attention to administrative responsibility and ethics and to the formulation and implementation of public policy. To this end, it will emphasise the nexus of public administration and politics.

PS5317 - Seminar in Public Policy

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): PS5111
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This module surveys the major theories of public policy-making within the political science literature. It pays particular attention to theoretical frameworks for explaining public policy processes. Students will learn how different theoretical frameworks handle questions of stability and change in public policy, such as why some social problems get on the political agenda and others fail to receive the attention of government, and why some policies remain relatively stable over time and others change more frequently.

PS5503 - Decentralisation and Local Governance

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Students must have a basic proficiency in social science quantitative research.
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

The last thirty years has seen a wave of enthusiasm for decentralization, with advocates suggesting its implementation as a remedy to some of the most intractable problems in governance. Yet the anticipated benefits of these reforms have since been distributed unevenly. By engaging cutting-edge empirical and theoretical research from economics and political science, this seminar will examine the promise and pitfalls of decentralization across diverse contexts. Looking across sectors, special attentions will be given to understanding the conditions under which decentralization achieves greater political accountability, improves service delivery, and boosts economic growth.

PS5504 - Development Theory, Policy and Institutions

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This module deals with theories, policies and institutions related to socioeconomic development. After introducing the major concepts and dimensions of development, it critically examines the major traditions of development theories (conservative, reformist, radical). It discusses major development policies practiced especially in the developing world. The module also covers alternative institutional choices – the state, local government, private sector and non-government organization – in carrying out development plans and policies. It may also include recent debates on Asian models of development depending on the lecturer’s interest or preference to cover such models.

PS5505 - Public Administration Theory

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): PS2240 Introduction to Public Administration or its equivalent subject to the approval of the Instructor.
Preclusion(s): PS6504
Cross-listing(s): Nil

The teaching and learning objectives of this module are to examine various administrative theories and their limitations; to explain recent theoretical developments in public administration; and to analyse these theories and issues in relation to practical administrative systems in various regions and countries. The topics covered in this module include theoretical approaches to public organisation; new theories or models of public management; issues of administrative behaviour (e.g., decision making, leadership, ethics, and accountability); limits of administrative theories; and relevance of western theoretical debates to non-western societies.

PS6505 - Development Policy and Administrations

Modular Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

The teaching and learning objectives of the module are to introduce theories of development; to explain development policies and puzzles; to examine major current challenges faced by developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America; and to identify viable development alternatives. The major topics will include development concepts and theories, sectoral development policies, institutional reforms for development, role of government and non-government organisations in development, development dilemmas and challenges, and future direction of development.