COURSE CURRICULUM

The Politics and Media in East Asia MA program offers a focused study of the region through the lens of both political and cultural perspectives. The core module, International Politics in East Asia, examines the key structures, actors, and ideas shaping contemporary international relations in the region. It introduces students to new theories of international order and identity while addressing changing power dynamics, regional leadership, and emerging multilateral frameworks, including ASEAN-led initiatives. The module engages students with traditional and emerging challenges, such as the Korean Peninsula crisis, Taiwan Strait tensions, maritime disputes, and environmental threats, through interactive seminars, group tasks, and team projects that incorporate media and foreign policy analysis. Complementing this, the Media, Culture and Society in East Asia module explores how media and culture interact within East Asian societies. Students examine power, propaganda, politics of memory and representation, globalisation, and transnational cultural exchanges, with case studies covering Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. Various media forms, including film, television, radio, digital archives, animation, memorials, and museums, are analysed to understand their role in shaping societal narratives and national identities. Together, these modules equip students with the knowledge and analytical skills to critically evaluate the intersection of politics, media, and culture in East Asia, preparing them for careers in journalism, policy, international relations, and research.