Asia Pacific Studies and Politics

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.

Asia Pacific Studies

In your first year, core modules will introduce you to the history and development of Asia Pacific. You’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as Chinese history, Japanese politics or East Asian religions. Over the next two years you’ll build on this knowledge with core modules on political economy and international relations in the region, as well as further optional modules on topics such as Thai history or Buddhism.

Politics

Core modules in your first year will allow you to explore the similarities and differences between political systems and introduce you to key concepts, theories and ideas in politics. In the following year you’ll develop this knowledge by choosing from a range of optional modules on topics like security, electioneering and politics from the US to Africa, Europe and Asia Pacific. You’ll continue to pursue these interests by choosing from an even wider range of optional modules in your final year.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• IT for LCS Students 5 credits
• Politics, Culture and Society 20 credits
• Comparative Politics 20 credits
• Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas 20 credits

Optional modules

• Modern China 10 credits
• Chinese Culture in the Twentieth Century 10 credits
• Foundations of East Asia 20 credits
• Introduction to Religious and Philosophical Texts of East Asia 20 credits
• Introduction to East Asian Religions 20 credits

Year 2

Optional modules

• Contemporary Southeast Asia 20 credits
• East Asia's Regional Political Economy 20 credits
• Korea: Politics, Economy and International Relations 20 credits
• Politics of Contemporary China 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Final year project

Optional modules

• Japan's International Relations 20 credits
• The Making of Modern Thailand 20 credits
• Japanese Literature in Translation: Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan 20 credits
• South East Asia in the Global Context 20 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Asia Pacific Studies and Politics BA in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.

We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.