Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.310.305

China, Southeast Asia, and U.S. National Security

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.51)

The global political and security landscape of the 21st century will be shaped by the rivalry between two superpowers -- China and the U.S. For the foreseeable future, the geographic focus of that contest will be Southeast Asia and the surrounding maritime space, particularly the South China Sea. Southeast Asia is a complex, highly differentiated region of ten-plus nations, each with its own unique history and relationship with China. This course will introduce Southeast Asia as a key region -- geographically, economically, and strategically -- often overlooked by policymakers and scholars. It will also focus on the craft of national security strategy as the best tool for understanding the multi-sided competition, already well underway involving China, the U.S., and the Southeast Asian states.

Fall 2012

(4.48)

Fall 2013

(4.32)

Fall 2014

(4.74)

Fall 2012

Professor: Marvin Ott

(4.48)

The best aspect of this course was the extremely experienced and knowledgeable professor. Professor Ott delivered engaging and interesting lectures, while encouraging dialogue from all students. The worst aspect of this course was the grading system, which consisted of only two assignments spaced really close together. To improve the course, students suggest giving more assignments that are spaced equal y throughout the semester. Prospective students should know that this is an insightful class and they will learn a lot about Southeast Asia. 96

Fall 2013

Professor: Marvin Ott

(4.32)

Students praised the course’s instructor who was described as very knowledgeable and capable of explaining things so that even non-political science majors could understand the materials. Some students thought the once-a-week class was too long, and others wished that students’ grades were evaluated by more than a handful of assignments. Suggestions for improvement included a clearer structure for class assignments as well as additional graded assignments that would allow for more feedback opportunities. Prospective students should know that students found the class to be engaging but disliked that a student’s final grade was determined by a handful of assignments. 97

Fall 2014

Professor: Marvin Ott

(4.74)

Students praised this course for having a knowledgeable professor who was able to bring his own firsthand knowledge of the topic to the classroom. Perceived issues with the course include a general feeling that the three hour-long lectures once a week didn’t tend to be engaging, causing students to feel bored in the class. Suggestions for improvement included a desire by multiple students that the course have fewer students enrol ed so that there could be more in-class discussions. Prospective students should know that students found it important to stay engaged in class and that doing readings prior to class was a necessity.

Lecture Sections

(01)

No location info
m. Ott
13:30 - 16:00