Universität Wien
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150141 VU Economic Development in East Asia (2026S)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 15 - Ostasienwissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work
REMOTE

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 02.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 09.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 16.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 23.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 13.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 20.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 27.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 04.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 11.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 18.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 01.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 08.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 15.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 22.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital
  • Monday 29.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Digital

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course is conducted online. Some sessions, including Q&A discussions and tests, are held in real time via Zoom, while others consist of recorded lectures that can be accessed on demand. Participation requires a stable internet connection, a computer equipped with a webcam, speakers, and a microphone (or headset), as well as regular access to Moodle, which is automatically granted upon registration. Students are advised to ensure that these technical requirements are met before enrolling in the course.
Contents
Reflecting the course’s integrated teaching and learning approach, this course combines the development of theoretical knowledge with its application to selected East Asian cases from a comparative perspective. It is structured into three blocks:

• Block 1 (Theories): Introduction to key theories of economic development, including the East Asian Development Model.
• Block 2 (Country Cases): Analysis of the economic development processes of three Northeast Asian countries: Japan, South Korea, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
• Block 3 (Comparison): Re-examination of the three cases within a comparative framework derived from the literature, with particular attention to similarities and differences.

Expected learning outcomes:
Students will acquire knowledge of fundamental theories of economic development, including classical and neoclassical, Marxist, Keynesian, dependency, dirigiste, structuralist, and neoliberal approaches. They will understand the developmental trajectories of East Asian countries both in general terms and in their specific contexts. Furthermore, students will be able to conduct methodologically grounded comparative case analyses and apply the knowledge acquired to current developments in the region.

Assessment and permitted materials

Workload
Students are expected to engage in substantial reading throughout the semester. On average, this amounts to approximately 40 pages per week; additional reading is recommended for students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Students’ knowledge of each of the three course blocks will be assessed through multiple-choice tests. Further details regarding assessment will be provided during the Q&A sessions and via Moodle.

Assessment
Students will be assessed through three multiple-choice tests. All tests will be conducted online in real time at 15:00 on the dates announced on Moodle. Please note the following:
• No alternative dates will be offered for these tests.
• The examinations cannot be substituted by alternative assignments or activities.

Test structure and content:
1. Multiple-choice test on Block 1 (Theories of Economic Development). This test covers the content of the first four classes, including classical, neoclassical, and heterodox theories of development, as well as the East Asian Development (EAD) model.
2. Multiple-choice test on Block 2a (Country Cases of Economic Development). This test covers the economic development processes of Japan and South Korea.
3. Multiple-choice test on Blocks 2b and 3 (Comparative Perspectives on Economic Development in Northeast Asia). This test covers the economic development process of China and comparative aspects of economic development in Northeast Asia.

Grading:
The final grade for the course is calculated on the basis of the grades (not points) achieved in the three multiple-choice tests:
• Test 1: 33%
• Test 2: 34%
• Test 3: 33%
Please note that this is not a lecture course (“Vorlesung”). Consequently, tests will neither be repeated nor substituted by other forms of assessment. Students must ensure that they are able to participate in all tests before enrolling. Students who already know that this will not be possible should not register for this course. Missing a test for any reason will result in a grade of “5” for that test. Students are advised to take this into consideration when deciding to enroll.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

See above. Please also note:
De-registration for this course will be possible according to the date set by the central teaching administration of the University of Vienna. If you decide to drop out of the course after that date, you will be graded nevertheless.
Maintaining your registration for the course will be regarded as agreement with these terms.

Examination topics

See above.

Reading list

See Moodle.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 27.07.2026 09:27