POL 325 - Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia provides a striking example of the central challenge facing much of the developing world, balancing rapid economic development and environmental protection. Much of the region’s tropical forests have been cleared to make way for agriculture, plantations, and industrial development. Yet despite these inroads, many nations, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, still support a spectacular diversity of natural habitats and species. This course examines the recent history of economic and environmental change in Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, focusing on the role of high technology industry, resource extraction, and environmental planning. Students will travel to Singapore to study urban environmental planning, visit semiconductor plants and sustainable development agencies in Malaysia, and explore development issues in Vietnam. Prerequisite(s): POL 130 or consent.