Outline

Overview

This unit of study analyses the economic experiences and policies of key East Asian countries with significant economic ties with Australia. The unit will first introduce how some of these countries achieved the miraculous post-war economic growth and analyse their growth success using economic models. The unit identifies the key issues and challenges facing these countries in both social and global contexts. Emphasis will be placed on the bilateral and multilateral economic relations of East Asian countries with Australia.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Economics
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	ECON1001 or ECON1002 or BUSS1040 or ECON1040
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	FASS2300
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Kim, kim.david@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Paper-based exam	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Online quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	1%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	100 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	In-semester test Paper-based test	25%	Week 08 Due date: 25 Sep 2025 at 12:30	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	In-class quizzes Lecture participation quizzes	5%	Weekly	250 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Online quizzes Online quizzes	9%	Weekly	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Tutorial participation and presentation Attendance and participation	10%	Weekly	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task: There will be an Early Feedback Task in the form of a small online quiz worth 1%.
Online quizzes: There will be 9 sets of small online quizzes throughout the semester. Students are advised to attempt and complete online quizzes regularly after they have covered and fully studied the relevant topics. Each quiz is based on lecture contents in the preceding weeks, and contains multiple-choice and possibly true/false questions. Once you start your attempt, you will have 30 minutes to submit your answer. Do not expect to complete them at the last minute close to the deadline. Computer unavailability is not an acceptable excuse. You can submit the assignment only ONCE. The quizzes will be computer-marked on Canvas.
In-semester test: Designed as an early indicator of your progress in the unit, the in-semester test will be closed book.
Final examination: Held during the final exam period, the end-of-semester exam will be closed book. Students must achieve at least 45% in the final exam in order to pass the unit.
Tutorial participation: From Week 1 to 13, there will be a weekly tutorial, except for Week 8 due to the in-semester test. Students should attend their designated tutorial class throughout the semester.
In-class quizzes: There will be weekly in-lecture quizzes worth 5%.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High Distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a Credit a good standard, and a Pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Distinction	75 - 84	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Credit	65 - 74	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Pass	50 - 64	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introducing the unit and East Asian success stories	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Review of economic concepts and models useful for understanding East Asian economies	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Korea's economic development	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Contemporary challenges for Korea and East Asia	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Japan's modernisation and industrialisation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	China's economic development	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Review of economic policies in East Asia	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	No lecture: In-semester test	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	ASEAN economic development	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Asian Financial Crisis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	East Asian growth post AFC and Global Financial Crisis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Trade and financial integration in East Asia: Case study of Korea and other EA economies	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Summing up the successes, failures and future challenges in East Asia	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 80% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas. Some basic readings are:

Schuman, Michael (2009) The Miracle: The Epic Story of Asia’s Quest for Wealth. Harper Collins.
Perkins, Dwight H. (2013) East Asian Development: Foundations and Strategies. Harvard University Press.
Rodrik, Dani (2009) One Economics, Many Recipes: Globalization, Institutions, and Economic Growth. Princeton University Press. Introduction and Chapter 1.
Studwell, Joe (2013) How Asia Works: Success and Failure in the World’s Most Dynamic Region. Grove Press.

More readings will be given on a weekly basis.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. develop the key conceptual frameworks necessary for understanding East Asian economic growth
LO2. demonstrate understanding of the historical backgrounds and initial conditions that shaped the current East Asian economies
LO3. apply economic models for analysing historical and contemporary economic outcomes and policies of East Asia
LO4. identify current challenges and opportunities East Asian economies pose.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Comments have been incorporated.

Additional information

School of Economics Student Portal

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ECOS2025: East Asian Economies

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links