LAS436 Perspectives on East Asian Economy and Business

Spring Semester 2025/26

15 credits

Module Organiser: Dr. Mike Prentice  (mike.prentice@sheffield.ac.uk) 

Overview

East Asia represents one of the world's most dynamic economic regions, yet has long been explained as different from other economies. This module will introduce students to the history of ideas of East Asian industrialization and capitalism over the past 150 years. Perspectives from scholars both within and outside of East Asia have looked at issues of culture, politics, religion, and values to explain East Asia's differences. By learning the legacies of these perspectives, we will understand how they continue to influence and explain economic policies, business activities, and academic research in East Asia today. Students will learn to read, evaluate, and apply perspectives to contemporary business issues across China, Japan, and South Korea.

Topics Covered

• Eurocentrism

• Western intellectual legacies: Marx’s ‘Asiatic Mode of Production’, Weber’s legacy on cultural and religious explanations and The State vs. Market binary

• Historical legacies: The Chinese Tribute System, Japanese imperialism, and inter-regional East Asia and ‘Informal’ Social relations

• Contemporary perspectives: Postsocialism and Neoliberalism

Skills Development

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Critical thinking

• Communication skills

• Adaptability

• Global awareness

• Academic writing

• Translating knowledge

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 150 hours working on a 15-credit module. This will include:

• Lecture: 10 hours

• Seminar: 10 hours

• Independent study hours: 130 hrs