This course introduces contemporary theories concerned with social change, structural differentiation and development. The course examines the economic, political and social processes involved in societal change and considers inter alia the significance of capitalist and socialist modes of production. It explores the tension between treating development as a matter of economic growth and the need to see development as involved with environmental issues and an improvement in the quality of life. Students are at different points in the semester invited to consider the relationship between social position, political power and policy making. Detailed studies are made of selected Southeast Asian societies (China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand).