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HIS 195,
INTRODUCTION TO EAST ASIAN HISTORY

INTRODUCTION: HIS 195, Introduction to East Asian History, undertakes a survey of East Asian history, primarily focusing on political, economic, social and cultural developments in China, Japan and Korea between 1600 and the present day. 

Emphasis is placed on acquiring a basic understanding of (a) the character of traditional Chinese and Japanese civilizations before the arrival of the modernizing West and (b) the historical consequences of the interaction between the West and East Asia (China, Japan and Korea) thereafter. The course has been purposefully designed to provide a background against which contemporary East Asia might be better understood and appreciated.

Course content examines the characteristics of various systems and institutions (social, political, economic and cultural) within the traditional Chinese and Japanese cultural milieu. The modernization process, the Westernization process and the fate of traditional institutions, systems and customs also will be explored. Strong consideration will be given the Chinese, Japanese and Korean quest for national survival on the modern international scene and the impact of change on both individuals and groups within these various East Asian societies.   
  
MAJOR COURSE OBJECTIVES: at the end of fifteen weeks of instruction, students enrolled in HIS 195, Introduction to East Asia History, should be able to --  

• identify basic terms, events, personalities, themes and concepts associated with the study of Chinese, Japanese and Korean culture and history; 
• identify and locate important items of geographical information and both evaluate and explain the impact of the physical environment on the development of Chinese, Japanese and Korean cultures; 
• discuss selected aspects of East Asian life in historical perspective and comparative context, pointing out and evaluating particularly continuing traditional influences and the impact of the West on modern day China, Japan and Korea; 
• given interpretive assignments regarding specific aspects of East Asian culture and/or history, demonstrate a firm grasp of the interpretive insights gained from the source material as well as an understanding of the topic's thematic, historical and cultural significance;
• utilize effectively a variety of resources to advance comprehension and understanding of East Asian history;
• demonstrate enhanced writing skills and higher order thinking skills;
• assess attitude shifts taking place in personal images associated with East Asia taking place as a result of enrolling in this course. 

The major content in HIS 195 will be decided upon by the students themselves, following the conclusion of an introductory series of exercises defining basic course objectives and possible approaches thereto.  
  
REGULAR ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION IN LECTURE AND DISCUSSION MEETINGS IS A BASIC COURSE REQUIREMENT.  
  
No examinations will be given in the course. Students will be asked to complete a series of seven Journal Assignments and two extended essays (for details, see assignments page).
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The basic course textbook (Ebrey, Walthall and Palais, Modern East Asia From 1600: A Cultural, Social, and Political History) is available for purchase in the bookstore; other assigned readings will be distributed in class or are accessible online. All text and essay assignments are noted in the course schedule on the date each is due.