Course Descriptions

ASIA 141 Introduction to Chinese Civilization (1)
This course is a preliminary introduction to Chinese civilization, beginning with the archaeological record and extending to the nineteenth century. This course will focus on a few themes and a few approaches instead of providing a comprehensive survey of the history of Chinese civilization. The purpose of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the development of Chinese tradition and the complexity of its culture by looking in depth at the following questions: what forces came together to produce Chinese civilization and how did they contribute to the formation of the notion of "Chineseness" over time? What were the roles of intellectual or philosophical thinkers in the development of Chinese cultural tradition? How can literature reveal details of the way people lived, the values they held and the ideas they followed? Cross Listing : HIST 141; W.Du;

ASIA 142 Introduction to Japanese and Korean Civilizations (1)
This course surveys the history and culture of the Korean peninsula and te Japanese archipelago to 1700. It examines the two distinct political entities and two distinct civilizataions that arose in these areas, as well as the shared history of cultural interaction and adaptation. Reading and analysis of primary sources will draw on the rich mythological, religious, philosophical, and literary traditions. Cross Listing : HIST 142; M.Schneider;

ASIA 205 Buddhism and Japanese Buddhism (1)
This course is an introduction to Buddhism, with specific emphasis on Japanese Buddhism. To these ends, it will canvass the principal tenets of Buddhism, namely, the four noble truths, the eight-fold path, dependent originations, the no-self, karma, etc., in the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. It will then consider the development of Japanese Buddhism from the Asuka (552-645 CE) through the Kamakura Periods (1185-1332 CE) by examining the rise of particular sects within Japanese Buddhism (Nara Schools, Tendai, Shingon, Pure Land, and Zen). Cross Listing : PHIL 205; W.Young;

ASIA 220 The Chinese Literary Tradition (1)
This course is an introduction to the rich literary tradition of China. It explores major literary genres such as poetry, historical narrative, drama, and vernacular fiction in pre-modern China. All readings are in English translation.W.Du;

ASIA 221 Women and Modern Chinese Literature (1)
This course explores the crucial role that women played in shaping modern Chinese literature. We will make close readings of short stories, autobiographies, novel excerpts, and complete novelettes of mostly female writers, exploring the ideas, themes, and theories that they were exploring while breaking new ground. We will also be dissecting these readings through our own contemporary literary lenses as a means of expanding the students' skills of literary interpretation and criticism that will be a concomitant benefit to the expansion of the students' knowledge of China and both its literary and historical past. Cross Listing : GWST 222; W.Du;

ASIA 222 Japanese Popular Culture (1)
Examines issues in contemporary life in Japan by focusing on the following forms of Japanese popular culture: pop song, enka, karaoke, manga (comics), anime (animation), video games, television drama, films, and idols (popular teenage singers and actors). Explores the forces by which Japan shapes itself in comparison with the U.S. and other countries, through different forms of pop culture. Cross Listing : JAPN 220; M.Matsuda;

ASIA 225 Introduction to Chinese Film (1)
This course is an introduction to Chinese cinema in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with emphasis on the ways film represents China, Chinese identity, cultural heritage, and Chinese modernity The course will include weekly film viewings and in-class discussion.W.Du;

ASIA 236 Ethnography of Southeast Asia (1)
This course uses ethnographic inquiry to study the diverse nations, ethnicities, religious traditions, and cultural processes that comprise contemporary Southeast Asia. Highlighting the way Southeast Asia has always been deeply connected to other parts of the world, it considers the legacy of colonialism, religious and social transformations, internal and external migration, the consequences of tourism, and the role of global capital in local economies.HSS; DV; Cross Listing : ANSO 236; N.Eberhardt;

ASIA 241 Modern China (1)
A survey of political, social, economic and intellectual history of China since 1800 with emphasis on the twentieth century. Topics include the changes in late imperial society, Western imperialism, the concept of revolution, the response of major world powers to China as a revolutionary power, and the struggles of contemporary Chinese society. HSS; Prereq : one course in history; HIST 141 is recommended; Cross Listing : HIST 241; M.Schneider;

ASIA 242 Modern Japan (1)
The emergence of Japan as a world power. A survey of the political, social and intellectual trends in the history of Japan since 1800. Topics include the collapse of the Tokugawa system, the beginnings of industrialization, Japan's relations with China and the Western powers, the Pacific War, postwar reconstruction and the making of an economic superpower. HSS; Prereq : one course in history; HIST 142 is recommended; Cross Listing : HIST 242; M.Schneider;

ASIA 320 Orientalism, Occidentalism, and Chinese Culture (1)
A theoretical survey of historical and contemporary relations between the Western world and the East, specifically China. Interdisciplinary in approach, this class investigates cultural interactions and classic Asian Studies theory through comparative analysis of diverse media, including: short stories, film, non-fiction, pop culture, and art forms. Topics such as colonialism, diaspora, appropriation of the Other, and trans-nationalism are also part of our focus. Prereq : junior standing; at least one course in Asian Studies recommended, or permission of the instructor; DV; Cross Listing : CHIN 320; W.Du;

ASIA 340 Culture and Diplomacy in Modern East Asia (1)
East Asian international relations from the early twentieth century to the present, focusing on the relationship between China and Japan, between these nations and the Western powers, the course of the major wars (Russo-Japanese, Sino-Japanese and the Pacific wars), and the influence of internal forces and developments on foreign policy decisions in China and Japan. Alternate years. Prereq : HIST 241, 242, and 285, or permission of the instructor; W; Cross Listing : HIST 340; Staff

ASIA 345 The Chinese Economy (1)
This course analyzes the evolution of the Chinese economy from 1900 to the present, with emphasis on the period of 1949-2000. It treats the topic as a vehicle for thinking about the nature and possibilities of capitalism and socialism. It also explores the differences between Marxist and conventional western economic theories of Chinese economic development. Prereq : sophomore standing, one from among ECON 110, 120, 340, 373, HIST 241, or PS 326, or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing : ECON 345; S.Cohn;

ASIA 370 Japanese Language and Culture (1)
See description for JAPN 270. Students who enroll in ASIA 370 complete additional requirements. Prereq : JAPN 101 or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing : JAPN 370; M.Matsuda;

ASIA 399 Senior Project (1/2 or 1)
Preparation of an independent research project under the guidance of Asian Studies faculty members. W; Staff