This course is an introduction to East Asian civilization, as well as to ways through which one can examine and understand the historical roots of current affairs in and related to East Asia. The course will help students to explore not only the dramatic changes in politics, culture, and society during the past centuries, but also their impact on people's lives in contemporary East Asia. We will learn how to use various sources, such as official documents, biographical literature, films, newspapers and magazines, to study three major themes: (1) changes and continuity in modern East Asia (with a focus on historical, social, and cultural aspects); (2) interactions between East Asian countries; and (3) East Asia in the world (with a focus on the encounters between East Asia and the West). |