Course Descriptions
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Survey of East Asian Civilization
Modern China
Revolutionary China
China Today
Charlie Chan Meets Uncle Sam
Beyond the Western Frontier
 Medieval East Asia
Japan and the Four Dragons
Western Civilization I 
Western Civilization II


Hist 082: Survey of Asian Civilization
China
Japan
Syllabus 
Summer Syllabus

This one-semester Asian survey course provides an introduction to major issues in the historical development of China and Japan from antiquity to the present.  Lecture and readings emphasize the political, intellectual and religious heritage of these cultures — a heritage which today defines and influences Chinese and Japanese societies throughout the world.  Films, projects, and discussions during weekly "workshops" enable students to examine specific themes in greater detail, and to participate in informed and reasoned discourse on relevant, topical issues.  This course offers the opportunity for students to engage in cross-cultural study of countries with long and rich historical records; extraordinary, enduring cultural achievements; and increasingly important roles in contemporary international affairs.



Hist 184:  Modern China 
China  
 Syllabus
Lu Xun Stories

This course examines the unique, complex and compelling issues facing China from the First Opium War (1840) through the death of Mao (1976).  The first half of the course will explore the theme "Reform or Revolution": Changing Realities in China."  We will investigate the internal and external forces which generated and directed political, economic and social change in China between 1840 and 1911.  The final half of the course will focus on the theme: "Right or Left?: China's New Polity."  We will trace the intricate route of China's search for stable government after the collapse of the Qing.  The goals of this course are to develop a comprehensive understanding of China's modern historical development, and to encourage students to analyze events from a China-centered viewpoint: that is, to "see" modern China and the world through Chinese — not Western — eyes.


Hist 196: Revolutionary China
China
Syllabus

The history of China in the 20th century can be defined by one word:  revolution.  In its search for sovereignty, wealth and power in a modern world, China has negotiated a turbulent course through monarchy and free markets, republicanism and bureaucratic capitalism, communism and planned economy, and now socialism with "Chinese characteristics." Constant upheaval over the last century has ravaged nearly every aspect of the nation's political, social and economic systems, and forged entirely new structures.  Through a number of historical and literary texts, "Revolution in China" will explore the varied forces which have shaped those structures and directed the nation's modern revolutionary history.  This course will not only provide students a comprehensive historical background to China's recent development, but also provide insight into the memories and motivations of its people, who are still coming to terms with this revolutionary past as they attempt to build a modern China.


Hist 196: China Today
China
Syllabus

China today: A dynamic nation on firm foundation, or a system on the verge of disaster?  A people subjugated to communism, or edging inexorably toward democracy?  An unprecedented economic success, or an unimaginable environmental calamity?  A threat to American hegemony, or potential ally in the pursuit of global peace and cooperation?  This course examines major issues and dominant trends in China today that bear directly on the political, social and economic development of the nation.  A variety of readings will provide insight into New China's  successes and failures and the aspirations of its people.  Expanding on this foundation, students will conduct research based on primary and secondary sources, and prepare a formal seminar paper that will be presented in class.


Hist 196/197: Charlie Chan Meets Uncle Sam
China
196 Syllabus
197 Syllabus
Since the first U.S.-flagged ship, the Empress of China, set sail for the Orient on February 22, 1784, Americans and Chinese have been engaged in a extended, circumspect process of mutual discovery.  Missionary, merchant and travelogue accounts forged an American image of the Chinese and their culture as inscrutable, mysterious, devious, and seductive.  Businessmen, coolie, and student reports created a Chinese image of Americans and their culture as industrious, wanton, brash and racist.  Historical circumstances influenced these respective images, as the roller coaster relationship of the two nations fluctuated between friendship and hostility.  These two courses explore the evolution of this relationship from the late 18th century to the present, providing insight into the cultural formation of the Orient and the Occident.


Hist 255:  Beyond the Western Frontier:  American
Interests in China, 1800-2000
China
Syllabus

Through a varied and extensive sampling of published articles, this course examines the development of a unique relationship between the United States and China over the past two centures.  Although slower than the major European nations in awakening to the "startling possibilities of the Orient," the United States ultimately is drawn into Chinese affairs by diverse special interest groups.  Ranging from missionaries to merchants, and marines to diplomats, these groups prodded an often reluctant Amerian government into playing a more active and influential role in China and the Far East.  This course traces that development of American political, economic, social and military involvement in China from early 18th century tea traders to post-war policies of containment.


Hist 197: Medieval East Asia
Inquiry into Tang, Song, Heian and Kamakura Life
China
Syllabus

How may we define "medieval" in East Asian history?  What separated this historical period from ancient or modern eras?  What political, social and economic developments characterize this period?  Are these developments unique to Chinese or Japanese cultures?  How does life in East Asia during this period compare to that in medieval Europe?  This course addresses these and others compelling questions through a variety of historical and literary readings in medieval China and Japan.  It provides students with a "cross-sectional slice" of life – religious beliefs, political intrigues, commercial innovations, aesthetic conventions, social developments and military exploits – that offers insight into the remarkable peoples and times of the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279) and the Heian and Kamakura periods (794-1333). 


Hist 183:  Japan and the Four Dragons
China
Syllabus
Japan and the Four Dragons – Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea – have driven Asia's dramatic economic development for most of the second half of the 20th century.  Today, Sony, Nikon, and Hyundai are familiar names in households from Anchorage to Zambia.  How did these five relatively small, politically disparate states develop into such economic giants?  What common factors – if any – have contributed to their phenomenal growth?  Are they the vanguard of a new Asia, destined to dominate the 21st century?  Will they be overwhelmed politically and economically by China's dominating influence in the region?  Is a new "Asian Bloc" emerging to challenge NAFTA and the European Community?  What role will these nations play in maintaining Asian stability in the face of regional brinkmanship, terrorism, and separatist movements?  These are only a few of the questions to be explored in this historical examination of modern Japan and the Four Dragons


Hist 001: Growth of Western Civilization I
Resources
Syllabus

The Growth of Western Civilization I provides an introduction to the development of Western Civilization from prehistory to the Age of Discovery (16th century).  Lectures and readings explore the political, intellectual, economic and religious heritage of Western nations, which have shaped and continue to define European and New World societies.  In particular, this course identifies and examines specific contributions of various "European" peoples to the historical and cultural  development of western civilization.  Films, projects and discussions during Friday "workshops" enable students to examine specific themes in greater detail, and to participate in informed and reasoned discourse on relevant issues.  The goal of this course is for students will develop a broad understanding of the early evolution of modern Western civilization, which will enable them to more critically analyze the past and its relation to current world events.


Hist 002: Growth of Western Civilization II
Resources
Syllabus

The Growth of Western Civilization II provides an introduction to the development of Western Civilization from 1700 to the present.  Lectures and readings explore the political, intellectual, economic and religious heritage of Western nations, which have shaped and continue to define European and New World societies.  In particular, this course traces the intricate course of modern state building from absolute monarchism to liberal democracy and Communism.  Emphasis is placed on identification and analysis of unique historical factors which influenced the specific development of modern states in Europe and the United States.  Films, projects and discussions during Friday "workshops" enable students to examine specific themes in greater detail, and to participate in informed and reasoned discourse on relevant issues.  The goal of this course is for students to develop a broad understanding of the evolution of modern Western civilization, which will enable them to more critically analyze the past and its relation to current world events.