Asian Studies


Asian Studies 1102 (formerly C050): Introduction to Asian Religions
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 1102)

An introduction to the major Asian religions and their philosophical and cultural traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism). Emphasis is on the cultural roots of each religious tradition through an analysis of the religion's principal teachings and practices and the major cultural expressions in religious art, ritual, poetry, music, and scriptures. Note, this course is not open to those who have taken Religion 1101 or Religion 0107.



Asian Studies 1101 (formerly C053): Introduction to World Religions
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 1101)

An examination of how the major world religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) have tried to respond to humanities profoundest questions and a consideration of whether these religions still have meaning for modern persons. Human beings have throughout time tried to find an inner freedom, peace, or happiness that cannot be destroyed by anything, not even death. Despite the elusiveness of this quest, basic questions remain that we cannot easily escape: Who am I and why am I? What is the meaning of human life if in the end I must be erased by death? If there is a final meaning or purpose to life, how is it to be reached? Why is it so difficult to find peace? Am I ultimately alone, or is there a way of finding a home in this infinite universe? Why must there be evil and suffering, and how can they be overcome? Note, this course is not open to those who have taken Religion 1102 or Religion 1401.



Asian Studies 1802 (formerly C054): Arts of Asia
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Art History 1801)

A historical examination of Asian art as a religious expression and as a product of changing social and economic conditions. Includes architecture, sculpture, painting, and the functional arts of Asia (India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia). The material culture of Asia will be examined with an emphasis on differing worldviews and perspectives with which to see art. Note, field trips are mandatory in this class.



Asian Studies 1801 (formerly C084): Chinese and Japanese Literature in Cultural Context
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Critical Languages 1801)

An introduction to classical and modern Chinese and Japanese literature. Materials include literary texts, general readings, and films. Special attention will be given to similarities and differences in Chinese and Japanese culture. Knowledge of Chinese or Japanese language not required.



Asian Studies 2074 (formerly C086): Geography of East and South Asia
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: GUS 2074)

A course whose main objective is to introduce students to the peoples and environments of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. More than one-half of the world's people live in this fast-developing part of the world. They vary greatly from country to country and even within countries in cultural background and standard of living and in how they make their livings; whether they are urban or rural residents; and in many other dimensions, such as ethnicity, language, religion, political systems, foods, ways, etc. Students will learn the basic geography of each of the countries of South, Southeast, and East Asia and about their critical social and political issues (e.g., human rights, separatist movements, women's issues, and poverty); their environmental issues; and their changing and developing economies.



Asian Studies 2001 (formerly 0100): Practical Asian Society and Culture
3 credit hours

An orientation to living and working in four major Asian countries: Japan, China, Korea, and India. The focus is on basic aspects of the culture of daily life and work, meeting people, communication patterns, entertaining, holidays, and taboos. Through reading, discussions, role-playing, writing, and oral presentations, students will learn to appreciate language as a foundation of culture; gain awareness of the issues and requirements of cross-cultural communication; increase their ability to make ethical choices; and gain confidence to form cross-cultural social relationships and networks.



Asian Studies 2501 (formerly 0115): Introduction to East Asia: China
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 2501)

An examination of the Chinese social formation and the development of characteristic institutions in the premodern era and of the revolutionary transformation in the modern era. Provides students with a basic understanding of state, society, and culture in China; the major themes of Chinese history; and, more generally, the broad processes of social change.



Asian Studies 2502 (formerly 0116): Introduction to East Asia: Japan
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 2502)

A survey of Japanese history to the twentieth century. Topics include the early centralized state, the rise of aristocratic culture, the emergence of the warrior class, and the modern transformation into an urban, industrial state. Course materials include selections from Japanese literature and films.



Asian Studies 2503 (formerly 0117): Introduction to Southeast Asia: Insular
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 2503)

An introduction to the island worlds of Southeast Asia, their peoples, histories, societies, and economies. Covers the histories of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore from the sixteenth century to modern times. To familiarize students with non-Western worlds, lectures will be illustrated with videotapes, slides, and transparencies. Excerpts of articles and indigenous documents will also be used for discussion.



Asian Studies 2504 (formerly 0118): Introduction to Southeast Asia: Mainland
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 2504)

An introduction to the analysis of such forces as religion, statecraft, and trade and the manner in which they have shaped the mainland countries of Southeast Asia. Covers the histories of Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam from the sixteenth century to modern times. Reference will be made to contemporary events taking place in the region, and students will be encouraged to follow these developments through the media and to integrate their knowledge into class discussions. Course work will include readings, discussions, films, examinations, and book reviews.



Asian Studies 2102 (formerly 0122/W122): Introduction to Buddhism
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 2102)

An introduction to the historical development of Buddhism in relation to other East Asian religions. Topics include the four Noble Truths of Basic Buddhism, the Hinayana-Mahayana controversy over Buddhist Dharma and practice, and the development of Buddhist thought throughout Asia, including Zen Buddhism in Japan.



Asian Studies 3301 (formerly 0161): Japanese Religions
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 3301)

An introduction to Japanese religions, their origins and their development in the social, cultural, and intellectual history of Japan. Religions covered are Shinto, Japanese Buddhism, folk religions, Japanese Confucianism, and the new religions. Some attention is paid to the expression of Japanese spirituality in the fine arts, martial arts, festivals, and rituals.



Asian Studies 2101 (formerly 0162/W162): Religions of India
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 2101)

An introduction to the foundations, nature, and principles of classical Hinduism and to the fundamentals of Buddhism and Jainism.



Asian Studies 3201 (formerly 0164): Buddhism-Psycho-Existential Analysis
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 0113)

An exploration of the experiential dimension of the human psyche by delving into three prominent conceptual articulations of it in Buddhism; psychoanalysis (also analytical psychology); and existential analysis. The leading question for this course is How best can we live our lives given the structure of the human psyche? Course reading material includes selections from early Buddhist texts; from Mahayana Buddhist texts; and from Freud, Jung, and Sartre.



Asian Studies 2201 (formerly 0165): Chinese Religions
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 2201)

A critical study of the development of Chinese religions from the time of Confucius to Mao, including the problem of ideological continuity in contemporary China (Maoist Marxism versus Confucianism).



Asian Studies 0166: Chinese Buddhism
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 0118)

A study of the history, of the schools of thought, and of the practice of Buddhism in China. Spans the introduction of Buddhism to China from India; its interaction with the classical religions of China (Confucianism, Taoism); and the rise of the major schools of Chinese Buddhism (Tien Tai, Hua Yen, Chan [Zen], and PureLand.)



Asian Studies 3302 (formerly 0167): Japanese Buddhism
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 3302)

An introduction to the classical thinkers of Japanese Buddhism: Kukai, Dogen, Shinran, Nichiren, Hakuin. Schools covered are Shingon, PureLand, Soto Zen, Rinzai Zen, Nichiren.



Asian Studies 2301 (formerly 0168): Introduction to Zen Buddhism
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 2301)

A survey of the historical development of Zen Buddhism as it unfolds in India, China, and Japan. The focus is on an examination of the nature of satori experience. Analyzes its existential meaning from the perspectives of therapy, Zen practice, and philosophy.



Asian Studies 0171: Chinese Art History
4 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Art History 2871)

A study of the art and architecture of China from 3500 B.C. to the present. This class begins with ancient art found in tombs and progresses to art during the formation of the empire and the introduction and development of the Buddhist tradition. Emphasis will be given to the painting traditions of later periods. The class concludes with art in the twentieth century, allowing us to examine some of the ways China represents itself today.



Asian Studies 2107 (formerly R190): Asian American History
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: American Studies 2107 & History 2107)

An introductory analysis of the commonalities and differences in the historical and contemporary experiences of Asian American ethnic groups-Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and South and Southeast Asians-and an exploration of the important approaches to the position of Asians in U.S. society, including assimilation, cultural pluralism, model minority, split labor market, and internal colonialism. The course begins with the arrival of the Chinese in the 1830s and ends with contemporary issues. Includes lectures and audiovisual materials and an emphasis on active student participation in learning through discussion and response papers. Meets the Studies in Race requirement.



Asian Studies 2097 (formerly 0191/W191): Asian Diaspora
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: American Studies 2096 & History 0111/W111)

An examination of the social experiences and cultures of South Asians, Chinese, Filipinos, Koreans, and Japanese who have journeyed to far-flung lands and the terms that can be employed to analyze their experiences and culture. Spurred by pressures of colonialism, economic change, nationalism, political repression, and war, as well as individual needs and adventurism, Asians have migrated from their homelands to new regions of the world-within Asia and into North America, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. In considering Asian diasporas, familiar terms, such as Asia, American, community, and nation, are called into question by the multiplicity of experiences and identities of those who have ventured out from eastern regions of the globe.



Asian Studies 2011 (formerly 0220): Survey of Japanese Literature before 1868
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Japanese 2011)

A study of memoirs, poetry, novels, and other genres is included in this survey of classical Japanese literature. Note, a knowledge of Japanese language is not required.



Asian Studies 2012 (formerly 0221): Survey of Japanese Modern Literature
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Japanese 2012)

A survey of modern Japanese literature focusing on novels and short stories. Authors include Tanizaki, Kawabata, and Mishima. Note, a knowledge of Japanese language is not required.



Asian Studies 2021 (formerly 0222): Japanese Literature in Film
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Japanese 2021)

A look at cinematic adaptations of Japanese novels and short stories. Discussions and assignments develop analytical and critical skills in reading literary and cinematic texts selected from the works of the principal figures of Japanese literature and film, such as Tanizaki, Mishima, and Kurosawa. Note, a knowledge of Japanese language is not required.



Asian Studies 3247 (formerly 0223): Ideology and Social Change in Japan
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Sociology 3247)

A sociological look at the conditions that have contributed to Japan's emergence as a world-class economic force. How did culture, social organization, lifestyle, ideology, and global political change fit together and react to affect Japan's rapid rise to power? Is Japan a closed society? What significance do factors such as racism, religion, education, family, the military, class, and population changes hold for understanding what happened in Japan and in Japan's relations with outsiders, particularly the United States? How does this analysis affect the future of American sociology?



Asian Studies 3076 (formerly 0230): Metropolitan Tokyo
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: GUS 3076)

A review of the history of Tokyo's growth and development from the time of its founding to the present. The course also introduces various neighborhoods in Tokyo, including some that are famous and well documented in guidebooks and others that are unknown and off the beaten path. In addition, the course covers urban problems and planning in Tokyo and various aspects of Tokyo architecture and design. It is intended for newcomers to Tokyo and for students who know Tokyo well. There are several field trips and short research papers.



Asian Studies 3052 (formerly 0238): Environmental Problems in Asia
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Environmental Studies 3052 & GUS 3052)

An introduction to examining environmental issues in several East and Southeast Asian countries, using Japan as the model. Emphasis is on deforestation, river basin development, urban planning, ecotourism, and the role of nongovernmental organizations.



Asian Studies 3251 (formerly 0240): China: Politics and Revolution
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Political Science 3251)

A look at contemporary Chinese government and politics, together with a survey of the political history of China in the twentieth century. Emphasis is on the evolution of the political system and political culture through successive periods of reform and repression.



Asian Studies 3252 (formerly 0241): East Asia and the United States
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Political Science3252)

A study of the development of the Pacific rim strategy in Japan over the past century and its spread into other regions of Asia, including South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and even mainland China. The strengths, problems, and implications for the United States of this pattern of development are examined.



Asian Studies 2351 (formerly 0244): Japan in a Changing World
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Political Science 2351)

An examination and analysis of the key elements that contribute to Japan's behavior in the global arena. The development of Japan's interaction with foreign powers, the psychological underpinnings of its diplomacy, and the creation of Tokyo's worldview will be discussed.



Asian Studies 2373 (formerly 0253): Japanese Culture
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Anthropology 2373)

An exploration of numerous questions and of the various dimensions of today's Japanese culture using a social science approach. What is culture? What is Japanese culture? Is there anything uniquely Japanese? How can we study and analyze Japanese culture? How do foreigners and the Japanese themselves view Japanese people and culture? What kinds of subcultures are there in Japan and how are Japanese values and beliefs manifested in them? There exist a number of answers to these questions, because Japanese culture, like the cultures of other countries, has many factors and facets. This course or its cross-listing is strongly recommended for study-abroad students coming to TUJ.



Asian Studies 2374 (formerly 0254): The Anthropology of Modern China
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Anthropology 2374)

An introduction to the culture and society of the contemporary People's Republic of China. The first half of the course explores the dramatic changes in rural and urban sectors of Chinese society since the turn of the century, with a particular focus on post-1949 Maoist and post-Mao socialist transformations. The second half of the course examines such topics as gender and the status of women, ethnic minorities, religion and healing, the self and society, the party and the state, and PRC narratives of modernity. Throughout, the PRC will be examined as a society that embodies a distinctively Chinese synthesis of tradition and modernity.



Asian Studies 0255: American Culture Abroad: Japan
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: American Studies 2063 & Anthropology 0272)

An examination of the versions and varieties of American life that have become a part of Japanese society and culture. We see a tremendous curiosity for things American in Japanese daily life, but how has American culture taken shape in Japan? What kinds of transformations, reformulations, and reinventions have taken place? We will review Japanese adoptions and adaptations of American language, settings, architecture and design, foods and restaurants, clothing and fashions, popular films, television and advertising, and even holidays. Students will review and critically evaluate such films as The Japanese Version, Mr. Baseball, Black Rain, The Barbarian and the Geisha, Tokyo Pop, and The Colonel Comes to Japan.



Asian Studies 2217 (formerly 0256): The Vietnam War
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: American Studies 2217 & History 2217)

An attempt to probe in-depth one of the most significant and controversial episodes of recent American history. The course probes the history of Vietnam since the nineteenth century, with equal emphasis on the first and second Indochina wars. Includes the impact of the war on the domestic and international scenes and its multiple legacies. Also includes the impact of television and film and guest speakers from the period.



Asian Studies 2606/2696 (formerly 0260/W260): Introduction to Islam
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 2606/2696)

An analysis of the tawhid, the essence of Islam, and of its basic categories for religious life, law, theology, literature, philosophy, art, and science. A survey of the major phenomena of Islamic civilizations in their relations to the tawhid.



Asian Studies 2815 (formerly 0270): Japanese Art
4 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Art History 2815)

A look at Japanese history through art, with the primary focus on design and pattern. The course will examine all the major art forms from the earliest times to the present.



Asian Studies 4096 (formerly W300): Seminar in Asian Studies
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Written permission of instructor

A course where topics and presentations are to be decided between the student and the faculty member. Note, this is a Capstone W course.



Asian Studies 4096 (formerly W300): Seminar in Asian Studies: The Japanese Occupation of Southeast Asia
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 4696)

Prerequisite: Written permission of instructor

A focus on Japan's occupation of Southeast Asia between 1942 and 1945 and related topics. Designed primarily for history majors, this course emphasizes research and writing skills. Seminar presentations and a research paper are required.



Asian Studies 2000/2096 (formerly 0303/W303): Special Topics in Asian Studies I
3 credit hours

An Asian Studies cross-listing course for topics courses in other departments when they have Asian Studies content. The course also can be used for directed readings in Asian Studies, with the requirements arranged with the director of Asian Studies. Note, no more than one section of 2000/2096/H303 may count for credit in a given semester.



Asian Studies 2000 (formerly 0303): Special Topics in Asian Studies I: Classics in Asian Thought
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 2000)

A study of the major classics that have influenced Asian cultures. Our approach is interdisciplinary, drawing from areas such as art, literature, mythology, religion, philosophy, and political theory. In addition to Indian sources like the Upamishads and Mahabharata, chapters from the works of Mencius, Chuang Tsu, Han Tsu, Shinran, Kukai, and the Zen masters make the reading list. The emphasis is on reading. One term paper, of five to seven pages, is required.



Asian Studies 2000 (formerly 0303): Special Topics in Asian Studies I: The Geography of Japan
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: GUS 3000)

An overview of the archipelago of Japan featuring its physical and human geography. Particular attention is paid to the intense usage of limited natural resources, the planning issues with the rapid industrialization, and the high-density of urbanization, the importance of the international trade and new technologies and their roles in shaping new geographic relationships for Japan with other parts of the world.



Asian Studies 2000 (formerly 0303): Special Topics in Asian Studies I: Religion and the Arts: Japan
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 4002)

A focus on the complex relationship between the arts and religions in Japan. The search for religious iconography (religious images, signs, and symbols) in present-day Japanese society through advertising, festivals, and rituals reveals the diversity (eclecticism) and the unity (syncretism) of Japanese religious expression. We will go back to the origins of Shintoism, Buddhism, and Christianity in Japan and study how their specific religious identities are expressed in the arts of different periods and how the arts reflect the influence of religions upon each other. The arts include painting, sculpture, architecture, crafts, and gardens. They also include traditional music; Noh drama; and even, in a broad sense, land art, as in the Shintoist sacralisation of nature, or the Zen-Taoist ways, as in chado, kendo, etc.



Asian Studies 2000 (formerly 0303): Special Topics in Asian Studies I: Applications of Sociological Knowledge
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Sociology 3200)

An examination of the spectrum of methodologies used in researching social problems, from statistical analysis to direct observation. What is the best way of analyzing different sociological issues? What are the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches? In addition, the course will analyze studies that tackle the same sociological issue using different methodologies. These include Japanese corporations, the role of women and migrant workers in Japanese society, and Japan's seething underworld. Through these topics, the course will illustrate how Japan's institutions help stratify society as well as reflect and shape Japan's dominant cultural values. Finally, the course will require students to use sociological methodologies to examine a specific social problem afflicting Japan today, with group projects to be presented at the end of the course. In addition to lectures, the course will include field trips and guest presentations and interaction with NGOs whose issues relate to course topics.



Asian Studies 2000 (formerly 0303): Special Topics in Asian Studies I: The Japanese Corporation in the Global Economy
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Economics 3580)

An introduction to the study of the Japanese corporate structure in the context of a continually globalizing world. Through an objective investigation of the Japanese structure, the student will hopefully gain a more balanced perspective of the strengths and weaknesses of the Japanese firm and, hence, of the Japanese economy. Being part of the Japan in the Global Economy series, this course centers on Japan and situates Japan in the context of the global environment. This course is to be administered on a fully on-line basis to allow students some flexibility in scheduling their studies.



Asian Studies 2000 (formerly 0303): Special Topics in Asian Studies I: Urban Issues and Globalization in Pacific Asia
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: GUS 4000)

Pacific Asia is one of the fastest changing parts of the world, with rapid economic growth, great social change and enormous growth of cities and metropolitan regions. This course focuses on several key places that reflect Pacific Asia's dynamism, and looks at topics such as the adaptation of rural migrants to city life, the change of urban economies associated with globalization, new patterns of urban spatial structure and architectural design, and various urban social problems associated with growth and poverty. Special attention is given to Jakarta and Batam in Indonesia, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai and Tokyo. Students will do readings and reports about individual cities.



Asian Studies 2000 (formerly 0303): Special Topics in Asian Studies I: Gender, Girls, and Culture in Contemporary Japan
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Sociology 3240 & Women's Studies 3000)

An examination of the actual and metaphorical role of girls in contemporary culture and society. Both the commercial and subcultural aspects of girls' culture, from the 1970s to the present, are discussed. Topics covered include gender and the theories of feminine sexuality and consciousness; Anglo-American militarism and Asian women; the idea of an Oriental femininity; childishness; cuteness and cultural resistance; girls and homoerotica; assertiveness and the girls' magazine industry; Lolita complex culture (or men who idolize girls); high school girl subculture; and the interaction of girls' culture with racial imagery. This course will help you to develop an understanding of the growth, the themes, and the role of girls' culture and even girl power in contemporary Japanese society.



Asian Studies 2000 (formerly 0303): Special Topics in Asian Studies I: Anthropology and Civil Society
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Anthropology 0313)

A semester-long examination of discourses on civil society, with a particular emphasis on contemporary ethnographic studies of Japanese society and culture. Civil society has experienced an enormous theoretical rebirth in recent years, testifying to its key role in modern democratic theory and the broadening crisis of contemporary societies seeking new foundations for citizenship. Traditionally, political scientists have had a privileged place in the production of knowledge about the political process. Meanwhile, anthropologists have been documenting such aspects of civil society as voluntarism, subject formation, networking, new social movements, and the practices of NGOs and NPOs for some years. What is the meaning of civil society in an anthropological sense? How do anthropologists treat civil society in their discipline? In what way does the anthropological perspective contribute to the interdisciplinary argument of civil society? How do we locate the Japanese civil society concept in a cross-cultural context? Among other things, this course is designed to provide students who are interested in working for such civil society organizations as NGOs and NPOs with practical knowledge to apply anthropology in real settings.



Asian Studies 3000/3096 (formerly 0304/W304): Special Topics in Asian Studies II
3 credit hours

An Asian Studies cross-listing course for topics courses in other departments when they have Asian Studies content. Also can be used for directed readings in Asian Studies, with requirements arranged with the director of Asian Studies. Note, no more than one section of 3000/3096/H304 may count for credit in a given semester.



Asian Studies 3000 (formerly 0304): Special Topics in Asian Studies II: Japan in the World Economy
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Economics 3580)

A survey of recent issues and developments in the Japanese economy. Topics include Japanese financial markets; Japanese labor markets; and Japan's role in the international economy, with an emphasis on trade issues.



Asian Studies 3000 (formerly 0304): Special Topics in Asian Studies II: Japanese Music
3 credit hours

An extensive introduction to hougaku, the traditional music and performing art of Japan. Apart from covering the basics of Japanese music history and its theory, the course concentrates on hougaku as a living tradition and includes frequent in-class live performances by some of Japan's best hougaku performers and much use of audiovisual materials.



Asian Studies 3000 (formerly 0304): Special Topics in Asian Studies II: East and West: A Social Psychological Comparison
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Psychology 1110)

This course is an introduction to the social psycholocial study of culture with a focus on the differences and similarities of eastern and western cultures. In this course we will explore the importance of culture on social behavior, take a look at how psychologists study cross-cultural differences, and then examine research on current issues including patterns of social behavior, communication, helping behavior, aggression, conformity, and intimacy, among others.



Asian Studies 3000 (formerly 0304): Special Topics in Asian Studies II: Kurosawa?Shot by Shot
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: FMA 2670)

An intensive analysis of some of Akira Kurosawa's major works. The course includes screenings of the newest DVD release versions of these films, with documentary, interviews, and analytical additions, supplemented by in-class discussion of the films and their accompanying shot-by-shot analyses. Course requirements include a term paper and a weekly journal.



Asian Studies 3000 (formerly 0304): Special Topics in Asian Studies II: Modern Japanese Intellectual History
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 2680)

An in-depth study of the structure and development of the political, social, and cultural ideas that have shaped modern Japan.



Asian Studies 3000 (formerly 0304): Special Topics in Asian Studies II: Japan and the Asia-Pacific War
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 2680)

An examination of the origins, conduct and consequences of Japan's drive to create a New Order both at home and abroad in East Asia during the 1930s and 1940s. Covering the years from the end of World War One through Japan's defeat in 1945, we will focus on the interplay between domestic and international forces that help explain the actions taken by Japan's leaders, as well as attempt to understand some of the varied perspectives and experiences of the Japanese people.



Asian Studies 3096 (formerly W304): Special Topics in Asian Studies II: Japanese Popular Culture and Literature
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Japanese 2096)

A look at the culture and literature of Japan.



Asian Studies 3521 (formerly 0308): Chinese Revolution
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 3521)

A study of the history of China from the Opium Wars to 1919. Topics to be discussed include the decline of the traditional order, the impact of imperialism, the rise of nationalism, the revolution of Sun Yat-sen, and sociocultural ferment.



Asian Studies 3522 (formerly 0310): Contemporary China
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 3522)

A survey of the rise of nationalism, of sociocultural changes, and of revolutions in China since the late nineteenth century. Developments after 1949 are examined in detail.



Asian Studies 4696 (formerly W311): Modern Japan: Empire, War, Society
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 4697)

A survey of Japanese people, culture, and events and trends at home and abroad from the Tokugawa shogunate to the Pacific War that will help you find answers to the following questions about Japan. Was early modern Japan (1600-1867) static and unchanging? Do the roots of Japan's modern achievements (1868-1945) lie in its early modern culture? What happened to Japan after the 1868 Meiji Restoration, and why? Was modernity a blessing or a curse? Writing assignments focus on the comparative book review.



Asian Studies 3551 (formerly 0312): Southeast Asia in Modern Times
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 3551)

A study covering the histories of mainland Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar (Burma), from the eighteenth century to modern times. The course analyzes the roles of culture, trade, religion, and monarchy in the state formation of those countries; the socioeconomic and political impact on them of Western colonialism; and the subsequent rise within them of the forces of change, such as nationalism and communism. Mainland Southeast Asia's role in world politics and the global economy will also be analyzed. Reference will be made to recent events taking place in the region.



Asian Studies 3541 (formerly 0314): Japan Today
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 3541)

An examination of the significant social, economic, and cultural trends in Japan from 1945 to the 1990s. Includes a look at the Occupation; the economic miracle; state and society; the world of work; family, women, and gender; international relations; the impact of affluence; post-bubble Japan; and varying approaches to the study of postwar Japanese history and society.



Asian Studies 3542 (formerly 0315): Women and Society in Japan
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 0221)

An examination of the changing positions of women in Japanese society from ancient times to the present and an analysis of the social and cultural factors influencing the life of today's Japanese women. How accurate are the still-dominant images and descriptions in many foreign and particularly Western nations of Japanese women as docile, submissive, and fragile beings? Why is the status of Japanese women in the occupational world considerably behind compared with other developed countries and some Asian countries?



Asian Studies 3636 (formerly 0317): Asian Women in Transition
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Women's Studies 0249)

An introduction to and comparison of the recent historical experience of women in Asia, principally in China and Japan. Major topics include women and the family, women and work, and women as creators and activists. The course focuses on the situations of rural and urban women and on ordinary and elite women in the late nineteenth and the twentieth centuries.



Asian Studies 3531 (formerly 0318): Modern India
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: History 3531)

An examination of the major political issues in modern India, including colonialism, nationalism, nonviolent political struggle, independence and adjustment, regionalism and tension, leadership in a Third World movement, and relations with the United States. Social issues include coping with inequality, population explosion, hunger, regional violence, and new popular organizations. Major personalities surveyed are Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Indira Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Sri Aurobindo.



Asian Studies 0327: Comparative Religion East and West
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Religion 0327)

An introduction to the comparative philosophy of Asian and Western religions. After asking what is meant by the comparative philosophy of religion, the focus will be on a comparative philosophical study of basic concepts and issues in Western and Asian religious traditions. For example, we will look at the concepts of divine or ultimate reality, arguments for the existence of an ultimate reality, the relation of faith and reason, critiques of religion, the problem of evil, the concepts of personal destiny and immortality, the relation of religion to morality, religious and mystical experience, the nature of religious language, the problem of conflicting truth claims, and religious pluralism.



Asian Studies 2807 (formerly 0370): East Meets West; West Meets East
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Art History 2807)

A study of the impact of East-West cultural exchanges throughout Japanese art history, concentrating on four main areas: early Buddhist imagery and the influence of Hellenistic and Indian sculpture and paintings; Namban art (art of the southern barbarians) and the effect of the Western approach on the treatment of space in two-dimensional Japanese art; Japonisme and the impact of wood-block prints on European and American artists (Degas, Lautrec, Whistler, Mary Cassatt, etc.); Japanese architecture as an inspiration for modern architects (Bruno Taut, Le Corbusier, F. L. Wright) and cross-cultural Western influences on Japanese architects (Tange, Isozaki, Edward Suzuki, etc.)



Note:
Please note: the information contained in these course descriptions is subject to change, and individual courses may be added or deleted as necessary. If you wish to know what specific courses are being offered in a given term, please see the current course schedule.