From the Great Wall to the DMZ: Power, Politics, and Prosper

Catalog description

This senior seminar is designed to examine the political, economic, and strategic transformations that have shaped modern East Asia, focusing on China, Japan, and the two Koreas. From ancient tributary systems to contemporary flashpoints, the course will explore the region's historical foundations and current complexities, with a particular emphasis on how power, politics, and economics have intersected in the formation of East Asian states and their relationships with one another. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and in-class activities, students will engage with key themes that have shaped East Asia's past and continue to influence its future trajectories. This course aims to equip students with the critical tools necessary to analyze the evolving dynamics of East Asia and their broader implications for global politics. Prerequisite: This course is a seminar open to juniors and seniors, featuring extensive readings, discussions, and writing assignments.