Chinese Culture Throughout East Asia

Catalog description

China’s influence throughout the continent of Asia goes much further than just being the largest, most economically powerful country in the region. It also stems from the 5,000 year history of dynasties, food, literature, and migration movements which have undoubtedly left their mark on their neighbors. While all East Asian countries are unique and distinguished from each other through language, customs, government systems, cuisine, and dominant ethnic groups, there is almost always a trace or even much more obvious existence of ancestry dating back to China. It is the purpose of this course to inform students that all countries in East Asia most certainly have their own distinct cultures and ethnicities, but that it is impossible to truly study any of them without also delving into the rich, ever-present elements of Chinese history and culture.