East Asian Civilizations

Catalog description

This course surveys the development of East Asian civilization from ancient times to the modern age. Geographically it covers the countries of China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Subjects to be examined include religion and thought, political and socio-economic institutions, literary and artistic accomplishments, interactions with the West, and the transition from the traditional to the modern way of life. The course is intended to provide students with a general historical background and help them develop basic historical analytical skills so that they can better understand fundamental themes such as the relationship between diversity and unity in human life.