Geography - Happiness in East Asia

Catalog description

This course explores culture-specific ways that people in East Asia promote their well-being and happiness and alleviate their emotional and psychological distress, as individuals and as societies. It draws upon East Asian philosophical and religious traditions and contemporary practices, policies, and industries. Students will learn historical, cultural, and spatial (both social and physical) factors that shape people’s experiences of trust, well-being, and comfort, as well as theoretical and methodological tools for a deeper understanding of people’s lives through the lens of happiness within and across cultures. This course offers a multi-disciplinary approach to happiness, drawing primarily upon anthropology, sociology, and human geography. Knowledge of Korean, Japanese, or Chinese language is not required. This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments at the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in EALC 503. (Same as EALC 303 and GIST 302.) Prerequisite: Junior level standing required (5th semester or above) or consent of the instructor.