East Asia since 1800

Catalog description

This course is a comparative survey of the internal developments and external relations of China, Japan and Korea since the early 1800s. Topics include interaction with the West, internal rebellions and reforms, the importance of certain key figures, the changing roles of women, student protests, and current social problems. Considerable focus will be placed on the transition from imperial to constitutional governments, rise of nationalism, World War II in the East Asian context and the phenomenal role China, Japan and Korea have played in shaping the post-World War II world. It offers a basic knowledge of the cultural, political, economic, artistic and historical background of this vital region of the world.