Asia 200
Introduction to Traditional Asia
(3 credits)

The course is a sweeping survey of the histories and cultures of Asia from its pre-historic beginnings to the end of the 18th century. The course is interdisciplinary in nature, which means that students explore Asian civilization using the methods and insights of archaeology, history, geography, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, religious studies, political science, economics, women’s studies, art, literary studies and so forth. From a backdrop of historical development, students examine political and social structures, war and military campaigns, court intrigues, philosophical and religious foundations, work and economic changes, geo-political demographics, art, and literary developments. The course focuses primarily on China. Furthermore, the course pays close attention to important figures in the history of Asia such as Quin Shi Huangdi, Empress Wu, Cuanzong, Chinggis Khan, etc.

Prerequisites: Minimum of 3 social science and/or arts courses.

Asia 210

The Emergence of Modern Asia
(3 credits)

This course is an exploration of the emergence of modern China covering main events of the 19th and 20th centuries. The course begins by exploring the background of China’s encounter with the imperial West and the end of its isolation. Following that, the course shifts to examining the post-imperialist years and, in particular, the Opium Wars, China’s revolutions and uprisings (Taiping Rebellion, Boxer Uprising), the emergence of nationalism, China’s relations with Soviet Russia and its war with Japan, the transition to socialism and emergence of communism as well as the events of the years of Mao Zedong (the Long March, the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution) and Deng Xiaoping (Tiananmen Square Massacre).

Prerequisites: Minimum of 3 social science and/or arts courses.