(listed alphabetically by department)
Detailed class descriptions follow:
Eastern Literature (English 248)
Students in this course undertake the study of such standard works as the Bhadgavad-Gita, the writings of Confucius, the Bible, and other works from India, China, and the countries of the near East. The format of the course combines small group discussion and informal lecture. Assignments, ranging from class presentations to a reading journal, encourage students to take an active part in class. Students also participate in the selection of reading materials. Prerequisite: English 101.
Asian Film (English 316)
The field of Asian film is a rich source of understanding for Asian culture. This course will introduce the student to the history of the medium and its role in Asian society today.
Asia (Geography and Environmental Studies 303)
This course provides an essential survey of the major regions of Asia emphasizing their physical, cultural, and political characteristics. Land forms and climate systems are explained, as well as the way in which the various peoples of Asia use their environments. Asia's diversity of cultures is highlighted, especially in terms of their impact on the landscape.
Modern Japan (History 286)
This course investigates the history of the Japanese people from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present and explores Japan's increasingly important role in the modern world. In addition to receiving an overview of the period, students select and read materials (in English translation) by Japanese who were eyewitnesses to the events being discussed in class. Japanese films and guest speakers provide further opportunity to experience Japanese culture first hand.
East Asian Military Traditions (History 381)
This course examines the cultural and historic factors which have distinguished Asian military traditions from the time of Sun Tze's "The Art of War" in the fifth century B.C.E. through the nineteenth and twentieth century writings of such Asian militarists as Yamagata Aritomo, Mao Tse-Tung, and Vo Nguyen Giap.
Modern Asian Pacific Rim (History 382)
The Asian Pacific is the fastest growing economic region in the world today. The United States does more trade across the Pacific than with its Atlantic neighbors. This course explores the Asian Pacific rim and its new dynamism from historical, cultural, political, social, and technological perspectives.
Modern China (History 386)
This course examines the history of modern China, the major factors which influenced its course, and the values which operate in Chinese society today. Students participate in selecting among the major Chinese writers of the modern period to gain a closer understanding of Chinese culture. Films and Chinese guest speakers give students a closer picture of current Chinese life.
Modern Languages
Basic Chinese I, II & III (Chinese 101, 102, 103)
These courses will provide an introduction to the Mandarin language taught by native Chinese speakers.
Intermediate Chinese
Students with a basic knowledge of Chinese further develop their speaking and writing skills in this course under the guidance of a native Chinese speaker. Prerequisite: Chinese 103 or equivalent.
Basic Japanese I, II & III (Japanese 101, 102, 103)
These courses provide an introduction to the Japanese language taught by a native Japanese speaker.
Intermediate Japanese (Japanese 202)
Students who have completed beginning level courses in Japanese work toward expanding their facility in both spoken and written Japanese under the instruction of a native Japanese speaker. Prerequisite: Japanese 103 or equivalent.
Basic Korean I, II & III (Korean 101, 102, 103)
In these courses, students attain a broad and practical working foundation in the language. The courses are taught by native Korean speakers.
Intermediate Korean (Korean 202)
This course provides students with a comprehensive review of Korean grammar with emphasis on developing proficient oral and written skills. The course is taught by a native speaker of Korean. Prerequisite: Korean 103 or equivalent.
Oriental Religious and Philosophical Thought (Philosophy 343)
In this course, students consider the world view and central philosophical and religious ideas in Asia stemming from the cultural backgrounds of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, as well as their significance in contemporary life. These ideas comprise an essential foundation for understanding the diverse historical and social complexities of Oriental civilizations. Prerequisite: One course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.
Japanese Politics and Culture (Political Science 331)
This course explores how politics works in Japan. We will examine Japan's political culture and recent political history and look at the ways that political institutions like the parliament, political parties and the bureaucracy work. We will also study the relationship between politics and economics in Japan, and finally we will look at Japan's relations with other East Asian countries and with the United States. We will read books and articles, view several excellent documentary videos, access current information on Japan from the Internet, and talk over all of what we learn in frequent class discussions.
Introduction to Chinese Politics, (Political Science 366)
The recent history of the People's Republic of China (PRC) is tumultuous and dramatic, at times tragic and at times inspiring. China is a country with enormous problems, including the world's largest population; but it is also a nation with exciting potential. China's economic growth rates will soon make it an economic superpower, and it is already one of the top trading partners of the United States. Since China is already a member of the nuclear weapons elite, it is an important player in the global military and political setting as well.
Understanding Politics is central to understanding China, and our purpose in this class will be to develop a better understanding of the dynamics of Chinese politics. We will begin with an overview of Chinese geography, culture, and recent history before moving on to discuss the nature of politics in China. In the last part of the semester we will discuss some of the major political problems that face Chinese policy makers. Class meetings will combine lectures and regular discussion with several excellent films. Frequent participation in class discussions is expected, and attendance in the lectures is required.
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