HIST 2351 - Modern East Asian History

(3)

The purpose of this course is to explore how China, Japan, and Korea transformed from powerful civilizations into modern nations through increasing regional and global interactions. This class introduces the political, cultural, and economic structures of the three major civilizations and how these civilizations struggled to preserve or regain their independence and establish their own national identities in a rapidly changing modern world. Throughout the course, focus will be placed both upon the distinctive identities of each of these nations as well as their regional interactions, taking note of how these interactions gave the region a coherent shape. This class is also designed to equip students to consider how the study of history deepens our understanding and critical engagement with the world around us.

(3 hrs lec)