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Imperialism in East Asia


Course Description

Examination of imperialism in East Asia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Focus on the ideologies and structures of the Japanese empire compared to those of Western empires.


Athena Title

Imperialism in East Asia


Prerequisite

Any 2000-level HIST course


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

After taking this course, students will be able to: (1) Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of key facts, themes, and ideas concerning the history of imperialism in East Asia; and (2) Critically evaluate how historians and others have interpreted the past, and understand the stakes of conversations among historians who study the history of imperialism worldwide. This course provides the following learning outcomes for the History major: (1) Synthesize historical arguments based on the analysis of primary source evidence and secondary source interpretations; (2) Demonstrate their mastery of historical knowledge and practice through classroom discussion and debates; and (3) Demonstrate their mastery of historical knowledge and practice through clear and coherent written work.


Topical Outline

Part I: What is Imperialism? (Introduction, Theories, Background) Part II: The Early Modern East Asian World Order Part III: China and the Opium War Part IV: Japan as Nation-State and Empire Part V: Japan's Empire in Global Context Part VI: Anti-Colonial Nationalisms and Pan-Asianism Part VII: Womanhood, Gender, and Empire Part VIII: Colonial Modernity, Collaboration, and Resistance Part IX: Life under Colonial Rule Part X: Wartime Imperialism Part XI: Postcolonial and Postwar East Asia