Course Description
The physical and human geography of East and Southeast Asia. Major focus on resources, land utilization, population characteristics and distributions as they relate to economic and political problems. Emphasis is on Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, and Indo-China.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional readings, assignments, and questions on tests.
Athena Title
Geography of East and SE Asia
Prerequisite
GEOG 1101 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Successful completion of this course will provide the following learning outcomes: A greater cognizance of the importance of East and Southeast Asia as a region in the everyday functioning of our society, and its crucial role in informing international policy and world foreign affairs An ability to recognize the reciprocal interactions between Japan, Southeast Asia, and the United States, emphasizing their commonalities and differences as they affect development scenarios and past/future global environmental change A basic understanding of physical and cultural patterns of Japan and Southeast Asia. An appreciation of the diversity of regional cultures and their linkages with economic development and forces of globalization. An awareness of the dynamic nature of geopolitical systems, with emphasis on historical and current democratic regimes and patterns of collaborative efforts towards continental integration and sustainable development. This course meets the following General Education Abilities by accomplishing the specific learning objectives listed below: Communicate effectively through writing. This is met by a series of writing assignments associated with supplemental reading and data analysis. Communicate effectively through speech. This is met by oral presentations, discussion leading, and classroom participation. Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and is developed through homework assignments, lecture, classroom discussion, and inquiry- based learning efforts. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) is an important element of this course, as it explores the growing importance of East and Southeast Asia in world politics, economic development, and hemispheric well-being. Moral reasoning is developed through lectures, writing assignments, classroom discussion, and inquiry-based learning activities.
Topical Outline
The Physical Geography of East and Southeast Asia The Peoples and Cultures of East and Southeast Asia Japan: Global Economic Powerhouse Singapore and Malaysia: Emerging Giants Indonesia: The Most Populous Islamic Nation Burma or Myanmar: A Troubled Polity Thailand: Tradition vs. Modern Culture Vietnam: Its Unique Place in Regional Culture Laos and Cambodia: Little Nation States Urban and Industrial Forces in E/SE Asia Rural and Agrarian Forces in E/SE Asia The Future of the Region