East Asian Studies Program — Courses

Cross-listed Courses

Courses preceded by an “L” are cross-listed with another department or program, as indicated by the parentheses in the course title: for example, “EASIAN L104 (ART L104),” which is cross-listed with the Art Department.

EASIAN L104 (ART L104)
Introduction to East Asian Art

This course is an introduction to East Asian art, focusing on Japan and China. It is divided into three historical segments: early forms of Buddhism, paintings of the scholar class, and the interaction of tradition with imported Western cultural forms. These topics provide a comparative context for exploring style, culture, class and gender.
Distribution Area: The Arts.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Weston

EASIAN L160 (HIST L160)
East Asian Civilizations I to 1850

An introduction to the traditional civilizations of China, Japan, and Korea, from the earliest times until the arrival of the industrial West in the nineteenth century.
Distribution Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ye

EASIAN L161 (HIST L161)
East Asian Civilizations II since 1850

An introduction to the political, social, and economic modernization of China, Japan, and Korea, from the arrival of the industrial West in the mid-nineteenth century to the present day.
Distribution Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ye

EASIAN L232 (RELSTY L232)
East Asian Religions: Buddhism and Taoism

This course focuses mainly on Taoism and Mahayana Buddhism, briefly touching also on Hinduism, Confucianism, and Shinto. It situates the classical teachings of these traditions in their historical contexts in India and East Asia, compares them to other world views more prevalent in the West, and invites students to consider their possible relevance to life in the world today.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
Distribution II Area: World Cultures.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr LaFargue

EASIAN L358 (RELSTY L358)
Psychology, Politics, and Philosophy in East Asia

Why do attitudes in China, Korea, and Japan differ from Western attitudes on such issues as human rights; individualism and community; child rearing; moral and psychological development; the role of government; and proper behavior in business organizations? This course explores the roots of these differences in the Confucian tradition.
Distribution Area: World Cultures.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

EASIAN L359 (HIST L359/WOST L359)
Women in Modern China

This course examines the social and cultural roles of Chinese women, and their changes over time. Emphasis is given to twentieth-century China, especially the People’s Republic period.
Distribution Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ye

EASIAN L360 (HIST L360)
Traditional China

A survey of traditional China from ancient times to about 1800, with emphasis on cultural, intellectual, and social developments. EASIAN L160 (HIST L160) is not required, but is recommended.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ye

EASIAN L361 (HIST L361) History of Modern China

A survey of the political, social, and intellectual development of China from 1800 to the present, with emphasis on Sino-Western relations and twentieth century reform and revolution. EASIAN L161 (HIST L161) is not required, but is recommended.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ye

EASIAN L362 (HIST L362)
Traditional Japan

A historical survey of the cultural, political, social, and economic developments in Japan from ancient times to about 1800, with special emphasis on the formation of the cultural and social traditions of Japan. EASIAN L160 (HIST L160) is not required, but is recommended.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ye

EASIAN L363 (HIST L363)
Modern Japan

A historical survey of the economic, social, political and cultural developments in Japan from 1800 to the present, with special consideration of economic and foreign policy problems. EASIAN L161 (HIST L161) is not required, but is recommended.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Ye

EASIAN 478, 479
Independent Study

For those with special interest in a project dealing with East Asia.
Prerequisite: Permission of program director.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits

EASIAN 480
Topics in East Asian Studies

Variable content course: offered on an irregular basis.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits