HIST 141 - Survey of East Asian Civilization to 1600

Credits: (3)
College Curriculum: COLL 200
Domain (Anchored): CSI
Domain (Reaching Out): ALV

This lecture course examines the origins of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean societies from ancient times to 1600. Designed as a companion to HIST 142 ”Survey of East Asian Civilization from 1600,”the course engages with the conceptual frameworks that have shaped our view of East Asia, past and present. Equal parts content and critique, it introduces the histories of these three countries through their philosophical, literary, religious, political, and economic connections. By the end of the semester, students should gain a basic understanding of how organized states emerged in East Asia, and the ways in which their histories unfolded and cultures developed in relation to the region and the world. Students will moreover cultivate familiarity with historical research methods, and appreciate the complexities of historical reconstruction, narration, and debate.