HIST 313
HISTORY OF EAST ASIA

1. Catalog Entry

HIST 313. History of East Asia. (C)
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisite: Three hours of history at 100 level.

Survey of East Asian cultures and civilizations with emphasis on China and Japan. Studies diplomatic, economic, intellectual, political and social aspects of the societies.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

1. China: Classical and Traditional Ages

• Introduction; pronunciation; geography
• Legends and early history
• The Shang state (dynasty; 1523 B.C.?-1066 B.C.?)
• The Zhou (Chou) dynasty: China's classical age
• Qin (Ch'in)-Han, the "First Empire"
• Sui-Tang, the "Second Empire"

2. East Asia and Japan

• State formation in Vietnam, Korea and Japan
• From Nara to Heian

3. China: Beginning Modernity

• The Song (Sung) Dynasty
• The Yuan Dynasty
• Ming-Quin (Ch'ing) transition

4. Japan: "Middle Ages"

• From the Kamakura to the Tokugawa

5. Understanding East Asia

• Science and technology in China
• Popular culture and religion
• East Asian civilizations in Western eyes

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The class meets three hours a week. A textbook is required by the instructor, and additional readings are required. Teaching methods involve a mix of lecture and discussion. Visual aids such as maps, films, and slides are used to supplement the lectures and discussions. 

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

1. Students will demonstrate substantial factual knowledge regarding the development of the societies of China and Japan and the shared core of "East Asian civilization."
2. Students will also gain an appreciation of the problems of cross-cultural historical interpretation.

5. Assessment Measures

Requirements include two scheduled midterm examinations of simple objective questions (50%), one short paper (4-6 pages) based primarily on the assigned readings (20%), and one final essay exam (30%). Attendance is expected and participation will figure in borderline grades.

6. Other Course Information

A make-up exam will rarely be administered. Such an exam will be given only by prior arrangement with the instructor, and it will be permissible only in the case of the most extraordinary circumstances (serious personal illness, official college activities, etc.). Such a request should be made in writing with supporting documents, and its decision will be left to the discretion of the instructor.

All work done both inside and outside of the classroom is subject to the provisions of the College's Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.

7. Review and Approval

Date Action Reviewed by
January 2005 Reviewed and Approved by Charles McClellan