In this seminar the students are introduced to a set of theoretical topics and key concepts that are relevant to the comparative and critical study of Asia. Rather than focusing on a particular region, historical period, or disciplinary perspective, the course seeks to equip students with tools essential for a sophisticated and compelling analysis of a variety of regions, historical periods, and disciplinary perspectives. These tools will allow them to move more easily across the disciplines of Asian studies by, among other things, exploring the historical foundations of those disciplines.

The syllabus offers a variety of strategies for understanding Asian cultures, pairing readings in social theory with monographs that concern specific Asian materials. It is our hope that students will thereby gain a purchase on critical theory and productive ways of using it in the study of cultures across national and/or disciplinary boundaries. The seminar is designed both to provide an introduction to Asian Studies as a field and to encourage the development of critical skills.

Course Requirements:

Students are expected to complete all the readings and to participate in class discussion in an active and informed manner. Course requirements include active engagement in class discussion, several short papers critically examining individual texts or problems, and a final project (12-20 page research paper or a 10-15 page critical essay).

Intended Audience:

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Class Format:

Seminar