What individuals, groups, and institutions historically shaped the region we call “East Asia”? How did different people think about themselves and others? What values did different people promote, and what social, economic, and political agendas did they pursue? We’ll explore these questions via case studies from the histories of China, Korea, and Japan from ca. 1600 BCE through ca. 1800 CE, engaging with topics as varied as family, class, and gender; exploration and conquest; religion and statescraft; medicine and technology; commerce and urbanization; literature and philosophy. A main theme will be the diversity of interactions between and within groups, and the circulation of people and ideas across time and space.

Course Requirements:

Attendance and participation, quizzes & short writing assignments, mid-term and final exam

Intended Audience:

All students. No prior background required.

Class Format:

Lecture and discussion