Course Description

This course introduces students to the rich variety of Asian civilizations with special emphasis on geographic and demographic patterns and the dynamics of ancient, modern, and transitional Asian societies. Major political, economic, sociocultural developments, and religious traditions of India, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia will be presented in an historical perspective. In addition, this course examines the implications of Western colonization, independence struggles, and twentieth century wars in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.