東亞近現代史

This course focuses on the history of modern East Asia from the 16th century to the present. It covers the geographical region including China, Japan, and Korea. We will not only discuss the shared cultural traditions and intellectual thoughts in the East Asian community but will also pay attention to the unique trajectories and identities developed in each country. Moreover, we will explore the various transformations and responses of East Asian countries to the challenges encountered with the West in the modern era. Unlike the conventional comparative history of nation-states, this course aims at understanding the cultural, political, and social interactions, as well as conflicts, between East Asian countries from transnational and trans-border perspectives. In the first half of the course, a general history will be introduced chronologically, from the brink of the Opium War to the end of the Cold War. In the second half, we will have in-depth discussions on important themes that help us understand the formation of modern East Asia from different aspects, such as nationalism, migration, technology and empire, education, and media.

Attendance 10% Discussion 40% Documentary Review 20% Presentation 30%

A. Charles Holcomb. A History of East Asia (Cambridge University Press, 2011) B. Course packet (selected primary readings, available on e3)