Instructor: David Wong
Office Phone: 845-9254
Office: 7- 623

Course Description: Historical Survey of major civilizations of Asia from earliest times: East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. (3 credits)

Prerequisite: ENG 22/60 or Placement in ENG 100

Recommended Preparation: ENG 100 or Placement in ENG 209-260

Course Background

These courses are based on the following assumptions: Hawaii is located in the center of the Pacific and we fought 3 wars in the Pacific. The majority of the population, including of course recent immigrants, is from East and Southeast Asia. The paradigm of these people, such as the culture and linguistic traditions, still link them to the past. In the same way, our economy here in Hawaii rests not only on the Mainland, but also from Asia. The products we purchase: cars, TVs, compact disk machines, video cameras, cell phones, and finally, our most sacred cow – computer and computer chips, too – are made in Asia. Hence, if one would sit in their living room and list items that are made in the US, then one would list very few items. Products from Asia and Southeast Asia are an indication the sophistication in technology development and the rapid economic transformation taking place in these places. Knowing this, our inherent potential then in the center of the Pacific is the diversity of the people, culture, language, and networking possibilities with Asia. If our uniqueness will not be Coca-colized or McDonald-ized, then we can actualize what the Pacific Center really means.

With the aid of lectures, films, guest speakers, and class handouts, a systematic presentation of some of the main elements of the Asian history and culture will be presented.

Problems

An in-depth analysis of some of the Asian historical, cultural, religious, and political influences upon neighboring countries as well as those of the West.

Course Objectives and Outcomes:

1. To form an understanding of the development of a civilization with political and social patterns significantly different from those of the West.


The major problem of any student of Asia, therefore, is to constantly be aware that the language used in describing this civilization must be used with great care. The course will be directed at working out concepts with which to study and understand the historical standards the Asians have set for themselves.

Coping with the differences between Asia and Western civilizations is only part of the task; pointing out the numerous parallels between developments and events in Asia and Western history are also important. There is the danger of carrying parallels too far, however. The board frame of reference gained will be useful for examining some of the values and directions in one’s own culture. In the process of grasping the larger and more ordered understanding of Asia, it will be rewarding to explore deeply smaller areas of Asia life. Some notion of the far-flung effects of inter-cultural contacts, as well as appreciation of some of the works of art and literature, will enhance the understanding of Asian civilization.
 

2. To enable students to understand, appreciate, and above all, feel that there are cultures totally different from ours.


The study of Asian history reveals the depth of Asian culture and thought. With this study the bridge between East and West can become a reality.
 

3. Understand (second half of the course)  how Asians grapple with the challenges thrown out by an expanding West, armed with its ideas and technology, and with the turmoil engendered by the failure of Asian’s traditional values and institutions.


This course will focus on interaction, conflict, and absorption, leading to a new synthesis and independent nations.

• To acquaint the students with comparative hermeneutic methodology.
• To acquaint the student with the social, political, and intellectual themes of each era and the forces behind their generation.
• To identify the major cultural elements that make up the Asian culture and explain their significance for that society.
• To facilitate the appreciation of one of the great cultures of the world and use it as a reference for examining the values and developments of our own cultures.

The students will demonstrate an understanding of the development of Asian culture by completing the following:

1. What is history, how can it be studied.
2. What are primary sources and what are the problems.
3. The importance of perspective, the detached observer, and the participant.
4. The importance of the context: social, political, economic, and religious.
5. Differentiate between the myths and stereotypes often presented as historic facts in Asian past and the reality of what really has happened.
6. Identify the role of major historical personalities.
7. Describe the constant interaction between indigenous culture and foreign intrusion.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the material through oral discussions in class, and by written responses on examinations and papers.

1. Two midterm examinations consisting of several essay questions and the identification of key terms.
2. A final examination which will follow a similar format. Total 80%.
3. One term paper. 8-10 pages on topic approved by the professor. No extension without advance permission 20%.
4. Ten identification of terms. Total 20 points. Terms will be based on reading and class discussions.
5. Attendance is required. No make-up examinations will be given; abide by the deadlines. Incompletes are granted only under extenuating circumstances.

1. Discussion shows an understanding of the meaning and significance of the question in terms of the historical period under study.
2. Discussion is supported, by acceptable, factual evidence.
3. Discussion is well-organized, logical and persuasively presented.
4. Discussion shows perceptiveness in recognizing and evaluating various interpretations.

Minimum requirements for final grades:

A = cumulative score of 90%
B = cumulative score of 80%
C = cumulative score of 70%
D = cumulative score of 60%

Course Schedule for Asian History 241

Week 1: Introductions, course requirements, scope and method Perception East and West

Week 2: Definition of Hist.; Methodology: Hermenenutic; Perception, objectivity, and limitation.

Week 3 Indian Hist., Indian Religion -- Hinduism/Buddhism

Week 4: Indian World View --  Indian contributions to neighboring countries and world civilization: Science, Art, Philosophy, and Drama

Week 5: Muslims -- Science and contributions to Muslim history: Islam: Religion and World view

FIRST MIDTERM

Week 6: Chinese History and Civilization; Chinese Religion -- Taoism (Shang, Chou, and Han Dynasty); Confucianism (Chou and Han Dynasty), Buddhism (Han and Tang Dynasty)

Week 7: Chinese World View and Thinking (Shang, Chou, Han and Tang Dynasty) Chinese Genetry class, society and Govt, Confucianism as a State Religion

Week 8: Chinese Science and contributions; Chinese Language, Art and its contributions; Cross Cultural Relations: China and Rome

Week 9: Japanese Hist.; Japanese Religion: Shinto and Buddhism

Week 10: Japanese Civilization, Thinking, and Art; Japanese character, and behavior

Week 11: Korean History (Three kingdoms) and Civilization; Korea Religion and World View

SECOND MIDTERM

Week 12:  Southeast Asia civilization: Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

Week 13: Southeast Asia civilization: Indonesia, Malaysia (Malacca), Thailand

Week 14: Foreign impact: India, China; Religion and Govt

Week 15: Review and Discussion

FINAL EXAMINATION

Asian History 242 Schedule

1. Why study Asian History?

2. What is History?

3. Perception of History:

1. Availability of Facts
2. Distortion of Facts
3. Objective vs Subjective Perception
4. Phenomenal, yet logical approach
5. Traditional South Asia
6. India: The Mughal Empire
7. Western Expansion to Asia
8. East Indian Company
9. British Raja
10. Nationalis, Gandhi and Independence
11. The 21^st century

CHINA

1. The Great Empire Ming/Ching and its disintegration: Society of Inequality
2. Western Invasion: Merchants and Guns
3. China First Revolution
4. Rise of Nationalism. Philosophical differences


Democracy vs Communism

1. May Forth movement: Student Protest and the Birth of Chinese Communism
2. Japanese Invasion; and its ramification
3. The rise of Communism, Mao’s vision
4. After Mao, Deng and what the future holds

1. The Ashikaga Shogunate and the Sengoku Period
2. Private vs Public Power. Warrior Ruler
3. Economic and Cultural Development
4. The period of Warfare: Sengoku Period (1500-1600)
5. The Edo Period (Peace)
6. Isolation: Exclusion of Christen Missionaries and Merchants
7. Final stage of Feudalism
8. Foreign Pressure: End of Feudalism
9. Modern Japan: Meiji Period
10. End of Feudalism
11. Reason for Military and Economic Expansion
12. Meiji Constitution: Absolute Power
13. Japan as World Power
14. Invasion of China
15. Japan and the World War
16. Basic Reason for War
17. Aftermath
18. The New Nation
19. Reason for her success
20. The Future of Japan

SECOND MIDTERM

Southeast Asia: Setting

1. Historical Background Perspectives of: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia (China/French) Malaysia, Singapore, Burma (British) Indonesia (Dutch), and Thailand.

2. Merchants and Colonialism:Its impact and ramification

 
3. The Legacy of the Second WW

 
4. The Crucial Years

 
5. The Legacy


a. Ideological
b. Institutional
c. Social
 

6. Nationalism and Independence

 
7. Economic Transformation and Success

 
8. The 21^st Century