History: History of China and Japan

An introductory survey of the history of Chinese and Japanese civilizations from their Neolithic origins until the twentieth century.

Asynchronous online course; dates are May 19-June 27

This course is a broad introduction to major topics and significant themes in East Asian history with a primary focus on places we now call China and Japan. Significantly, we will explore the history of both from a comparative perspective that stresses the impact and influence of each society on the other, an approach that help us transcend the intellectual limitations imposed by the political boundaries of the modern nation-state. In doing so, we will interrogate problems of knowledge and representation relevant to anyone desiring a complex and compassionate understanding of our shared human past. Moreover, through the exploration, analysis, and interpretation of primary source historical materials (written documents, visual art, literature, physical structures, material artifacts, etc.), students will practice fundamental skills related to historical thinking.

All course materials are available through our course Brightspace webpage: lecture videos from Prof. Esselstrom and other online video clips; historical primary source documents for class discussion and/or participation quizzes; webpage links for class discussion and/or participation quizzes.

Unit Essay Assignments: 3 at 17.5% each Class Discussions: 6 at 4.75% each Daily Participation: 19%