HI 181 - East Asia to 1800

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of the history of East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam) from antiquity to 1800. Emphasis is placed on political, intellectual, and cultural change. It will examine what is distinctive about East Asian civilization, the transformation of Japan from the Heian period through the decline of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Chinese dynastic cycle, the roles of Confucianism and Buddhism, as well as urbanization and popular culture.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

demonstrate a working knowledge of the history of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and their basic chronologies to 1800;
demonstrate a clear understanding of the major religions and philosophies of East Asia such as Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shinto;
discern major historical issues of cross-regional social, political, or cultural importance;
compare East Asian cultures in national or international contexts;
evaluate and apply primary source texts to broad historical themes;
explain historical change and continuity in East Asian history;
develop clear arguments using recognized historical methods; and
interpret and use primary sources.

F/S (S)