京都大学 京都大学

Introduction to Asian Societies-E2

Numbering Code U-LAS01 10014 LE38 Year/Term 2022 ・ Second semester
Number of Credits 2 Course Type Lecture
Target Year Mainly 1st & 2nd year students Target Student For liberal arts students
Language English Day/Period Tue.2
Instructor name Julius Bautista (Center for Southeast Asian Studies Associate Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course This course will introduce students to Asian history and civilization. While each of these regions has its own distinctive identities, we shall consider how overlapping historical, political and cultural experiences have engendered a shared sense of heritage and common destiny. We shall examine the struggles of Asians to protect or regain their sovereignty, and establish their identities in a rapidly arising and often volatile world order. We will look at how individuals in Asia respond to significant issues and challenges in four distinct historical themes: “Tradition and Modernity in Asia”, “Colonialism (Euro-American Imperialism)”, “War and its aftermath” and the “The future is Asian.”
Course Goals At the end of this course, students will be able to achieve the following learning outcomes: (1) The ability to provide an historical portrait of the interrelationships between Asian societies and the wider global forces that have shaped the region. (2) The ability to engage in critical discussion and debate on some of the most pressing regional issues, including those in the areas of politics, the environment, history, culture and security.
Schedule and Contents 1 Introduction and Course Queries
2 Tradition and Modernity in Asia 1: Filial piety in East Asia
3 Tradition and Modernity in Asia 2: Caste and Modern Society in South Asia
4 Group Discussion Session 1
5 Colonialism 1: The Age of Exploration in Southeast Asia
6 Colonialism 2: High Imperialism in Southeast Asia
7 Group Discussion Session 2
8 War and its Aftermath 1: Comfort Women in WW2
War and its Aftermath 2: War and Remembrance
9 Group Discussion Session 3
10 Group Discussion Session 4
11 Individual Discussion Session
12 Essay Writing Break
13 Conclusion

**This schedule is tentative and should be used as a guide only**
Evaluation Methods and Policy Students will be evaluated according to four main criteria.

(1) Online reading analysis and comment (30%): Comment on readings uploaded on NowComment platform
(2) Original research essay (30%): Submit a self-authored essay of 2000-3000 words in length.
(3) Class discussion/online debate (30%): Work with group mates in a structured presentation/debate in class using the Kialo platform.
(4) Overall participation in lectures and individual sessions (10%): Ask questions and make comments during in-class and online activities. Participate in individual consultation session.
Course Requirements None
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) No prior knowledge of Asian studies is required. Students should be able to participate in discussions with their classmates in English. This may be face-to-face small group discussion or online. Students may also be asked to make short presentations in English based on the class topics.
Textbooks Textbooks/References The Future is Asian, Parag KHANNA, (Weidenfield and Nicholson), ISBN:9781474610674, **This is the research reading for the semester**
There are three kinds of readings in this course.

(1) Research reading/s provide the content from which you will express your interpretations, analysis and opinions. It may also be the basis for the research essay. It may be read in any language, as long as they are official translations endorsed by the publisher.
(2) NowComment readings are texts, documents and other forms of media that are uploaded onto online platforms. Students are expected to comment online on these readings as part of their class assessment.
(3) Background readings provide additional information and data on the weekly class topics. These readings are not compulsory.
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