Revised 3/2025

HIS 254 - History of Modern East Asian Civilizations (3 CR.)

Course Description

Examines East Asian civilizations from the early modern period through the present day. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week. 3 credits

General Course Purpose

HIS 254 introduces students to the civilizations of East Asia, specifically China, Japan and Korea, from the early modern period through the present day. Students will learn about the distinct cultures of East Asian societies, as well as how modern governments have evolved over time.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

Critical Thinking: the ability to use information, ideas and arguments from relevant perspectives to make sense of complex issues and solve problems.

  • Discuss the changing relationship between East Asian societies over time
  • Describe the differing ways that East Asian societies borrowed and responded to non-Asian societies and philosophies.
Written Communication – the ability to develop, convey, and exchange ideas in writing, as appropriate to a given context and audience.
  • Examine the role of East Asia in global events
  • Appropriately analyze primary source documents from East Asian societies
Religion and Social Order in E. Asian Societies
  • Describe the various religions and cultural traditions of East Asia
Early Modern States and Governance in China, Korea and Japan
  • Identify the components of major states/governments of East Asia
  • Demonstrate an understanding of geographical relationships
Engaging with the World: Trade and Warfare in the 19th century
  • Describe relevant global trade demands and their impact on East Asia
19th century Self-Strengthening Movements
  • Analyze the impact of imperialism on East Asian societies
  • Describe East Asian modernization due to both internal and external factors
Modern State building - the End of the Chinese Imperial System
  • Identify the causes and impacts of the Chinese Nationalist and Communist Revolutions of the 20th Century
  • Examine Japanese Imperialism and its effects on East Asian dynamics
World Wars and East Asia
  • Describe how East Asian societies participated in and responded to World War I and World War II
The Cold War and East Asia
  • Analyze the confrontation between the United States and communist states/movements in post-World War II East Asia

Understanding Contemporary East Asia

  • Demonstrate familiarity with/understanding of recent political, economic and social trends in East Asia

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Religion and Social Order in E. Asian Societies
  • Early Modern States and Governance in China, Korea and Japan
  • Engaging with the World: Trade and Warfare in the 19th century
  • 19th century Self-Strengthening Movements
  • Modern State building - the End of the Chinese Imperial System
  • World Wars and East Asia
  • The Cold War and East Asia
  • Understanding Contemporary East Asia