HISTORY 335

Samurai and Scholars: Early Modern China and Japan

Please note: this is archived course information from 2020 for HISTORY 335.

Description

Early modern China and Japan had much in common; they shared not only a geographical space in East Asia but also a history of cultural interaction, lively trade and an enduring interest in Confucianism as a way of structuring family and social relationships.

This course explores the dynamism that made these two East Asian societies "early modern" with a focus on the structures and patterns of everyday life. How did scholars come out on top in the great imperial bureaucracy of China, whereas the samurai warriors lorded it over even the emperor in Tokugawa Japan?

The course will foster:

The ability to research, read and interpret historical sources in English translation
Critical engagement with historical topics in the field
Facility with coherent presentation of ideas orally and in writing
The ability to identify points of continuity or historical resonance between the early modern and the present in East Asia
Culturally sensitive engagement with people from East Asia

This course will appeal to students in Chinese, Japanese, Asian Studies and Global Studies as well as History students interested in Asian History.

Assessment

Coursework only

Availability 2020

Semester 1

Lecturer(s)

Lecturer(s) Dr Melissa Inouye
Dr Ellen Nakamura

Reading/Texts

Assessment

Coursework only

Points

HISTORY 335: 15 points

Prerequisites

90 points passed

Restrictions

HISTORY 222, 225, 242, 322, 342