GSC3501

East Asian history

Keith Wilson

8 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Gippsland and distance - Prerequisites: GSC1503 and GSC1504 or equivalent

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should be familiar with the geographic, cultural and socio-political features that shaped traditional Chinese and Japanese society. In addition they should have gained an understanding of major historical developments, including the impact of Western imperialism, the challenges, successes and failures of the modernisation process, the rise of nationalism and the entry of Japan and China to the world stage as major powers.

Synopsis This subject examines China and Japan from the middle of the nineteenth century to the present, comparing their historical development within the general themes of modernisation and sociopolitical continuity and change. Attempts are made to find explanations for the differing approaches of each country to the problems of foreign intrusion, economic exploitation and development; the social transition from feudalism to capitalism and beyond, and revolution and reaction. Topics to be studied are drawn from traditional society and government in China and Japan; the impact of Western penetration; the Chinese and Japanese response to the need for modernisation; Imperial Japan; the Chinese revolutions; the impact of war on Japan and China; defeat, occupation and civil war; the recent modernisation and developmental problems of Japan and China.

Assessment Mapping exercise: 20% - Tutorial paper: Oral presentation (500 words); Written presentation (1500 words): 30% - Essay (3000 words): 50%

Prescribed texts

Hsu Immanuel C J The rise of modern China 3rd edn, OUP, 1983
or
Schirokauer C Modern China and Japan HBJ, 1982
Storry R A History of modern Japan Pelican, 1982

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