HPL2508

East Asian History ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Keith Wilson

Offered:
Not offered in 2006.

Synopsis: This unit examines China and Japan from the nineteenth century to the present, comparing their historical development within the general themes of modernisation and sociopolitical continuity and change. Topics to be studied include traditional society and government in China and Japan; the impact of Western penetration; the Chinese and Japanese response to the need for modernisation; the Chinese revolutions; the impact of war on Japan and China; the post World War 2 period in China and Japan; therecent modernisation and developmental problems of Japan and China.

Objectives: On the successful completion of this units students will be able to: 1)discuss competently the basic geographic, cultural and socio-political features that shaped traditional Chinese and Japanese society, and the impact of Western imperialism on China and Japan; 2) demonstrate an understanding of the concepts that explain the rise and impact of nationalism on China and Japan; 3) demonstrate a familiarity with some of the major issues that explain the entry of Japan and China to the world stage as major powers; 4) utilise a range of conceptual frameworks when examining major developments in the historical development of China and Japan.

Assessment: Essay (2,500 words) (on-campus include oral presentation): 60% + Exam (2 hours): 40%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture, 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prerequisites: HPL1503, HPL1504 or equivalents

Prohibitions: GSC3501, HPL3508