AST5060 - Japan and Asia since 1945: war legacies and memory wars

Offered

Not offered in 2009

Synopsis

This unit examine various debates about World War II legacies in the Asian region, affecting particularly Japan's relationship with Korea, with China and with various other peoples and nations that suffered from Japan's invasion up to 1945. As well as examining the parameters of these debates, the unit encourages reflection on the politicised and consumable nature of the past, and on the processes of remembering and forgetting upon which the identity of nations and communities are built.

Objectives

Upon completion of the unit, the students should have 1) acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about the Second World War in Asia and the Pacific 2)become familiar with a number of specific issues related to war legacies and war memory 3)developed critical insights into the contested and fluid nature of representations of the past, and become familiar with the major writers in the area 4)developed research and interpretation skills through preparation for and participation in the weekly seminars, and through preparation for their written assignments 5) practised devising a feasible research project 6) practised presenting and debating ideas and interpretations effectively and in an informed manner, both orally and in writing

Assessment

Written work: 100% (9000 words)

Contact hours

1 one-hour lecture per week for 13 weeks and 1 two-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks