Modern China: Society, Politics and Economy (KÍN101G)

How does China work? This an overview course of the main factors that influence contemporary Chinese society, politics and economy, with an emphasis on the changes following the implementation of the Open Door Policy in 1978. It is a journey through the major developments of China‘s recent economic history. Politics and changes in the top leadership of the State and the Party will be examined from the perspective of political economy and relations with neighbouring countries in Asia and the Pacific. Certain topics concerning China‘s development will be examined in individual lessons such as energy, environment, demography, arts and international relations. Furthermore,  the status of the family, human and gender rights will be examined. Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet will also be discussed. Clips from recent Chinese documentaries on various aspects of the transformation of Chinese society  will be screened. The course is taught in English.

Japanese Society and Culture I (JAP105G)

The aim of the course is to provide the students with an insight into various aspects of Japanese society and culture, both in the past and in the present. The course covers themes such as identity, education, religion, rituals and arts in Japan.

Japanese Society and Culture II (JAP106G)

The aim of the course is to introduce modern japanese society to the students. Lectures and discussions will be held on topics such as social environment, education system, politics, economics and contemporary culture. Lecturers will vary based on fields of research.

Japanese Modern Literature (JAP305G)

This course aims to introduce students to the various forms of literary writing in modern Japanese, focusing on the development of modern Japanese fiction. Readings will cover Japanese short stories and novels in translation, from Meiji onwards, but with a particular focus on the 20th Century to the present day. Students will be encouraged to consider the changing relationship between literature and society in modern Japan, as well as the various movements and styles which have shaped the history of modern Japanese fiction. Each class will include both an introductory lecture and a discussion of a selected literary texts, which are required reading for the course.

Students will also have to read at least one longer work, on which they will have written their final assignment.

Japanese Cinema (JAP107G)

This course is a historical overview of Japanese cinema from its origins in 1898 to the present day. Screenings are comprised of films by Japan's most prominent directors such as Ozu Yasujirō, Kurosawa Akira, and Mizoguchi Kenji, alongside examples that reflect important trends in contemporary Japanese film. While the course addresses questions regarding genre, style, and authorship, we will also work to situate these categories within the broader cultural, social, and historical currents of Japanese cinema. Topics include but are not limited to, the impact of WWII and occupation on Japanese filmmaking, the studio system, and the Japanese New Wave. 

Teaching language is English. 

History of China II: From the Qing Dynasty to the present (KÍN108G, SAG336GKÍN102G)

Teacher: Amy Matthewson,SOAS Univeristy of London

This course deals with the rise of ‘modern’ China during the late Qing dynasty (1644-1912) and explores the internal and external forces within China and how events shaped its international standing.  It examines the historical processes within China that led to the development of modern China and explores geopolitical conditions to consider the lasting impact transformations in China had on the global community. The course opens with a brief overview of the founding of the Qing dynasty, the last major dynasty in Chinese history.  It then explores extraordinary occurrences such as imperialism, massive rebellion, and revolution in China, all of which had powerful influences on China’s international interactions.  The course moves on to discuss the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the retreat of the Nationalist government, the policies of Mao Zedong, the Cultural Revolution and the Open Door Policy. The course is taught online through distant learning equipment.

Chinese History I. From Ancient times to the Ming Dynasty (KÍN108G, SAG336GKÍN102G)

This course explores the history of China from the mythical Xia dynasty in the third millenium BCE to the beginning of the seventeenth century. It seeks to illuminate the most important factors in the formation of Chinese culture as well as to explain individual events in the political and social development of the Chinese nation. An overview will be provided of the origin and development of the most important Chinese religious and philosophical streams of thought, notably Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism. The interaction and mutual influence between non-Chinese groups and the Chinese nation in the course of history will be emphasised.

History of China I: From Mythological Origins to Late Ming (KÍN108G, SAG336GKÍN102G)

This course explores the history of China from the mythical Xia dynasty in the third millenium BCE to the beginning of the nineteenth century. It seeks to illuminate the most important factors in the formation of Chinese culture as well as to explain individual events in the political and social development of the Chinese nation. An overview will be provided of the origin and development of the most important Chinese religious and philosophical streams of thought, notably Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism. Influential individuals will be introduced. The interaction and mutual influence between non-Chinese groups and the Chinese nation in the course of history will be emphasised.

Japanese History (JAP208G)

The course presents an historical overview of Japan from prehistory up until modern times. Emphasis will be on main historical turning points as well as socio cultural developments. The main aim of the course is that students gain an understanding of the social forces which have helped shape the current Japanese cultural environment and the implications therein. Student presentations will play a hefty role along with lectures and students will assist each other in composing synopsis in order to prepare for the final exam. In writing a research paper students will have the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of a theme of their choice.

History of Modern East Asia (JAP412G, JAP413G)

Asia is largest of the continents and is home to almost 60% of the world´s population. It has also become established as an economic powerhouse with China, Japan and India firmly placed on top-five list over the largest economies in the world. At the same time, Asia is also a region of growing tension with three acknowledged nuclear states, unsolved territorial disputes, nationalistic undercurrents, large income disparities, as well as serious environmental and climate threats. The course aims to give students a broad introduction to the history of international relations in East Asia from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, with an emphasis on the key trends and developments that have shaped the region. The focus will be on China, Japan, and South Korea.

The course will cover such topics as: the countries and cultures of Asia, colonialization and decolonialization, the world wars and the Cold War in East Asia, the role of the United States, international and regional collaboration (ASEAN, APEC, ADB), and the rise of China and India. The course will also cover current issues, ranging from soft power strategies to Arctic policies of East Asian states.

History of Modern East Asia (JAP412G, JAP413G)

Asia is largest of the continents and is home to almost 60% of the world´s population. It has also become established as an economic powerhouse with China, Japan and India firmly placed on top-five list over the largest economies in the world. At the same time, Asia is also a region of growing tension with three acknowledged nuclear states, unsolved territorial disputes, nationalistic undercurrents, large income disparities, as well as serious environmental and climate threats. The course aims to give students a broad introduction to the history of international relations in East Asia from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, with an emphasis on the key trends and developments that have shaped the region. The focus will be on China, Japan, and South Korea.

The course will cover such topics as: the countries and cultures of Asia, colonialization and decolonialization, the world wars and the Cold War in East Asia, the role of the United States, international and regional collaboration (ASEAN, APEC, ADB), and the rise of China and India. The course will also cover current issues, ranging from soft power strategies to Arctic policies of East Asian states.