Course Listings

Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture

ASTD 135 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly JAPN 105. Not open to students with substantial prior experience with Japanese language or culture; assumes no prior knowledge of Japanese. Students with prior experience with the Japanese language should take a placement test to assess appropriate level.) A hands- on, project-based introduction to Japanese language and culture. The goal is to develop cultural competency and familiarity with the history, geography, and culture of Japan and to use basic language skills to function effectively and appropriately in everyday life in Japan. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: ASTD 135 or JAPN 105.

Introduction to Korean Language and Culture

ASTD 155 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Not open to students with substantial prior experience with Korean language or culture; assumes no prior knowledge of Korean. Students with prior experience with the Korean language should take a placement test to assess appropriate level.) A hands-on, project-based introduction to Korean language and culture. The goal is to develop cultural competence in personal interactions; demonstrate knowledge of the history, geography, and culture of Korea; and use basic language skills to function effectively and appropriately in everyday activities in Korea. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTD 155 or KORN 105.

War in the Ryukyu Islands

ASTD 198A | 1 Credit

Course Desc: A study of the strategy and tactics envisioned by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Imperial Japanese High Command, to attack and defend the last barrier to the mainland during World War II. The organization of the 10th U.S. Army, gathering the Allied Force for Operation Iceberg, the IJA development of the tunnel-bunker-underground-defense-system, and the role of Commander in Chief Pacific Ocean Area are examined.

Arts of Okinawa

ASTD 198B | 1 Credit

Course Desc: An introduction to the crafts of the Ryukyu Islands. Emphasis is on pottery, textiles, and lacquer-ware. Field trips to the Yomitan potters, the Okinawan Prefectural Museum, and the textile studios in Shuri are included.

Foundations of East Asian Civilization

ASTD 284 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly HIST 284.) An interdisciplinary survey of the foundations of East Asian civilization from its beginnings to the 17th century. The goal is to analyze philosophical, religious, artistic, economic, and political aspects of the region's historical experience. Focus is on China, Korea, and Japan. Topics include East Asian belief systems (including Confucianism and Buddhism), the dynastic cycle, relations between steppe and agrarian societies, warrior and scholar-gentry cultures, technological change and economic development, and the role of class and gender in early East Asian society. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTD 150, ASTD 284, or HIST 284.

Introduction to Modern East Asia

ASTD 285 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly HIST 285.) An interdisciplinary survey of East Asia from the late 17th century beginning with Ming-Qing China, Tokugawa Japan, and Choson Korea--to the present. The objective is to trace how transformations on global, regional, and local levels led to the development of the modern nation-states of East Asia and to examine how those developments affected the culture of the areas. Topics include the rise of imperialism and colonialism; cross cultural interactions; and issues of gender, class, and ethnicity in East Asian culture. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTD 160, ASTD 285, or HIST 285.

The Chinese: Adapting the Past, Building the Future

ASTD 300 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the arts and humanities.) An examination of contemporary Chinese society as it seeks modernization after a century of rapid change.

The Japanese: Adapting the Past, Building the Future

ASTD 301 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the arts and humanities.) A study of modern Japanese society as it attempts to find its place in the post-Cold War international system after a century of imperial expansion, ruinous defeat, and renewal.

The Two Koreas: Problems and Prospects

ASTD 302 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: Any writing course. A thematic study of the two Koreas from historical, social, and foreign policy perspectives. The objective is to examine scholarly viewpoints on key issues of Korean history and division; articulate key factors that shape U.S. and regional policy toward North Korea; distinguish between different sources of information on the two Koreas; and interpret regional developments based on knowledge of Korean issues. Topics include the "hermit kingdom" myth; liberation, division, and war; the economic "miracle"; North Korean leadership; South and North Korean foreign relations; North Korea as a nuclear threat; and prospects for a unified Korea. Focus is on developing a stronger understanding of the two Koreas for practical and professional application. Assignments require research, analysis, and a written policy or strategy recommendation.

India: The Weight of Tradition in the Modern World

ASTD 303 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the arts and humanities.) A study of contemporary Indian society as it seeks modernization within an age-old culture and caste system. Pakistan is also discussed where appropriate to subcontinent issues.

Southeast Asia: Development Amid Diversity

ASTD 304 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the social sciences.) A broad examination of 20th century Southeast Asia. Topics include colonialism, nationalism, independence, factors of unity and disunity, the role of regional organizations (ASEAN), and contrasting developmental models.

Shamanism: Original Religion of East Asia

ASTD 398N | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the arts and humanities.) An examination of shamanism in East Asia. Emphasis is on Korean and Siberian shamanism and Chinese Taoism. Topics include the call to become a shaman, the initiation process, the rituals that shamans perform, and the relationship of shamanism to society in general. Rituals for both the prosperity of the living and the consolation of the dead in Korea are investigated. A visit to a shaman shrine where rituals are regularly performed is included. Assignments include advanced reading and research.

The Allied Occupation of Japan, 1945-1952

ASTD 398O | 1 Credit

Course Desc: A study of the immediate postwar conditions of the defeated Japanese and the aims and objectives of the Allied Occupation of the country over the next six years. Various views on the value of the reforms and the affect on Japan as perceived by Japanese and American scholars are discussed. Assignments include advanced reading and research.

East Asian Studies Capstone

ASTD 485 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: Completion of 24 credits of major coursework, including ASTD 284 and ASTD 285. A project-based interdisciplinary study of East Asia that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience and builds on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Discussion covers emerging issues and current scholarship in East Asian studies.

Workplace Learning in East Asian Studies

ASTD 486A | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: 9 credits in the discipline and prior program approval (requirements detailed online at www.umgc.edu/wkpl). The integration of discipline-specific knowledge with new experiences in the work environment. Tasks include completing a series of academic assignments that parallel work experiences.

Workplace Learning in East Asian Studies

ASTD 486B | 6 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: 9 credits in the discipline and prior program approval (requirements detailed online at www.umgc.edu/wkpl). The integration of discipline-specific knowledge with new experiences in the work environment. Tasks include completing a series of academic assignments that parallel work experiences.