Asian Studies Fall 2011 Courses
ANTH 331: The Most Ancient Near East
TTH 2:45-4:00
Prof. Shaffer
The Near East, archaeologically, is the most intensely researched area in the world. The research, spanning 150 years, reveals a continuous record of human adaptation spanning two million years, five human species, multiple major environmental changes, and shifts in human adaptive strategies from nomadic hunting and gathering to sedentary village agriculture and the emergence of urban centers "civilization." The archaeological record of this extraordinary period beginning two million years ago until about 4000 BC is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the human response to social and ecological changes. The course examines how the emergence of sedentary settlements, surplus food production, population growth, interregional trade, and social-economically stratified societies fundamentally changed the human condition. Recommended preparation: ANTH 102 or ANTH 107 or consent of department.
ARTH 339: Visual Exchanges in Modern Chinese and Japanese Painting (1800-1960)
TuTh 2:45 - 4:00
Prof. Giuffrida
The political and cultural histories of China and Japan in the late nineteenth through mid-twentieth centuries are inexorably entangled. Forces of modernization, Westernization, nationalism, reform, war, and revolution impacted the traffic in artists and practices between the two countries. Debates about the ways and means to preserve, reform, or reject traditional methods, styles, and subjects in the face of Western modernism dominated cultural discourse. Artistic movements, schools, and individuals navigated between tradition and modernity and their efforts are reflected in manifestos of artistic societies, theoretical writings, exhibitions, and paintings of the time. Both Japanese and Chinese painters traveled to Europe to study, returning to East Asia with new ideas and techniques. Waves of Chinese artists trained in Japan experiencing Western modernism directly through exhibitions and concurrently through Japanese filters. Some East Asian painters focused on revitalizing their own native ink painting traditions, others embraced Western oil painting, still others strove to achieve a distinctively Japanese or Chinese synthesis--all sought to express new modern national, cultural, and individual identities. The course covers Yoga (Western style painting) and Nihonga (Japanese style painting) in Japan, and Guohua (National painting) in China as represented by a range of artists including Fu Baoshi, Zhang Daqian, Huang Binhong, Xu Beihong, Gao Jianfu, Kuroda Seiki, Yorouzu Tetsugoro, Kishida Ryusei, Yokoyama Taikan, Shimomura Kanzan and Tomioka Tessai. This course intersects with the fall 2011 exhibition Chinese Art in an Age of Revolution: Fu Baoshi (1904-1965) held at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Gallery visits as well as attendance at guest lectures and films form an integral part of the course.
Offered as ARTH 339 and ARTH 439.
ECON 375: Economics of Developing Countries
TuTh 10:00 - 11:15
Prof. Prina
This course focuses on international aspects of economic development. The term "developing country" is often defined as a country that exhibits low per capita income, high poverty level, low level of industrialization, or low life expectancy. In terms of size, the developing countries make up at least three-fourth of the world population. Why do we study those countries' economies separately from the industrialized economies? In fact, low economic growth, high unemployment, or high poverty rates also exist in many developed countries. The differences lie not in the types of problems but in the causes of these problems. In addition, differences in the kind of institutions that prevail in developing countries also lead to different policy prescriptions. Among developing countries, differences in historical experience, cultural practices, political institutions and economic conditions are also enormous. Illustrations and explanations of those differences are provided from a wide range of developing countries.
HSTY 282: Modern China
MWF 11:30 - 12:20
Prof. Fu
Beginning with the Opium Wars, we review the historical development of intellectual discourse, public reaction, and political protest in late Imperial and Republican China from the early 19th century to the communist revolution in 1949. In contrast to the conventional description of China from a Western point of view, this course tries to explain the emergence of modern China in the context of its intellectual, political, and socio-economic transformation as experienced by Chinese in the 19th and 20th century. By discussing the influence of the West, domestic rebellions, and political radicalism, we examine how the Chinese state and society interacted in search for modernization and reforms, how these reforms were continued during the Republican period, and to what extent historical patterns can be identified in China's present-day development.
HSTY 285: Modern Japan
TuTh 11:30 - 12:45
Prof. Washington
This course introduces students to the many changes that characterize the social, political, economic, and intellectual history of modern Japan from the mid-19th century to the present. We discuss to what extent the Meiji state was built upon Japan's "traditional" heritage, how modernization and Western influence were implemented in and perceived by society, and which factors led the government to adopt extreme imperialist and militarist policies in the early 20th century. Looking at the emergence of a new Japan after World War II, we focus on employment structures, mass culture, urbanization, gender roles, and social patterns in order to understand the transformation of modern Japanese society.
JAPN 225: Japanese Popular Culture
MW 12:30 - 1:45
Prof. Fitzgerald
This course highlights salient aspects of modern Japanese popular culture as expressed in animation, comics and literature. The works examined include films by Hayao Miyazaki, writings by Kenji Miyazawa, Haruki Murakami and Banana Yoshimoto, among others. The course introduces students to essential aspects of modern Japanese popular culture and sensibility.
Offered as JAPN 225 and WLIT 225.
JAPN 245: Classical Japanese Literature in Translation
MWF 3:00 - 3:50
Prof. Ehrlich
Readings, in English translation, of classical Japanese poetry, essays, narratives, and drama to illustrate essential aspects of Japanese culture and sensibility before the Meiji Restoration (1868). Lectures explore the sociohistorical contexts and the character of major literary genres; discussions focus on interpreting the central images of human value within each period. Japanese sensibilities compared to and contrasted with those of Western and other cultures.
Offered as JAPN 245 and WLIT 245.
POSC 370F China's Foreign Policy
MWF 4;00 - 4:50
Prof. Schroeder
The rise of China as a world power is evident in the country’s more forward foreign policy that began in 1979. At every turn, the United States must consider China wherever American interests are at stake, be it Korea and Northeast Asia, Indochina and Southeast Asia, India/Pakistan and South Asia, or Afghanistan and Iran in the Middle East. As well, the United States is confronted with a China that is consistently aggressive in international trade. This course describes the key factors that make up Chinese foreign policy, including its cultural traditions, policy-making institutions, the role of the Chinese military, domestic determinants of foreign policy, and China’s growing involvement in international regimes and issues.
RLGN 216: Hinduism I: The Vedic, Epic and Puranic Periods
TuTh 1:15 - 2:30
Prof. Sarma
This course will provide an introduction to the Vedic, Epic and Puranic periods in the development of Hinduism. We will read a range of primary sources produced during these times. These texts were composed between 1500 BCE and the 5th century CE. The course has an emphasis on research and writing. We will not be examining contemporary issues or practice. The goal of the class is to gain detailed understanding of the kind of world(s) that were envisioned in these forms of early "Hinduism."
RLGN 218: Islam: Faith and Politics
TuTh 10:00 - 11:15
Prof. Islambouli
An overview of the relationship between Islam as a religion and Islam as a political system and the effect of this relationship on Islamic society from its origin to the present time.
RLGN 305: Sanskrit Religious Texts
TuTh 2:45 - 4:00
Prof. Ramaswamy
Introduction to the Sanskrit language and culture through the reading of selected texts taken from the ancient religions of South Asia.
Offered as CLSC 305 and RLGN 305.
WLIT 235 Asian Cinema and Drama
W 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Prof. Ehrlich
Introduction to major Asian film directors and major traditional theatrical schools of India, Java/Bali, China, and Japan. Focus on the influence of traditional dramatic forms on contemporary film directors. Development of skills in cross-cultural analysis and comparative aesthetics.
Offered as ASIA 235 and WLIT 235.
Asian Studies Summer 2011 Courses
ENGL 368C: Topics in Film: Asian Cinema
Maymester 5/09/11 - 05/27/11 - MWF 9:30 - 12:00; TuTh 9:30 - 1:00
Prof. Ehrlich
Individual topics in film, such as a particular national cinema, images of women in film, film comedy, New Wave film, literature and film. Maximum 12 credits.
Offered as ENGL 368C, WLIT 368C, ENGL 468C, and WLIT 468C.
Asian Studies Spring 2011 Courses
ANTH 353: Chinese Culture and Society
TTH 8:30-9:45
Prof. Charlotte Ikels
This course focuses on Chinese cultural and social institutions during the Maoist and post-Maoist eras. Topics include social change, urban and rural life, ethnicity, popular religion, family life, and healing traditions.
ARTH 302/402: Buddhist Art in Asia
MW Time TBA
Prof. Noelle Giuffrida
This course explores the visual culture of Buddhism in Asia from its origins in India to its transmission and transformation in China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. Our historically and culturally structured examination will trace major developments in Buddhist art and their relationship with belief, practice, and ritual. We will consider the ways that artistic traditions have adapted and evolved both within individual cultures and cross-culturally. The study of sculpture, architecture, and painting in their religious contexts will be our primary focus, but we will also consider the movement of Buddhist art from temples to sites of secular display in museums around the world and the religious and cultural issues that arise from these moves. Topics include: representations of the life of the historical Buddha; visual programs of temples; artistic representations of paradises and hells; sacred sites and architecture; imperial patronage of Buddhist art; the role of art in pilgrimage and ritual; and visual imagery associated with schools of Buddhism such as Pure Land, Chan, and Zen.
ARTH 307/407: Arts of China
TTH Time TBA
Prof. Noelle Giuffrida
A survey of the major developments in Chinese art from the Neolithic period to the present, including archaeological discoveries, bronzes, calligraphy, painting, sculpture, ceramics, architecture, performance art, and installations. Among topics covered are: ancient funerary art and tombs; painting and sculpture of early Buddhist grottoes; landscape painting; art commissioned and collected by the imperial court; literati painting and calligraphy; public and private art associated with Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian religious practices and sites; art produced during periods of non-Chinese rule under the Tanguts, Mongols, and Manchus; foreign influences on Chinese artists; and the role of Chinese artists in the contemporary international art market. The course explores factors behind the creation and reception of works of art, including social, political and religious meanings, while examining the historical contexts for and artistic traditions of the visual culture of China.
Prerequisites: One previous art history course at the 100 or 200 level or permission of the instructor. Students with some Asian studies, Asian language, Asian history, or other appropriate background may be permitted to enroll at the discretion of the instructor.
HSTY 383: The People's Republic of China
TTH 10-11:15
Prof. Jia-Chen Fu
This course is an introduction to the history and historiography of modern China from the end of the 19th century to present. We will explore the major historical transformations that led to a political break from China's imperial past, and we will examine both the continuities and discontinuities shaping China's experience as a modern nation during the volatile 20th century. Major themes covered in this course include: the emergence of the modern Chinese nation-state, the development and transformation of Chinese socialism in the 20th century, the tensions between rural and urban China, and the intellectual and cultural ferment of students, peasants, workers, and intellectuals. Materials will include autobiographical and biographical texts, 20th century literature, and film to provide a deeper sense of how individual lives intersected with major events in Chinese history.
JAPN 225: Japanese Popular Culture
TTH 2:45-4:00
Prof. Margaret Fitzgerald
This course highlights salient aspects of modern Japanese popular culture as expressed in animation, comics and literature. The works examined include films by Hayao Miyazaki, writings by Kenji Miyazawa, Haruki Murakami and Banana Yoshimoto, among others. The course introduces students to essential aspects of modern Japanese popular culture and sensibility.
Offered as JAPN 225 and WLIT 225.
JAPN 355: Modern Japanese Novels and the West
TTH 2:45-4:00
Prof. Takao Hagiwara
This course will compare modern Japanese and Western novellas, drama, and novels. Comparisons will focus on the themes of family, gender and alienation, which subsume a number of interrelated sub-themes such as marriage, home, human sexuality, amae (dependence), innocence, experience, death, God/gods, and nature (the ecosystem). Offered as JAPN 355, WLIT 355.
POSC 370D: The Politics of China
TTH 1:15-2:30
Dr. Paul Schroeder
Now more than ever, the Chinese state and society are facing tremendous economic, social, and political challenges. This course presents an overview of current issues facing the People's Republic, including a changing (or not) political culture, policy processes and outcomes at the national and local levels, reform and economic growth, the resultant societal changes and pressures, and the consequent challenges the Communist Party faces as demand for political reform grows. The class involves a mixture of lectures and discussion and draws on a combination of primary and secondary sources, including current news reports and films.
RLGN 221: Indian Philosophy
TTH 2:45-4:00
Prof. Deepak Sarma
(Cross-listed as PHIL 221) We will survey the origins of Indian philosophical thought, with an emphasis on early Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain literature. Our concern will be the methods, presuppositions, arguments, and goals of these schools and trajectories of thought. What were their theories on the nature of the person, the nature of reality, and the nature and process of knowing? What were the debates between the schools and the major points of controversy?
RLGN 237: Religion and Dance in South Asia
TTH 1:15-2:30
Prof. Deepak Sarma
(Cross-listed as DANC 237) New course pending approval by the Committee on Educational Programs.) This is an experimental interdisciplinary course in religion, dance, and South Asian studies. We will explore the performance of religion in bharata natyam, one storytelling dance form from South Asia. This dance styles draws upon Hindu devotional (bhakti) allegories of sacred and profane love in its choreography. Lover and beloved, as the ideal relationship between God and the human, becomes the model for the performed relationship between heroes and heroines (nayaka-nayaki) danced on stages and, more recently, Bollywood screens. To this end we will examine primary and secondary sources on bharata natyam and aesthetic theory/classical dramatics.
RLGN 309/CLSC 309: Advanced Sanskrit Religious Texts
TBA
Dr. Ramaswamy Sharma
This class is a continuation of RLGN 305/ CLSC 305, the introduction to the Sanskrit language and culture. In RLGN 309/ CLSC 309 students will learn advanced Sanskrit grammar and syntax. Previous knowledge of Sanskrit is required. We will finish the lessons from Devavanipravesika that we began in the introductory course. We will then translate sections from the Bhagavad Gita.
Note:
In addition, three years of Chinese and Japanese language are being offered through the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.
All courses subject to change at the discretion of the departments.
Asian Studies Fall 2010 Courses
ANTH 352/452 Japanese Culture and Society
T TH 8:30-9:45 Professor Ikels
Focuses on contemporary Japanese cultural and social institutions. Topics include child-rearing, personality, values, education, gender roles, the dual economy, and popular culture. Recommended preparation: ANTH 102 or consent of department.
Offered as ANTH 352 and ANTH 452.
ANTH 331 Ancient Civilizations of the Near East
T TH 2:45-4:00pm Professor Shaffer
The social, economic, and ecological factors involved in the formation of the earliest Asian civilizations. The developmental role of cities, warfare, trade, and irrigation considered with respect to "state" formation in Mesopotamia, Iran, and the Indus Valley. Recommended preparation: ANTH 102 or ANTH 107 or consent of department.
ARTH 308 Arts of Japan
T TH 1:15-2:30pm Professor Giuffrida-Armhold
A survey of the major developments in Japanese art from prehistoric times to the present in a wide range of media, including sculpture, ceramics, architecture, calligraphy, painting, garden design, woodblock prints, film, and installations. Among topics covered are: Buddhist art, narrative handscrolls, ink painting and portraiture associated with Zen, ceramics for tea ceremony, Edo and Meiji period woodblock prints, and Western and Chinese influences on Japanese artists. Modern and contemporary artists and filmmakers such as Isamu Noguchi, Akira Kurosawa, Yayoi Kusama, Yasumasa Morimura, and Takashi Murakami are also investigated. The course explores factors behind the making of works of art, including social and religious meanings, while examining the historical contexts for and aesthetic principles of the arts of Japan. Prerequisites include one previous art history course at the 100- or 200-level or permission of instructor. Students with some Asian studies, Japanese language, Japanese history, or other appropriate background by be permitted to enroll at the discretion of the instructor. Offered as: ARTH 308 and ARTH 408.
HSTY 282 Modern China
MWF 11:30AM-12:20PM Staff
Beginning with the Opium Wars, we review the historical development of intellectual discourse, public reaction, and political protest in late Imperial and Republican China from the early 19th century to the communist revolution in 1949. In contrast to the conventional description of China from a Western point of view, this course tries to explain the emergence of modern China in the context of its intellectual, political, and socio-economic transformation as experienced by Chinese in the 19th and 20th century. By discussing the influence of the West, domestic rebellions, and political radicalism, we examine how the Chinese state and society interacted in search for modernization and reforms, how these reforms were continued during the Republican period, and to what extent historical patterns can be identified in China's present-day development.
JAPN 255 Modern Japanese Literature in Translation
MW 12:30PM-1:45PM; We 7:00PM-9:30PM Professor Ehrlich
Focus on the major genres of modern Japanese literature, including poetry, short story, and novel (shosetsu). No knowledge of Japanese language or history is assumed. Lectures, readings, and discussions are in English. Films and slides complement course readings.
Offered as JAPN 255 and WLIT 255.
RLGN 216 - 100 Hinduism I: The Vedic, Epic and Puranic Periods
TuTh 2:45PM-4:00PM Professor Sarma
This course will provide an introduction to the Vedic, Epic and Puranic periods in the development of Hinduism. We will read a range of primary sources produced during these times. These texts were composed between 1500 BCE and the 5th century CE. The course has an emphasis on research and writing. We will not be examining contemporary issues or practice. The goal of the class is to gain detailed understanding of the kind of world(s) that were envisioned in these forms of early "Hinduism."
RLGN 218 Islam: Faith and Politics
TuTh 4:30PM-5:45PM Professor Islambouli
An overview of the relationship between Islam as a religion and Islam as a political system and the effect of this relationship on Islamic society from its origin to the present time.
RLGN 305 Sanskrit Religious Texts
TuTh 10:00AM-11:15AM Professor Sarma
Introduction to the Sanskrit language and culture through the reading of selected texts taken from the ancient religions of South Asia. Offered as CLSC 305 and RLGN 305.
Note:
In addition, three years of Chinese and Japanese language are being offered through the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.
All courses subject to change at the discretion of the departments.
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