Asian Studies

As a core course in the department’s program on East Asian studies, this graduate-level course, conducted fully in English, explores various dimensions of the political, economic, and social developments of the People’s Republic of China since 1979. In addition to familiarizing the students with the empirical evidence and relevant methodology of such developments, this course also introduces the theoretical evolution/debates both in China studies and authoritarianism in comparative politics. An extended goal of this course is to prepare the students for delving into new research topics and conducting independent field research in China in the future. Students have to finish all the required readings and be prepared for heavy class participation before each class meeting. Lectures by the instructors where necessary play a supplementary role only.

This course provides fundamental knowledge of media history in Japan and Asia from the late 19th century to the early 21st century, discussing the historical process of the transformation of relations between media, governments and peoples. The focus is to promote historical understanding and analysis of media development with influences in political process.

This course examines the modern Japanese sense of cultural, social and national identity, as analyzed by social scientists, cultural historians, and scholars of Japanese thought. Topics include famous studies of the Japanese self by psychologists, anthropologists, sociologists and socio-linguists, supplemented by a historical perspective focusing on the samurai heritage and the ideas behind the Meiji Restoration. Japanese language is not required.

This course explores the intricate dynamics of branding in our modern society, focusing on Korea as a country brand that encapsulates a multifaceted identity through elements that shape its distinctive global presence. The course aims to dissect the evolution and development of Korea as a country brand, specifically exploring how its individual facets have contributed to the formation of the overarching country brand identity. Through an exploration of strategic brand communication principles, the course explores the essence of brands; their significance, components, and mechanisms of manifestation. Emphasis is placed on case studies and practical exercises, focusing on sub branding elements including K-pop, K culture, and K-products.

This course introduces archaeology as it is practiced in Japan, focusing on its concepts, methods and achievements. It traces the cultural transition of prehistoric Japan in relation to environmental change and adaptation strategy. It includes fieldwork in ICU pre-Jomon and Jomon sites.  

In Japan, Ikebana is appreciated with Japanese sophisticated sense of nature, admiring not only the beautiful colors of flowers but also the leaf - its green, beauty of bark, seasonal fruits, or even it withering. The whole of them are named generically "hana," which means "flower" in Japanese Ikebana. Japanese Ikebana is respected as "the way of hana" which is the best way to learn spiritual, philosophical, and aesthetic sense.

This course covers plant features, seasonal changes, and Ikebana techniques. The course aims to understand flower arrangement but also to acquire the skills for communicating and feeling the sense of beauty between a flower arranger (master) and observers (guests). 

This course on Japanese art focuses on historical contexts, discussing the ideas and feelings conveyed by the art, and probing the aesthetic and philosophical concepts behind the art.  Students learn about (1) ancient and medieval art and sculpture, (2) arts of the early modern period, and (3) modern artistic trends since the Meiji Restoration. 

This course introduces Chinese and Japanese literature through the works of best-known 20th-century poets (including songwriters) writing in Chinese or Japanese primarily to students from outside Chinese or Japanese-speaking cultures majoring in East Asian studies. East Asian Studies majors are encouraged to use this course as a complement to more specialized courses in Chinese and/or Japanese literature in their portfolio. 

Knowledge of Japanese and/or Chinese would be of great use, but is not a prerequisite for taking this course.

This class examines the relationship between food, our bodies and our socio-cultural lives; the essential elements that bring the taste out of bland food, and how technology has reshaped food consumption. The course also looks at how food figures in global politics as well as how Asian food has become globalized, even as Asia accommodates Western fast food.

This course explores cultural heritage definitions and relevant conceptualizations in the local context. It introduces the historical development of cultural heritage in the contemporary world. It then further discusses the current legal and policy framework of local heritage selection and conservation. It requires students to reflect on what heritage is and how heritage shall be selected and defined. Students will explore the social relation between cultural heritage and the local community through various local case studies. They will debate how cultural heritage shall be interpreted from a local perspective but could be operated sustainably.