Asian Studies

This course considers the religious, political, and cultural significance of Buddhism in modern Asia, with a particular focus on Japan. It surveys Japan's religious history and tradition, as well as recent issues facing Buddhist communities and modern society while covering topics such as religion and nationalism; gender issues in modern temple practices; religious violence and peace activities, and the role of tourism in temple affairs. The course provides a solid understanding of East Asia's religious heritage while developing critical perspectives on the impact of religion on modern Asian societies.

The course provides basic knowledge of Chinese political system and political developments after 1978. It analyses several key issues and challenges that characterize contemporary Chinese society such as environmental issues, socio-economic development, and issues related to regional differences and gaps in society. The course also focuses on developments in civil society and the human rights situation. Freedom of expression, the role of the media and digital developments, as well as the emergence of a surveillance society, are also studied. Domestic issues are viewed from a global perspective. The course discusses and analyses China's global ambitions and foreign and security policy.

This course examines why we watch horror, and how are we reflected in it. It explores national cinemas of the Asian region, including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and more, inquiring why humans create and consume films with disturbing or violent content, and how that content can help us process issues connected to our nations, cultures, and identities. Each film will be discussed in its cultural, historical, and political context, and secondary readings will allow students to approach the films through various lenses such as psychology, gender theory, media theory, and more.

After surveying the basic tenets and history of Buddhism in India, this course discusses various aspects of Buddhist transmission from India via Central Asia (Silk Road) to East Asia. The course emphasizes practical aspects of Buddhism, including meditation, monastic life, and the production of Buddhist art. The course also explores doctrinal and devotional aspects of Buddhism. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, the course analzyes texts, art and archaeological remains, focusing on Buddhist caves as the place for practice. 

This course examines the evolving physical, cultural and political landscape of China. Emphasis is placed on (a) the natural environment and physical setting for development; (b) historical contexts and evolution of the landscape; (c) the political system and post-1949 development; and (d) the growth and spatial distribution of the Chinese population. 

This course familiarizes students to Korean culture, literature, film, music, and society from a historical perspective. Classes consist of lecture, readings, and films, structured around small group and class discussions. 

This course is specially designed for international students, and guides international students to understand the different aspects of Taiwanese society through various topics: 1. Taiwanese society and culture: Introduce the three main goals and five characteristics of Taiwan's universal health insurance, and guide students to reflect on the current medical system and development in their home country. Modules 3 and 4 introduce Taiwanese folk beliefs such as Mazu beliefs, Wangye beliefs and other religious ceremonies, as well as the communication methods between Taiwanese folk beliefs and gods (such as drawing lots), and introduce emerging religions in Taiwan. 2. Food and culture: introduce tea art, wine and food, night market snacks, Hakka cuisine, North-South cuisine, aboriginal cuisine, etc. Wedding and funeral festive customs: Introduce marriage, funeral and childbirth rituals and their historical inheritance and cultural significance. 3. Modern History: Beginning from the Japanese Occupation Period, through the Nationalist Government’s arrival in Taiwan, martial law, and lifting of martial law In this period, it introduces the changes in the political and economic structure, customs and folk conditions of modern times. 4. Looking at Taiwan through movies: Through Taiwanese movies, we can further understand Taiwanese culture, such as palace culture, funeral culture, wedding, food culture, etc. 5. Taiwan aboriginal legends and culture: From legends and celebrations, introduce the aboriginal culture. Saisha: Legend of the Dwarfs and the Dwarf Ritual, Atayal: The Legend of the Rainbow and the Ritual of the Ancestors. Dawu: The Legend of the Flying Fish and the Flying Fish Festival.