This course has two main goals: to investigate Asia as a regional unit, and to critically examine the discipline of Asian Studies. We will begin by reviewing the regions and nations in contemporary Asia. In the remainder of the course, we will examine five major themes and related methodologies that are key to the study of Asia. In section one, we will discuss the insights of history and literary analysis into language, writing, and culture. In section two, we will see how economics, religious studies, and art history shed light on the flow of things and ideas. In section three, we will explore nationalism and international relations through the lenses of politics and postcolonial studies. In section four, sociology, anthropology, and history will help us to navigate the complex relationships between the individual, the family, and the state. In the final section of the course, we will use media and cultural studies to examine the connections between politics and popular culture.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• To examine and critique assumptions about Asia and Asian Studies
• To gain exposure to theories and methodologies in Asian Studies
• To improve critical reading and writing skills by producing essays and websites

REQUIRED TEXTS:

• Akira Iriye, et al, The World of Asia (Harland Davidson, 1979; 1995)
• David Birch, Tony Schirato, and Sanjay Srivastava, Asia: Cultural Politics in the Global Age (Palgrave, 2001)