Asian+Studies+-+The+Pacific+Century

== = = =Welcome to Asian Studies=

As the name of this course implies, this is a survey of several different elements regarding Pacific Asia. Thus, this course will focus on philosophy, religion, geography, as well as political and economic history. Along the way we will also look at contemporary issues in this region including culture, sports, entertainment and even technology. Pacific Asia is a very dynamic and exciting part of the world. Certainly it is important due to its large population and its significant influence in the world today. Because China seems destined to become the largest economy in the world it would be wise to know much about this interesting civilization. Along with China, our course will also examine Japan and Korea. Issues in South-east Asia may be covered during parts of this course as well. The primary objectives are these:
 * To gain an appreciation of the philosophical influences in East Asia, and the depth of how those influences impact on these societies and their people.
 * To understand the causes and consequences of significant historical events in this region.
 * To understand how its geography has acted as a blessing and as an obstacle to its sovereignty and development.

For a more detailed description of learner outcomes, see: Asian Studies Learner Outcomes For a copy of the course syllabus which includes information about grading:

=Units of Study for Asian Studies=


 * __**Unit I The Geography of North East Asia**__
 * __**Unit II The Philosophical Foundations of North East Asia**__
 * __**Unit III Issues in the Ancient History of China, Korea and Japan**__
 * __**Unit IV East Asia in the Age of Imperialism**__
 * __**Unit V East Asia in the Post-WW II Era**__

=**Required Texts for Asian Studies & Links Page**= To view the video segments for each chapter (so far there is only one chapter, Chapter Two, that has them), the password is bandung. ||
 * Text cover || Text name ||
 * [[image:PacificCenturyCover.jpg width="107" height="158" align="center" link="http://www.pacificcentury.org/index.html"]] || //Pacific Century: In Search of Modern Pacific Asia// by Mark Borthwick
 * [[image:9b5762e89da00881fe854110.L._SL500_AA240_.jpg width="145" height="145"]] || //Korea Unmasked// by Won-bok Rhi ||