January 6  2007

 

History 177: Cultures and Societies of Asia

Spring 2007

 

Professor: Dr. Steven A. Leibo

Office:

Office Hours: Troy: 4:00 to 5:00 Wednesdays

Telephone: 244-2330 (answering machine)

E-Mail  Leibos@sage.edu   or Leibo@albany.edu

Also East Asia 177) Cultures  & Societies of Asia: An Historical Survey II (3)

 

Graduate Student Assistant

 

Joan Blanchfield 
Jb841461@albany.edu
 

OBJECTIVES:

 

This course offers an introduction to the traditional and modern societies of East Asia with an emphasis on China, Japan, and Korea. After initially focusing on the emergence of traditional society in East Asia, the class concentrates on the modern effort of these communities to respond to the challenge of colonialism and more recently, since the Second World War, to establish themselves as successful modern societies. The class will spend considerable time on recent and contemporary developments in the region.

 

Although principally a lecture course we will also employ a variety of other approaches, i.e. films, slides, documents and novels, to gain insight into the regions under study.

 

TEXTS:

 

Leibo, East, and Southeast Asia 2007

Heinz, Asian Cultural Traditions

Lisa See,   Snow Flower and the Secret Fan 

 

EVALUATION:

 

There will be three map tests & three country exams.  In addition, each student will be expected to write a formal paper on Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Keep in mind that it is easy to find summaries of such books but in your paper it must be absolutely clear that you have not only read the book well but have discussed it in the context of our course. More details on line and in class.

 

Students must keep a copy of the paper and of all returned work. Critical information to our course will be distributed through the new Blackboard website.  The professor will be using it to send important information out during the semester.

  

 

 

China Exam (includes separate map section)             50 points

Japan Exam   (includes separate map section)           50 points

Korea Exam   (includes separate map section)           50 points

Paper (5-6 typed double spaced pages)                      100 points

                                                                                        250

 

There is also the possibility of earning up to 13 extra credit points---specifics discussed in class. 

 

 

Films:

 

Most Americans know very little about the regions under study. When they have heard of such areas, too often their images come from distorted visions available in many popular films. Nevertheless, there are films available for rental that can contribute greatly to the development of a sophisticated understanding of these communities.  The titles of such films will be mentioned in class and distributed on line. Students are strongly encouraged to view some of them during the semester.  Viewing the films can also earn some extra credit points. Details discussed in class.

 

 

 

 

Class Sessions 

 

Jan. 23 Introduction to Course and China

  Readings: read all introductory material in Leibo text

  Heinz: Intro. chapters 2 & 3

 

Jan. 30 China’s Western Challenge 1840 to 1949

 Readings start China section in Leibo text plus Heinz chapter 7

 

Feb. 6 Mao’s China: Building a Socialist China 1949-1976

 

Feb. 13  Contemporary China

 

Feb. 20  China  Exam

 

Feb. 27 Traditional Japan

  Readings: start Japan section in Leibo text plus Heinz chapter 8

 

March 5 Japan’s Western Challenge

 

March 12  Japan: from Imperial Conquest to Catastrophe

 

March 19 Japan from Occupation to Contemporary Challenges

 

April 2 Japan Exam

 

April 9 Traditional Korea

   Readings Start Korea sections in Leibo (be sure to read both)

 

April 16 Korea: From Colony to Civil War

 

April 23 Divided Peninsula:  South Korea   

 

April 30  Divided Peninsula:  North Korea

 

Final exam, Wednesday May 14th  5:45-7:45 

 
 
"Plagiarism is taking (which includes purchasing) the words and ideas of another and passing them off as one's own work.  If in a formal  paper a student quotes someone, that student must use quotation marks and give a citation.  Paraphrased or borrowed ideas are to be identified by proper citations.  Plagiarism will result, at the minimum, in a failing grade for the assignment."
 
 
 
The following information from the Office of the Vice Provost for
Undergraduate Education will further explain the instructors' rights as
far as dealing with plagiarism (or other academic dishonesty)*:
 
"The Office for Undergraduate Education recommends that faculty announce explicitly, and indicate on their syllabi, the unvarying expectation of academic integrity."
 
"Academic Penalties: Instructors have the right to impose appropriate
academic (grade) sanctions for proven academic dishonesty. Such
sanctions range from requiring resubmission of material, to a failing
grade on an assignment, to a failing grade for the whole course."
 
"Disciplinary Penalties: Instructors may also refer cases of academic
dishonesty to the University Judicial System in lieu of, or in addition
to, any academic penalties they impose through their course grades.
Again, Clarence L. McNeill is the appropriate contact person. You can
contact him or the Office for Undergraduate Education to discuss typical faculty practices in cases of academic dishonesty, as well as what appropriate sanctions for particular situations might be."
 
*this information has been taken from the following website:
http://www.albany.edu/undergraduateeducation/policy_reminders.html#student_conduct
 
 
Any further questions or concerns should be directed to the History
Department Chair.  Thank you.