E A S T   A S I A N   S T U D I E S

Notes

  1. The East Asian Studies culture courses may provide useful background for students intending to spend time in the Far East.
  2. All EASIA courses are taught in English.

EASIA 100s


EASIA 100R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004871
Introduction to East Asia
An introductory survey of East Asia. This course examines common grounds and differences in the historical, cultural, economic, and political foundations of East Asian societies and states.
[Note: Formerly EASIA 201R]
Antireq: EASIA 201R

 
EASIA 110R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015612
Introduction to Modern China
This is an introductory survey course on China as a modern nation-state. The course provides a broad overview of the country by looking at major aspects of modern China, including the trajectory of China's rise since the 1980s.
Offered at Renison University College

 
EASIA 120R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015272
Monsters and Magic in Japanese Popular Culture
An examination of the roles played by monsters, magic, and supernatural creatures in Japanese popular culture, with attention to their treatment in Buddhism, Shinto, Daoism, and folk practices. Topics include modern-day creations such as Godzilla and Pokemon and traditional beings such as deities, ghosts, angry spirits, goblins, and shapeshifters.
(Cross-listed with RS 123)

 

EASIA 200s


EASIA 202R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 013999
Chinese Culture and Society
The course explores the interface of tradition and modernity in Chinese life. Topics include traditional and modern Chinese culture, language, education, art, technology, and business.
[Note: Formerly CHINA 272R.]
Antireq: EASIA 202R/CHINA 272R

 
EASIA 203R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 014000
Japanese Culture and Society
The course explores the interface of tradition and modernity in Japanese life. Topics include traditional and modern Japanese culture, language, education, art, technology, and business.
[Note: Formerly JAPAN 272R.]
Antireq: EASIA 203R/JAPAN 272R

 
EASIA 204R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 013998
Korean Culture and Society
The course explores the interface of tradition and modernity in Korean life. Topics include traditional and modern Korean culture, language, education, art, technology, and business.
[Note: Formerly KOREA 272R.]
Antireq: EASIA 204R/KOREA 272R

 
EASIA 205R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 004872
Religions of East Asia
An examination of the leading religious and philosophical ideas that have shaped the cultures and histories of East Asia: China, Korea, and Japan. Folk, Shamanic, Confucian, Daoist, Shinto, and Buddhist traditions are examined.
[Note: This course fulfils an Area 1 requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
(Cross-listed with RS 201)

 
EASIA 206R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 012997
Japanese Religions
An examination of religious phenomena in the history of Japan, including their impact on art, literature, philosophy, and politics. Buddhism, Shinto, Confucianism, folk beliefs, new religious movements, and other traditions are explored.
[Note: This course fulfils an Area 1 requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with RS 206)

 
EASIA 220R DIS,LEC 0.50
Course ID: 011391
The History of East Asian Communities in Canada
This course examines the evolution of the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean communities in Canada as well as their significance for Canadian economic, social, and political life in the 19th and 20th centuries.
(Cross-listed with HIST 231R)

 
EASIA 231R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 014876
Calligraphy to Conceptual Art: Text as an Image in Islamic and East Asian Visual Arts
Exploring the history of Islamic and East Asian calligraphic arts and the study of Eastern and Western artists, this course examines multiple ways in which writing and other forms of visible language are incorporated into visual arts. Through studio projects, students explore conceptual approaches to text-based image making.
Prereq: Level at least 2A.
Antireq: FINE 204 (STU 001) taken winter 2014 or SI 375R (LEC 001) taken winter 2014
(Cross-listed with SI 231R, FINE 275)

 
EASIA 232R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 016100
Decorative Arts in Islamic and East Asian Visual Cultures
From elaborate geometric patterns to sinuous dragon motifs, ornamentation is one of the most essential artistic modes in Islamic and East Asian cultures. This course examines the aesthetic, visual, and cultural importance of design elements in decorative works of the past and of contemporary artists.
(Cross-listed with SI 232R)

 
EASIA 233R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 016099
Contemporary Muslim and East Asian Visual Arts in Diaspora
This course investigates the notion of living between cultures brought about by the act of migration. Applying theories of cultural translation to the realm of visual arts, it focuses on Muslim and East Asian contemporary artists in diaspora.
(Cross-listed with SI 233R)

 
EASIA 250R LEC 1.00
Course ID: 012075
Study Abroad in East Asia
An intensive study of the culture and language of an East Asian country. With the guidance of a course director, students complete readings, attend lectures, and visit cultural sites for six weeks or more on location.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of three times. There will be interview and information sessions to confirm that a prospective student has the appropriate background for participation in this course. An appropriate first-year East Asian language course is also required.]
Instructor Consent Required

 
EASIA 262R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 016381
Manga
Manga is graphic narrative from Japan that draws on complex historical contexts, global influences, and stylistic conventions in order to create a unique storytelling medium. By studying manga texts such as Dororo, Akira, and Deathnote, students in this course will be encouraged to think critically about visual narrative, cultural values in a global marketplace, and literature as a concept.
(Cross-listed with ENGL 262)

 
EASIA 275R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 014245
Religion and Japanese Film
The course examines how religious beliefs and values in Japan are explored in the medium of film.
[Note: This course fulfils an Area 3 requirement for Religious Studies majors.]
(Cross-listed with RS 275)

 
EASIA 277R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 013313
International Relations of East Asia
This course explores key topics in the international relations of East Asia after World War 2. Classes examine literature on major developments of East Asian relations, including the Cold War, East Asian regionalism, and the foreign policies of China, Japan, and Korea.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with PSCI 277)

 
EASIA 291R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015125
Special Topics in East Asian Studies
This course deals with selected topics in East Asian studies.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of five times.]

 

EASIA 300s


EASIA 300R SEM 0.50
Course ID: 012208
Politics and Diplomacy of Contemporary Japan
This course surveys several key topics in the politics and diplomacy of contemporary Japan, particularly in its relations with its Asia-Pacific neighbours. Topics may include the Pacific War and its legacies, the Japan-US security alliance, the Okinawa problem, and Japan-Canada relations.
Prereq: Level at least 3A
(Cross-listed with PSCI 310)

 
EASIA 301R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 012707
The Political Economy of East Asia
This course explores the rise of the East Asian economy since the end of World War II. The subject is pursued through examining some of the most important aspects of the so-called Asian miracle/model, including the historical background of the Asian miracle, the role of the state in the region's economic development, the relationship between Asian culture and economic development, social development, and East Asia's business system and practice.
Prereq: Level at least 2A

 
EASIA 302R LEC,SEM 0.50
Course ID: 014883
Chinese Foreign Policy Since 1949
This course examines the major elements and evolution of Chinese foreign policy since 1949 and China's external relations in the context of rising Chinese power.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with PSCI 385)

 
EASIA 303R LEC,SEM 0.50
Course ID: 015508
Business Environment in East Asia
The course introduces students to the cultural, social, economic, political, and legal environment for business in East Asia. It covers major economies, such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The course helps students acquire comprehensive understanding of the business environment of this dynamic region.
Prereq: Level at least 2A

 
EASIA 304R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015056
Korean Law and Society
This course examines the legal system, legal culture, and socio-cultural traditions of the Republic of Korea from a comparative legal perspective.
Prereq: EASIA 204R/KOREA 272R

 
EASIA 336R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015544
Korean Pop Culture
This course explores elements of popular culture such as film, music, television, and video games in relation to social, cultural, and political developments in contemporary South Korea. Students critically analyze readings and non-print media to consider South Korean popular culture in national, regional, and global contexts.
Prereq: Level at least 2A.
Antireq: EASIA 391R taken fall 2016

 
EASIA 337R SEM 0.50
Course ID: 016380
Japanese Popular Culture
This course explores social, cultural, and political developments in contemporary Japan in relation to such elements of popular culture as films, music, television programs, and video games. Students critically analyze readings and non-print media and consider Japanese popular culture in national, regional, and global contexts.

 
EASIA 346R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015354
Global Asian Diasporas
This course explores the literature and culture from one or more global Asian diasporas, with particular emphasis on cultures of East Asian origin. Topics may include identity, transnationalism, imperialism, war, labour, migration, and popular culture.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with ENGL 346R)

 
EASIA 360R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 010193
Pre-modern Chinese Literature
This course is an introductory survey of the main genres of classical and pre-modern Chinese literature. Individual works are related to the evolution of the literary tradition and its interaction with history, philosophy, and politics. Classical and historical writing, poetry, drama, and novels are introduced.
[Note: Formerly EASIA 210R.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A.
Antireq: EASIA 210R

 
EASIA 361R LEC,SEM 0.50
Course ID: 014789
Modern Chinese Literature (1917 - present day)
This survey course explores modern Chinese literature beginning from 1917 and the New Culture movement. Selected works and relevant critiques are used to prompt discussion of cultural and literary topics, particularly of changes in Chinese culture and literature from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day.
[Note: Formerly EASIA 260R.]
Prereq: Level at least 2A.
Antireq: EASIA 260R

 
EASIA 362R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015057
Introduction to Pre-Modern Japanese Literature
Students study a selection of works of early Japanese literature from its beginnings to the 17th century and examine a wide variety of genres, including poetry, diaries, military tales, and philosophical tracts composed during that time period.
Prereq: Level at least 2A

 
EASIA 363R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 015058
Introduction to Early Modern Japanese Literature
A study of a selection of works of Japanese literature from the 17th century to the early 20th century, examining a wide variety of genres in early modern Japan.
Prereq: Level at least 2A

 
EASIA 377R LEC 0.50
Course ID: 014875
Cold War in East Asia
This course examines the origins, developments, and contemporary implications of the Cold War in East Asia.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with HIST 377R)
Offered at Renison University College

 
EASIA 391R LEC,RDG,SEM 0.50
Course ID: 012154
Special Topics
This course deals with selected topics in East Asian studies.
[Note: This is a repeatable course, subject to different content; it may be completed a total of five times.]
Prereq: Level at least 3A