Course Listing
Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture
ASTD 135 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Formerly JAPN 105. Not open to students with substantial prior experience with Japanese language or culture; assumes no prior knowledge of Japanese. Students with prior experience with the Japanese language should take a placement test to assess appropriate level.) A hands-on, project- based introduction to Japanese language and culture. The goal is to develop cultural competency and familiarity with the history, geography, and culture of Japan and to use basic language skills to function effectively and appropriately in everyday life in Japan. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: ASTD 135 or JAPN 105.
Introduction to Korean Language and Culture
ASTD 155 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Not open to students with substantial prior experience with Korean language or culture; assumes no prior knowledge of Korean. Students with prior experience with the Korean language should take a placement test to assess appropriate level.) A hands-on, project-based introduction to Korean language and culture. The goal is to develop cultural competence in personal interactions; demonstrate knowledge of the history, geography, and culture of Korea; and use basic language skills to function effectively and appropriately in everyday activities in Korea. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTD 155 and KORN 105.
Introduction to Korean Society
ASTD 158A | 1 Credit
Course Desc: (Formerly KORN 198A. Conducted in English. Not open to students who have completed KORN 105, ASTD 155, KORN 333, or ASTD 353.) An introduction to the major aspects of Korean culture. The cultural norms of Korea are compared to patterns of American culture. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: ASTD 158A or KORN 198A.
Special Topics in Asian Studies
ASTD 198 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An investigation of a special topic, problem, or issue of particular relevance to countries or peoples of the Pacific Rim or Indian Ocean. Typical investigations include historical or contemporary subjects focusing on cultural, economic, military, or political issues.
War in the Ryukyu Islands
ASTD 198A | 1 Credit
Course Desc: A study of the strategy and tactics envisioned by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Imperial Japanese High Command, to attack and defend the last barrier to the mainland during World War II. The organization of the 10th U.S. Army, gathering the Allied Force for Operation Iceberg, the IJA development of the tunnel-bunker-underground-defense-system, and the role of Commander in Chief Pacific Ocean Area are examined.
Arts of Okinawa
ASTD 198B | 1 Credit
Course Desc: An introduction to the crafts of the Ryukyu Islands. Emphasis is on pottery, textiles, and lacquer-ware. Field trips to the Yomitan potters, the Okinawan Prefectural Museum, and the textile studios in Shuri are included.
Foundations of East Asian Civilization
ASTD 284 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Formerly HIST 284.) An interdisciplinary survey of the foundations of East Asian civilization from its beginnings to the 17th century. The goal is to analyze philosophical, religious, artistic, economic, and political aspects of the region's historical experience. Focus is on China, Korea, and Japan. Topics include East Asian belief systems (including Confucianism and Buddhism), the dynastic cycle, relations between steppe and agrarian societies, warrior and scholar-gentry cultures, technological change and economic development, and the role of class and gender in early East Asian society. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTD 150, ASTD 284, or HIST 284.
Introduction to Modern East Asia
ASTD 285 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Formerly HIST 285.) An interdisciplinary survey of East Asia from the late 17th century--beginning with Ming-Qing China, Tokugawa Japan, and Choson Korea--to the present. The objective is to trace how transformations on global, regional, and local levels led to the development of the modern nation-states of East Asia and to examine how those developments affected the culture of the areas. Topics include the rise of imperialism and colonialism; cross-cultural interactions; and issues of gender, class, and ethnicity in East Asian culture. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTD 160, ASTD 285, or HIST 285.
The Chinese: Adapting the Past, Building the Future
ASTD 300 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the arts and humanities.) An examination of contemporary Chinese society as it seeks modernization after a century of rapid change.
The Japanese: Adapting the Past, Building the Future
ASTD 301 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the arts and humanities.) A study of modern Japanese society as it attempts to find its place in the post-Cold War international system after a century of imperial expansion, ruinous defeat, and renewal.
The Two Koreas: Problems and Prospects
ASTD 302 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: Any writing course. A thematic study of the two Koreas from historical, social, and foreign policy perspectives. The objective is to examine scholarly viewpoints on key issues of Korean history and division; articulate key factors that shape U.S. and regional policy toward North Korea; distinguish between different sources of information on the two Koreas; and interpret regional developments based on knowledge of Korean issues. Topics include the "hermit kingdom" myth; liberation, division, and war; the economic "miracle"; North Korean leadership; South and North Korean foreign relations; North Korea as a nuclear threat; and prospects for a unified Korea. Focus is on developing a stronger understanding of the two Koreas for practical and professional application. Assignments require research, analysis, and a written policy or strategy recommendation.
India: The Weight of Tradition in the Modern World
ASTD 303 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the arts and humanities.) A study of contemporary Indian society as it seeks modernization within an age-old culture and caste system. Pakistan is also discussed where appropriate to subcontinent issues.
Southeast Asia: Development Amid Diversity
ASTD 304 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the social sciences.) A broad examination of 20th century Southeast Asia. Topics include colonialism, nationalism, independence, factors of unity and disunity, the role of regional organizations (ASEAN), and contrasting developmental models.
The New Asian Nations
ASTD 308 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the social sciences.) A study of cultural, historical, economic, and political developments in post-Soviet Asia.
Interpreting Contemporary China
ASTD 370 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: Any writing class. Recommended: ASTD 285. A thematic study of contemporary China from political, economic, social, and foreign policy perspectives. The objective is to identify decision-making authorities, interpret major influences on the Chinese economy, appraise the impact of grass-roots social movements, and distinguish factors that drive China's foreign policy. Focus is on developing engagement strategies for various professional applications. Assignments require research, analysis, and a written policy or strategy recommendation (e.g., a policy paper or business strategy plan).
Culture and Communication
ASTD 396 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the social sciences.) An exploration of the communication and social interaction patterns of various cultures. Topics include the nature of culture and how cultures define class. Japanese behavioral patterns are analyzed and compared to the patterns of both the United States and Korea. Assignments include advanced reading and research. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTD 396 or ASTD 398X.
Advanced Special Topics in Asian Studies
ASTD 398 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An investigation of a special topic, problem, or issue of particular relevance to countries or peoples of the Pacific Rim or Indian Ocean. Typical investigations include historical or contemporary subjects focusing on cultural, economic, military, or political issues. Assignments include advanced reading and research.
North Korea: Its Contemporary Political and Economic Environment
ASTD 398D | 1 Credit
Course Desc: A study of North Korea's problems and prospects in this present era of famine, political uncertainty, and international isolation. Assignments include advanced reading and research.
Korean Presidency and Bureaucracy
ASTD 398K | 1 Credit
Course Desc: A study of the functions and the roles of the prime minister and the managerial behavior of government officials in Korea. Topics include the development of presidential powers and the actions of bureaucrats. Assignments include advanced reading and research.
Shamanism: Original Religion of East Asia
ASTD 398N | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in the arts and humanities.) An examination of shamanism in East Asia. Emphasis is on Korean and Siberian shamanism and Chinese Taoism. Topics include the call to become a shaman, the initiation process, the rituals that shamans perform, and the relationship of shamanism to society in general. Rituals for both the prosperity of the living and the consolation of the dead in Korea are investigated. A visit to a shaman shrine where rituals are regularly performed is included. Assignments include advanced reading and research.
The Allied Occupation of Japan, 1945-1952
ASTD 398O | 1 Credit
Course Desc: A study of the immediate postwar conditions of the defeated Japanese and the aims and objectives of the Allied Occupation of the country over the next six years. Various views on the value of the reforms and the affect on Japan as perceived by Japanese and American scholars are discussed. Assignments include advanced reading and research.
Western and Samurai Films
ASTD 398S | 1 Credit
Course Desc: A cross-cultural study of two unique film genres: the Samurai and the Western. Through comparative analyses of narrative patterns, character types, and worldview, selected Westerns and Samurai films are examined as reflections of the socio-cultural milieu of their respective countries. Assignments include advanced reading and research.
East Asian Studies Capstone
ASTD 485 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: Completion of 24 credits in the major including ASTD 284 and ASTD 285. A project-based interdisciplinary study of East Asia that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience and builds on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Discussion covers emerging issues and current scholarship in East Asian studies. "
Workplace Learning in East Asian Studies
ASTD 486A | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisites: 9 credits in the discipline and prior program approval (requirements detailed online at www.umgc.edu/wkpl). The integration of discipline-specific knowledge with new experiences in the work environment. Tasks include completing a series of academic assignments that parallel work experiences.
Workplace Learning in East Asian Studies
ASTD 486B | 6 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisites: 9 credits in the discipline and prior program approval (requirements detailed online at www.umgc.edu/wkpl). The integration of discipline-specific knowledge with new experiences in the work environment. Tasks include completing a series of academic assignments that parallel work experiences.
Independent Study in Asian Studies
ASTD 499 | 1 - 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: 6 credits in upper-level Asian Studies, approval of department, and agreement of faculty member to act as supervisor. Directed independent study of topics of special interest not covered by regularly scheduled courses in Asian Studies. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.