Asian Languages & Civilization 477 - The History and Memory of the Asia-Pacific War

(Offered as HIST 477 and ASLC 477) The fifteen years of war conducted by Japan—variously referred to as the Pacific War, the Great East Asian War, the Fifteen-year War, World War II, and the Asian-Pacific War—continue to shape the politics and diplomacy of Asia. This seminar examines how the experience of war during the 1930s and 40s are captured in the memory and history of Japan, East Asia, and the United States. The principal questions guiding our discussions will be: What is the relationship between history and memory in our media-saturated world? How are the memory and history of war intertwined in both national and international politics?  What forms of memory have been included and excluded from dominant historical narratives and commemorative devices? What role can the academic discipline of history play in these controversies? The goal of the seminar will be to immerse ourselves in a critical conversation and to produce self-directed research projects. This is a research seminar that will combine historiographic readings and discussions with assignments designed to help students define and execute their own research project which will culminate in a 20-25 page evidence-based paper. 

Limited to 18 students. Not open to first-year students. Fall semester. Professor Maxey.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference given to HIST/ASLC majors.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Research seminars require independent research, including the framing of a research question, and the identification and analysis of relevant primary and secondary sources. All students will write a 20-25 page, evidence-based paper.