History 354 - Asia as Method

(Offered as ASLC 354 and HIST 354.) What does it mean to talk of “Asia,” if the term itself is largely the product of modern imperialism and its attendant discursive formations? This seminar adopts Kuan-Hsing Chen’s framework of “Asia as Method” to combine post-colonial studies, critical area studies, and the emerging field of “Asian studies in Asia” to grapple with the intellectual history of East Asia from the late-nineteenth century onwards. Topics will include the legacy of pan-Asianist thought and movements, critiques of area studies in late-twentieth century American universities, resistance to the national form and the lingering effects of imperialism, and the role of global capitalism in driving cultural criticism in contemporary East Asia. Classes will combine close readings of texts, short writing assignments, and a modest individual research paper. Two meetings per week.
 

Spring semester. Professor Maxey.

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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. History majors must write a 20-25 page, evidence-based paper.