In this course we will study the modern history of East Asia, treating the
region as a culture area reflecting classical Confucian civilization and
made up of four major societies: China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
Focusing on the two largest, China and Japan, we will examine the process
by which the Opium War in China (1840s) and the opening of Japan by the
U.S. (1850s) led to the  transformation of society during the 19th and 20th
centuries.  We will see how European and American imperialism generated
nationalist and revolutionary responses in both countries, at differing
timetables and circumstances.  Throughout the course we'll keep an eye on
issues of current interest–Japan's economic miracle under U.S. Cold War
pressure, Communist China as the world's largest nation and fastest-growing
economy, Korea as a divided peninsula with conflicting showpiece regimes
that weaken the prospects for peace in East Asia.  Finally we will look at
the economic "meltdown" that has recently afflicted Asia.

Three bluebook hour exams; no paper.  Reading drawn from three paperback
books: Conrad Schirokauer, Modern China and Japan; Leo Lee, Shanghai
Modern; Norma Field, In the Realm of a Dying Emperor.

This course meets with History H207; credit given for only one of EALC E252
and HIST H207.