This course treats the cultural histories of China, Japan, and Korea
from the prehistoric times through the seventeenth century. We
examine how the cultures of these three regions remained distinct in
many ways, while also participating in a single East Asian
civilization. Attention especially is drawn to political
institutions, social values, philosophical and religious thought,
and aesthetic sensibilities in the arts and literature.

We read from a basic textbook (Schirokauer, A Brief History of
Chinese and Japanese Civilizations). Supplemental materials on Korea
are posted on Oncourse. Translated literature (principally, from
Birch, Anthology of Chinese Literature, Vol. I, and Keene, Anthology
of Japanese Literature) shows us how certain concepts and values are
expressed in the original writings of Chinese and Japanese, authors.
A short paper, based on the memoir of a Korean queen, Lady Hyegyong,
is required, in addition to three essay examinations. Meets with
History H237.