Asian Studies Courses
ASIA 107: Developing World Thirst for Energy
This course will introduce the concepts behind the ever-increasing global demand for energy. Through laboratory experiments, field trips, and discussions of current events, students will develop an understanding of the many issues related to meeting the world's energy needs. In particular, the dramatic economic growth in China and India raise additional issues about sustainable energy generation in the face of global imbalances in the carbon cycle.
cross listed: CHEM 107
ASIA 108: Spoken Chinese for Travelers
This course is a foundational course in oral proficiency that employs a new method designed to have students quickly speaking and comprehending Mandarin Chinese. This course introduces Mandarin Chinese pronunciation, the pinyin transcription system, and modern colloquial Chinese. The emphasis is only on oral proficiency. The Chinese writing system is not required in this course. Overall, Chinese for Travelers is designed for students who seek to advance rapidly in Chinese as well as prepare for upper-level language study. Particularly for those who aspire to travel abroad, the class offers basic and practical language-survival skills. Of course, the class is also geared to pique your interest in a beautiful land, culture, and people. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: CHIN 108
ASIA 109: Chinese in the Business World
The course is designed for students and working professionals who have no prior knowledge of Chinese, and are interested in conducting business in China. The objective of this course is to build a solid foundation of basic Chinese in the business context, with a focus on speaking and listening. Topics in the course cover basic daily corporate interactions and business-related social exchanges such as meeting people, introducing companies, making inquiries and appointments, visiting companies, introducing products, initiating dining invitations, etc. This course will also help you gain a better understanding of Chinese business culture, and assist you in overcoming the problems in cross-cultural communication from a comparative perspective. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 109
ASIA 110: Beginning Chinese I
(Beginning Chinese Language I, in Cultural Context) This course is for students with no previous knowledge of Chinese. Students will learn the rudiments of both spoken and written Chinese (Mandarin) in cultural context. The course exposes students to aspects of traditional Chinese culture via experiential learning; it integrates language learning with cultural experiences which may include the practice of Chinese calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting and Kungfu, singing Peking opera, learning the traditional Chinese game of Go and immersive excursions to Chicago's Chinatown. . (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 110
ASIA 111: Beginning Japanese I
An introduction to the form of spoken Japanese along with Japanese customs and culture.Most of the fundamental structures are covered in Japanese 110 and 112, together with writing practice in the hiragana and the katakana syllabaries. 112 is a continuation of 110. Lab work is an integral part of the sequence. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: JAPN 110
ASIA 112: Beginning Chinese II
(Beginning Chinese Language II, in Cultural Context) This course is the continuation of CHIN 110. Students will advance their elementary knowledge of modern spoken and written Mandarin Chinese through building vocabulary and enhancing communication in cultural context. The course exposes students to aspects of modern Chinese culture, by integrating language learning with the study of contemporary cultural forms. These may include Chinese reality TV shows, film, pop music, popular literature, and other forms of mass media. Prerequisite: CHIN 110 or permission of instructor. . (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 112
ASIA 113: Beginning Japanese II
An introduction to the form of spoken Japanese along with Japanese customs and culture. Most of the fundamental structures are covered in Japanese 110 and 112, together with writing practice in the hiragana and the katakana syllabaries and some basic kanji. 112 is a continuation of 110. Lab work is an integral part of the sequence. Prerequisite: Japanese 110 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: JAPN 112
ASIA 114: Basic Spoken Chinese
(Basic Spoken Chinese: An Introduction to Speaking and Listening for Beginners.). Basic Spoken Chinese is a beginning-level course in oral proficiency that employs a new method designed to have students quickly speaking and comprehending Mandarin Chinese. This course introduces Mandarin Chinese pronunciation, the pinyin transcription system, and modern colloquial Chinese. The emphasis is only on oral proficiency. Learning the Chinese writing system is not required in this course. This course is designed for students who seek to advance rapidly in spoken Chinese. It is designed to prepare students for study abroad or to enhance their interest in China. CHIN 113 may not be taken concurrently or subsequently to CHIN110 or CHIN112. CHIN 210 may be taken after CHIN 113. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: CHIN 113
ASIA 160: Introduction to Asian Religions
This course examines religious identities and practices in various regional contexts of Asia, including those described as Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Confucianist, and Islamic. Students learn about complex interrelations of these traditions within a wider global context and examine their modern expressions. Students read scriptural texts and analyze the diversity of their interpretations while participating in historical role-playing games, which use an innovative methodology called Reacting to the Past. Students research and articulate opinions of historical characters, while learning to express themselves with clarity, precision, and force. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: RELG 160
ASIA 185: Film and Religion
Viewing films as meaningful texts, this course examines the perspectives offered by Asian and American filmmakers on such religious questions as: What does it mean to be human? How does death inform the living of life? How do values shape relationships? What is community and how is it created? What is ethical behavior? The range of films explored here function as vehicles for entering religious worldviews, communicating societal values, and probing different responses to the question of how to live a meaningful life. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: RELG 185, CINE 185
ASIA 200: Origins of East Asia
Introduction to the great civilizations of China and Japan, with emphasis on development of their fundamental characteristics. Highlights both shared traditions and significant differences between the two countries. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 212
ASIA 201: Modern East Asia
Study of China, Japan, and Korea as each moved toward modern nationhood over the last 200 years. Attention to the difficulties each has confronted, including Japan's vision of empire shattered by World War II, China's civil war, and Korea's transformation through foreign interventions. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 213, IREL 234
ASIA 204: Japanese Animism, Anime and Manga
This course addresses questions concerning ‘animism,’ with a special focus on Japan. We explore elements of religion through the lens of folklore, mythology, legends, ethnographies, and other works of fiction and non-fiction. By always remembering to situate Japan (and our inquiries) vis-à-vis larger disciplinary concerns, we are mindful of both the specificities and the generalities associated with ‘Japanese religion.’ Throughout the course, students are introduced to several seminal texts in the field of religion as well as Japanese studies; students are asked to consider the socio-historical context when analyzing ways in which local customs, Shintoism, and other ‘imported’ thoughts (Buddhism, for instance) coalesce into a current configuration of religious sensibility in Japan. In so doing, students learn to parse what inspires contemporary popular socio-cultural tropes, motifs of the gods/spirits in need of appeasement, and/or perennial human struggles to strike a balance between ecological preservation and industrial progress. (All the readings will be in English. No prior knowledge of Japanese language or culture necessary.) (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: RELG 204
ASIA 206: Chinese Art and Culture
This course examines the history of Chinese art from the Bronze Age to the present with emphasis on the major art forms and their relationship to contemporary social, political, and religious development. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ARTH 206
ASIA 207: Politics of India
This course introduces students to Indian politics, with special emphasis on the 1948 independence to contemporary times. Nation building, political leadership, and the Indian nation-state as an ensemble of diversities and pluralities within a democratic framework are key frameworks. Relevant topics include India's political parties and alliances, economic development, ethnic and caste politics, secularism, and India's role on the global stage. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 211
ASIA 208: India and the Writer's Eye
India is the world's largest democracy and has more English-speakers than any other country in the world except the United States. It should not be surprising, then, that Indian authors have produced a wealth of novels, short stories, and poems written in English and concerned with issues of identity, nation, and history. In this course, we read English-language work by authors such as Rabindranath Tagore, R.K. Narayan, Salman Rushdie, Arundati Roy, and Amitav Ghosh; learn about the major historical and political events described in these works: the Opium Wars, Swadeshi, Independence, Partition, "the Emergency," the Naxalite movement; and read postcolonial theory to better understand and interpret these works. Students are be encouraged to explore relevant cultural, political, and aesthetic issues through research or creative projects of their own. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ENGL 208
ASIA 209: The Post-Communist World
This course familiarizes students with the politics of communist and post-communist states focusing on Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and China, although other regions also are routinely included in the discussion. We begin with an overview of the origins and development of communism in the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and China. Then we examine and analyze the profound political, economic, and social changes in the former communist societies. Specifically, we explore economic transition from planned to market economy, democratization and persistence of authoritarianism, as well as nationalism and conflict. After taking the course, students are expected to understand the emergence and collapse of communism and political dynamics of post-communist transition, as well as to be able to identify key challenges facing post-communist states and critically evaluate their prospects for democratization. No pre-requisites. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 209, IREL 252
ASIA 210: Intermediate Chinese
This course will continue the fundamentals of Chinese conversation begun in the first-year series, Chinese 110 and 112, and continue work on reading and writing the language. Extensive oral practice and conversation exercises are stressed. Classes will be supplemented with laboratory exercises and written work. Prerequisite: CHIN 112 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 210
ASIA 211: Interm Japanese in Cultural Context
(Intermediate Japanese in Cultural Context.) This course continues the fundamentals of Japanese conversation begun in the first-year series, Japanese 110 and 112, and continues work on reading and writing the language. Extensive oral practice and conversation exercises are stressed. Classes are supplemented with audio materials and exercises and daily written work using hiragana, katakana, and kanji. This course also familiarizes students with Japanese society, customs, and culture. Students will make a researched presentation concerning a specific topic of interest related to Japanese culture, customs, society, politics, or the economy. Prerequisite: Japanese 112 or consent of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: JAPN 210
ASIA 212: Advanced Intermediate Chinese
This is the second course in intermediate Chinese. It focuses on further developments of the four language skills to support sustained oral and written performance at the intermediate level to prepare students for third year Chinese study. The focus will be on oral expression with expanding vocabulary, enhancing understanding of grammar, and introducing more complex structures and texts. Prerequisite: CHIN 210 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 212
ASIA 213: Global Islam
This course explores the origin and development of the Islamic religious tradition, along with varying interpretations of Islamic law and prominent issues facing contemporary Muslims around the world. Participants in the course read classical and contemporary literature as windows into Muslim life in different cultures and historical periods, and view Islamic art and architecture as visual texts. To learn about the rich diversity within Islam, students can work with texts, rituals, poetry, music, and film from a range of cultures within the Muslim world, from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia to Europe and North America. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: RELG 213
ASIA 214: Avatars, Goddesses, and Demons
In this course, we combine historical, literary, and ethnographical approaches to study various aspects of Hindu traditions. From the quest for liberation and the self in the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita to stories of gods, goddesses, and demons in the Puranas; from the practice of meditation techniques and observation of rituals that engage the senses to the world of contemporary ethnographical accounts, in this course we engage in a joyful, imaginative, yet nuanced and critical exploration of religious life of Hindus in South Asia and the North American diaspora. This course includes a significant experiential component. Students meet Hindu practitioners from the greater Chicago area and practice meditation, learning specific techniques that they can take with them beyond the classroom. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: RELG 214
ASIA 215: Buddhist Paths to Nirvana
In this course, we delve into ways in which Buddhist philosophers, monks, nuns, and the lay community respond to what they see as the core problem of human existence: suffering. From its origins in India to the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia and, now, the global diaspora, we study contemporary and historical Buddhist traditions and movements, including Theravada, Mahayana, Tantric (esoteric) Buddhism, Dr. Ambedkar's Navayana, and engaged Buddhism, which applies long-standing Buddhist values to the social, political, economic, and ecological problems of today. We turn to the writing of some of the world’s greatest spiritual leaders, such as Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh, who offer practical advice on everyday challenges of being human. This course includes a significant experiential component. Students meet Buddhist practitioners from the greater Chicago area and practice meditation, learning specific techniques that they can take with them beyond the classroom. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: RELG 215
ASIA 216: Chinese Religions
Focusing primarily on the teachings of the Confucian (and neo-Confucian), Daoist, and early Chinese Buddhist traditions, we will explore the concepts and practices of these communities within their historical, cultural, and social contexts. Reading narrative, poetic, and classical texts in translation that present such ideas as the ethics of human-heartedness, the relativity of all things, and the importance of self-sacrifice, we will discuss what teachings these masterful texts offer 21st century questioners. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: RELG 216, IREL 266
ASIA 217: Religions of Asia
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ASIA 218: Buddhism and Social Activism
This course examines various Buddhist theories and practices intended to improve societies. Considering classic Buddhist texts and ethical teachings alongside case studies from the modern world, students research Buddhist understandings of the origins of social ills and their possible treatments. Topics include models of just governance, resistance to discrimination based on race, caste or religion, participation in anti-war and anti-colonial movements, the ethical treatment of prisoners, the uplift of impoverished communities, temperance movements, and environmental conservation and sustainability. Examples are drawn from around the Buddhist world, including Burma, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam, and the United States. No prerequisistes. (This course satisfies Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: RELG 218
ASIA 219: Adv Interm Japanese, Cultural Cont
(Advanced Intermediate Japanese in Cultural Context.) This course continues the fundamentals of Japanese language began in Japanese 110, 112, and 210. Extensive practice in oral expression and increasingly stronger emphasis on reading and writing using hiragana, katakana, and kanji are stressed. Reading and speaking are supplemented with an extensive use of audio materials and exercises. There are daily assignments and occasional presentations. This course also familiarizes students with Japanese society, customs and culture. Students will make a researched presentation concerning a specific topic of interest related to Japanese culture, customs, society, politics, or the economy. Prerequisite: Japanese 210 or consent of the instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: JAPN 212
ASIA 220: Islam and Pop Culture
In recent decades the global Islamic revival has produced a new generation of Muslim film stars and fashion models, Sufi self-help gurus, Muslim comic book heroes, romance novel writers, calligraphy artists, and even Barbie dolls. This course explores the pop sensations, market niches, and even celebrity scandals of 'Popular Islam' within the broader context of religious identity, experience, and authority in Islamic traditions. Balancing textual depth with geographic breadth, the course includes several case studies: Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mali, Turkey, and North America. Students will learn about how religious trends are created -- and debated -- on pop culture's public stage. We will reflect critically on both primary materials and inter-disciplinary scholarly writings about the relationships between pop culture, religious identities, devotional practices, and political projects. No pre-requisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: RELG 220, ISLM 220, IREL 260
ASIA 221: China and the World
How has the dramatic rise of China reshaped global politics? How has Chinese foreign policy changed since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)? This course examines China’s evolving understanding of its relationship with the international system and the domestic and global factors that drive Chinese foreign policy. We explore China’s growing influence in addressing global governance challenges, such as climate change; China’s participation in major international institutions; and China’s key bilateral relationships with entities like the United States, Russia, ASEAN, and India. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 215, IREL 255
ASIA 224: Literature of the Vietnam War
This course examines the Vietnam War as refracted through various literary genres. The readings for the course include Graham Greene's The Quiet American, Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried, and Truong Nhu Tang's Vietcong Memoir. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ENGL 224, AMER 224
ASIA 226: Religion and Gender in South Asia
This course examines representations of gender, divinity, and power in South Asia. Delving into epics, hymns, women's songs, animated films, scholarly articles, and observation of contemporary religious practices, we ask whether stories of Hindu goddesses empower women or serve the interests of a patriarchal culture. Through a variety of approaches, we investigate how women and men experience, negotiate, and subvert constructions of gender, femininity, and masculinity. The course culminates in a role-playing game, which uses an innovative methodology called Reacting to the Past to delve into legislation on Sati (ritual widow-burning) in colonial India. Students research and articulate opinions of historical characters, while learning to express themselves with clarity, precision, and force and developing their public speaking skills. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: RELG 226, GSWS 226
ASIA 230: East Asian Lit in Translation
(East Asian Literature in Translation taught in English). This course is an introduction to traditional East Asian literature with the primary focus on China, Japan and Korea. It will concentrate on several themes, topics, authors and representative works of traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean literature; emphasis on critical reading. This course will provide the students an opportunity to enjoy the most well known poems, novels and short stories produced by the prominent authors of the genres. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 230, LCTR 230
ASIA 232: Chinese Cinema in English
This course provides a historical, critical, and theoretical survey of Chinese cinema, broadly defined to include films from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. We will look at the specific political, social, economic, technological and aesthetic factors that have influenced the shape and character of Chinese cinema over the last century. We will discuss a range of works by internationally directors, including Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, Stephen Chow, Ang Lee, etc. As this course serves as a general introduction to Chinese film, it is intended for students who have little or no knowledge of China. All films screened for the course have English subtitles, so no knowledge of the Chinese language is required. . (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 232, CINE 232, LCTR 232
ASIA 251: Intro to Chinese Literature in Engl
(Introduction to Chinese Literature in English) This course will introduce students to Chinese literature through representative works of philosophy, poetry, folklore and modern short stories. The goal of this course is twofold: to grant students glimpses into the rich repertoire of Chinese literature and hence insights into the fundamental humanistic traditions of China; and to develop a set of skills of literary analysis. No knowledge of Chinese language or prior coursework on Chinese culture is required. Taught in English. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 251, LCTR 251
ASIA 252: Chinese Literature and Civilization
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ASIA 253: Philosophy of Self: East and West
The course will examine how great thinkers from East and West, ancient and modern times, have tackled the relation between reason, passion, and desire. We will study Plato's tripartite model of the soul, the Stoic monism, especially Chrysippus' theory of desire, and various Eastern concepts such as self-overcoming, unselfing, and self-forgetting. We will also include some basic readings from the scientific discussions on mirror neurons and Antonio Damasio's writings on self and emotion. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: PHIL 253, IREL 283
ASIA 255: 21st Century Islam
The 1.5 billion Muslims around the world represent an immense diversity of languages, ethnicities, cultures, contexts and perspectives. This course focuses on 21st century issues faced by Muslims living in different cultures. Contemporary social issues are examined in light of different interpretations of Islamic practice, global communication and social networks, elements of popular culture, and the interface between religion and government. Biographies, short stories, contemporary journalism, and films that explore life in Muslim and non-Muslim countries present a nuanced portrait of contemporary Islam. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: RELG 255, ISLM 255, IREL 268
ASIA 260: Intro to Chinese Culture in English
This course will explore elements of Contemporary Chinese culture and themes related to living, studying or working in China, as seen in films, videos, internet sources, and selected fiction and non-fiction texts. Topics covered include China's diverse geography, peoples and cuisine, doing business in China, the societal role of Chinese medicine, festivals and weddings, interpreting folk and contemporary art forms, current trends and themes in popular culture. This course will be taught in English. No prerequisite. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 260, LCTR 260
ASIA 270: Chinese Values, Medicine and Health
(Traditional Chinese Values, Medicine and Health in English.) Taught in English. As the U.S. grows more diverse, issues of culture and cultural competence have become more important to health care students. Traditional Chinese philosophies and religions strongly influence the Chinese way of living and thinking about health and health care. This course is an introduction to the basic beliefs, values, philosophies, and religions of the Chinese people. It explores how Confucius, Daoism, and Buddhism influence Chinese people’s concept of health, especially mental health. This course also provides an overview of the basic traditional Chinese medicine theories, herbal treatments, and Chinese food therapy. It discusses how the Chinese medical tradition merged with the western medical tradition and the role and value of traditional Chinese medicine in the current Chinese health care system. This course is intended for students considering Pre-Health or the Health Professions Program (HPP), or for any students interested in learning about Chinese traditional values. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 270
ASIA 273: Global Engagement Contemp China I
Focused on contemporary China, this course provides an introduction to Chinese culture, history, politics, and society. Using lecture, readings, discussions, and field trips, the class creates an opportunity for students to engage contemporary issues facing Chinese culture and society.
ASIA 274: 21st Century China
An interdisciplinary class based on individual research and experiential learning in China, this course consists of 8 on-campus orientation sessions, individual pre-travel research, and participation in Asia-related events during the spring semester. The primary focus of the class is a 21-day May study tour in China, followed by post-travel research projects due in June. Prerequisites: one Asian Studies class or 1 year of an Asian language; and approval for off-campus study. Open to sophomores and juniors. Applicants for early decision (spring) must submit all Stage I and II forms to the Office of Off-Campus Programs, and completed applications and references for the May China Program to the Dean of Faculty Office by May 1. If openings remain unfilled, a second round of applications will be accepted in the fall. Fall Stage I and II forms must be submitted to the Office of Off-Campus Programs, and May China Program applications to the Dean of Faculty Office by October 15.
ASIA 279: Hinduism and Narrative
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ASIA 280: Architecture in East Asia
This course explores a diverse body of architecture in China and Japan from ancient to contemporary times. We will investigate the major architectural types in traditional East Asia - including cities, temples, palaces, gardens, and houses - as well as individual monuments like Japan's Himeji Castle and the 'Bird's Nest' Olympic stadium in Beijing. In addition to examining the architectural history of these sites, we will discuss thematic issues related to design, space, landscape, ritual, memory, and modernity. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ARTH 280
ASIA 282: Visions of Family
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ASIA 283: Modern China
Relying as much as possible on Chinese texts (in translation), this course will examine such topics as China's response to Western imperialism in the nineteenth century; the 1911 Revolution; the May Fourth Movement; the birth of the People's Republic of China; the Cultural Revolution; and the Democracy Movement of the 1980s. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 260, IREL 230
ASIA 286: Modern Japan
From the founding of the last shogunate, the Tokugawa, in 1603 to its present status as an economic giant among the nations of the Pacific. Attention to the achievements as well as the undeniable sufferings and costs incurred during Japan's drive toward great power. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 262
ASIA 305: South Asian Philosophy
This course is an in-depth study of a particular topic or tradition within South Asian philosophy. Possible topics include South Asian Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist Epistemology, and Self or No-Self in South Asia. Students study classical texts, secondary resources, and contemporary scholarship integrating this body of work in ongoing discussions about ethics, cognition, and metaphysics. Prerequisites: Either two philosophy courses, or one philosophy course and one Asian area course. (PHIL 114 recommended before taking this course.) (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: PHIL 305, IREL 385
ASIA 306: Buddhist Arts of Asia
In the early centuries CE, Buddhism spread eastward from its origins in India to China, Korea, and Japan. It brought with it a rich religious tradition that altered forever the visual arts of these regions. Students in this course will explore the painting, sculpture, and monuments of the East Asian Buddhist world from ancient times to the twentieth century, paying particular attention to issues of patronage, ritual, iconography, symbolism, and style in order to better understand the complex relationships between religion and art. No pre-requisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ARTH 306
ASIA 307: Topics: China's Cultural Revolution
(Topics in East Asian History). Fall 2023 Topic: China's Cultural Revolution.The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, broke out more than forty years ago (1966-1976), has been recognized as the darkest era in the history of the People's Republic of China. A comprehensive mass movement initiated by Mao Zedong to eliminate the so-called 'counterrevolutionary elements' in the country's institutions and leadership, the revolution was characterized by nationwide chaos, ultra-leftist frenzy, political zealotry, purges of intellectuals, extreme social turmoil, and ultimate economic collapse. This course intends to reconstruct the history of the Cultural Revolution by revealing the causes of the calamity and prevent human disaster from repeating itself in the future. Prerequisite: One course in Asian history or permission of the instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 340
ASIA 309: Problems Modern Chinese Hist: Film
(Problems in Modern Chinese History: Film) What are the enduring problems of modern China? How have different Chinese governments confronted them? We will study twentieth-century transformations in Chinese society, politics, and culture on the mainland and Taiwan in the light of modern Chinese and international history through film and discussion of the major issues addressed by Western scholarship. Basic topics to be covered include Sino-Western relations; tradition and modernization; peasant rebellions; revolution and reforms; religion; culture and society; modern science; and intellectuals and the state. . (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 342
ASIA 310: East-West Seminar
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ASIA 312: Chinese Oral & Written Proficiency
This course is a continuation of Chinese 212. The focus will be on oral and written expression in cultural context, expanding vocabulary and enhancing understanding of Chinese grammar. Chinese idiomatic expressions and various aspects of Chinese culture will also be explored throughout the course. Prerequisite: CHIN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: CHIN 312
ASIA 313: Chinese for Busn, Law, & Int'l Rel
(Chinese for Business, Law, and International Relations). The course grounds students in real-world applications of political, economic, business/marketing, and law/public policy concepts and terminology within the context of the Chinese language. The goal of this course is to develop students' Chinese language proficiency in communicative political, business, and law contexts while being aware of Chinese socio-cultural dynamics. It includes a concurrent emphasis on business terminology, conducting business negotiations, comprehension of business and law-oriented publications such as newspapers and magazines, active engagement in discussions on current events, and the analysis of prevailing economic and legal trends in contemporary China. Particularly recommended for students who are thinking of careers in economics, business, politics, law, and international relations. Prerequisite: CHIN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: CHIN 313
ASIA 314: Hindu Pilgrimage: India and Chicago
The course explores the ritual practice of pilgrimage at major pilgrimage sites in India, and at parallel temples in the Chicago area. Using extensive field visits and the framework of pilgrimage as the structure of the course, the class prepares for and visits 5-6 Hindu temples in the Chicago area to observe rituals being performed, speak with practitioners, and experience festival worship. Through reading and film, we examine the history, literature, ritual traditions, art, and music of Hindu pilgrims. Following specific pilgrimage routes, we explore this religious practice as it is conducted within 21st century cultures of expanding global communities, in India and in Chicago. The class will use primary source texts, maps, field visits to temples, film, and research to understand Hindu religious communities in India and Chicago. Prerequisite: Religion 214 or permission of instructor.
ASIA 315: Japonisme/Occidentalism
ASIA 316: Walking to Heaven: Pilgrimage Asia
Using a seminar format, this course will explore pilgrimage sites in a range of different Asian cultures including India, China, Japan, Korea, and Pakistan. Students will choose a specific pilgrimage site and religious tradition as the focus of their research. Through reading, film, discussion, research, and student presentations, we will examine the roles of pilgrims and traders, sacred place and sacred time, and the ritual elements present in Asian pilgrimage practices across different religious traditions including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Prerequisite: Religion 213, 214, 215 or 216 or permission of instructor.
ASIA 320: Topics in Relg: Tantric Goddesses
(A Garland of Tantric Goddesses: Tales of the Feminine Divine) This seminar examines in depth one particular subject area in religious studies. Topics vary from year to year. A Garland of Tantric Goddesses: Tales of the Feminine Divine in South Asia uses a seminar format to examine goddess worship in Hindu and other Tantric (esoteric) traditions. We learn about the diversity of Hindu goddesses’ mythology by studying captivating and largely overlooked stories from different regions. Delving into goddess narratives in translation, we read a range of sources from ancient folk tales to modern lore. We also dive deeper into a scholarly case study of Tripurasundari (the Beauty of Three Cities), as we examine how the worship of this goddess was developed and reimagined in the early second millennium. Students work extensively with primary sources in translation as well as works of modern scholarship on tradition formation. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: RELG 320
ASIA 330: World Performance
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ASIA 420: China, Japan and the West
This seminar situates the long history of China, Japan and the West in a world historical context, examining the multiple interactions between China and its partners and adversaries in the past. We will touch on sweeping themes, such as the traditional Chinese tribute system, the formation of empire and efforts to create modern nation-states in China and Japan, industrialization and capitalism, Western imperialism, and cultural interchange between China and Japan and the West, through specific historical topics, using primary sources where possible. The goal of this course is to encourage students who are interested in History to develop their capacity to use analytical skills in historical research. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 420
ASIA 489: Globalization and Its Impact
Examines the impact of globalization on rich countries (the United States) and poor countries (Mexico, India, and China). An examination of free trade agreements will cast light on the political motives behind these agreements as well as the economic projections made. The economic impact of the creation of free trade zones is explored using both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Statistical evidence will document whether globalization has caused growth in GDP, employment, and income in poor countries. The responsibility of multinational companies in creating sweatshops, worker exploitation, and cultural disintegration are discussed in light of U.S. businesses located in Mexico, India, and China. Prerequisites: Economics 110, 180, 210, and 220.
ASIA 493: Research Project
Independent research plus regular discussions of that research in meetings of students and faculty. (Students registering for a research project over two semesters would register for regular research project credit in the semester without the colloquium.) Open to senior majors and others with permission of the chair. (This course satisfies Experiential Learning.)
ASIA 494: Senior Thesis
Senior thesis project plus regular discussion of that research in meetings of students and faculty. (Students writing a thesis over two semesters would register for regular thesis credit in the semester without the colloquium.) Open to senior majors.