This is a survey course that traces the foundation and development of modern East Asia since the 19th century. Through examining the major historical events, the transformations of political and economic institutions, and the social and cultural trends of China, Korea, and Japan from the early nineteenth century to the present, the course provides interpretations for many intriguing historical phenomena, such as feudalism, imperialism, warlordism, militarism, nationalism, and communism. This course will also compare and contrast the processes and methods involved in modernizing China, Korea, and Japan.

CILO-1: Identify main events, conjunctures, long-term changes, and continuities in the history of modern East Asia. CILO-2: Describe the modernization processes in major East Asian countries and compare them. CILO-3: Formulate understandings of East Asian history from cross-regional and cross-cultural dynamics and perspectives. CILO-4: Interpret contemporary issues in East Asia through the key concepts and frameworks introduced in the course. CILO-5: Acquire basic research and writing skills in the field of modern East Asia history.