HIST 314 - The History of Japan and Korea since 1600: At the Origins of Modernity

In the global economy, Japan is among the world’s leading nations driving economic and technological growth and developments. In recent years, too, Korea has emerged as a powerhouse, making its mark in diverse fields from popular culture to modern industries. What are the origins of Japan’s and Korea’s modern institutions? How did Japan and Korea respond to the rise of Western imperial powers in the 1800s? How was Korea embroiled in Japan’s empire-building process of the early 1900s? What were the defining moments in Japanese-Korean interntational relations since World War II? How have Japan and Korea adapted to the changing times in the 21st century? This course focuses on key issues in Japanese and Korean history in the East Asian and global contexts since 1600 and explores how Japan and Korea have become the modern nations that they are today. Fulfills the regional requirement of the History major.

Credits: 4
Terms Offered: As Needed