Courses

This course examines China’s international relations with a focus on both historical context and contemporary developments. Beginning with imperial China’s traditional foreign relations and the “century of humiliation,” the course traces the evolution of Chinese foreign policy through the Cold War period to the present day. Students analyze China’s relationships with major powers and regions, including the United States, Russia, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and India, while exploring critical issues such as the Taiwan question, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and China’s growing role in global governance. Special attention is paid to understanding the drivers of China’s recent assertive turn in foreign policy under Xi Jinping, theories of international relations as applied to China's rise, and the implications of China’s increasing power for the international order. Through engagement with scholarly works and contemporary policy debates, the course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of China’s foreign relations and its emergence as a global power. 

This course provides a broad introduction to the intellectual history, philosophy, practices, and culture of Tibetan Buddhism.  In this course, we will approach Tibetan Buddhism through four topics: 1) the historical development of Buddhism in Tibet and its key characters, including major gods, goddesses, and human figures; 2) Buddhist ideas about a central theme in nearly all religions: human suffering; 3) ideas and practices that address the problem of human suffering; and 4) the lives of individuals in contemporary Tibetan Buddhist communities.  We will read and discuss excerpts from Tibetan Buddhist literature; learn to appreciate and analyze Tibetan art and architecture; and watch short documentaries about Tibet that allow us to see how the ideas and practices from the texts connect to peoples’ lives today.

This seminar examines the diverse and dynamic religious traditions of Korea including shamanism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Christianity, and New Religions from the pre-modern developments to religious experience in contemporary Korea including North Korea. This course adopts an interdisciplinary approach by discussing the histories and philosophies of religions, and their roles in Korean culture and society. It also deals with women’s position in traditional and contemporary Korean religions. Why study Korean religions? How can we approach Korean religions from an academic perspective? What role have religions played in Korean history, culture, and society? Through a reflection on Korean religions, students are encouraged to think critically about the concept of religion and its role.

This seminar course is designed to help students to understand Korean Buddhism in historical, social, cultural, and transnational contexts. The first part of the course provides a basic historical background to contextually analyze the Korean Buddhist traditions and their developments in premodern and early modern Korea, after which the second part investigates specific topics, including colonialism, transnationalism, gender, and social engagement in modern and contemporary Korean Buddhism. In the process, students will examine case studies and pursue answers to empirical and conceptual questions about Korean Buddhism using interdisciplinary approaches. Such questions include: What are the relationships between Buddhism and other religious traditions (e.g., shamanism and Confucianism), and how did those relationships change over time? How was modern Korean Buddhism imagined and constructed in transnational contexts? How do we assess women’s agency in institutional and individual religious practices? Beyond that, what is the Minjung Buddhist movement, and can religion contribute to social and political change?

Over the past few decades, East Asia has become a new destination region for migrants, the phenomenon of which is continuing to cause fierce public and political discussions on national identity and immigration and integration policies. This course explores various types, debates, and industries of migration in contemporary East Asia. While we focus largely on Japan and South Korea, we also have an opportunity to discuss migrant experiences in other popular destination and origin countries in Asia including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan. Starting with the major theories and concepts in international migration, we examine East Asian migration regimes, connections between migration and high- and low-skilled labor, gender, co-ethnics, and families, as well as state, public, and civil society responses to migration.

South Korea is often perceived as a socially and culturally homogeneous country, yet – like any society – it encompasses a complex landscape of diversity and experiences of exclusion. This course examines the processes of political and social exclusion in South Korea, analyzing the systematic forces, such as patriarchy, nationalism, racism, and capitalism, that produce marginalization. It also explores how populations affected by such forces, including women, migrants, and LGBTQ+ communities, navigate and contest their impacts. Ultimately, this course challenges students to critically inspect how power operates in Korean society by exploring the experiences of exclusion and marginalization, as well as the possibilities and limits of resistance. While the primary focus will be on contemporary issues, the course will also consider their historical roots, using theoretical readings and case studies to explore both past and present dynamics.

In this course, students are introduced to twelve major themes that illuminate the politics and society of contemporary South Korea. Each theme takes up a complex issue or phenomenon that has shaped or continues to shape South Korea today, ranging from its rapid economic transformation and democratic consolidation to relations with North Korea, social inequality, and demographic “crisis.” Each week’s topic is framed as a set of puzzles that guide critical inquiry and interpretation. Through lectures, readings, and discussions, students will explore diverse scholarly approaches to these puzzles and gain a comprehensive perspective on the complexities of South Korean politics and society.

For students with advanced Chinese, Japanese, or Korean language skills who wish to pursue a close study of the East Asia region, not otherwise covered by departmental offerings. May be used for research, a special project, or a substantial research paper under faculty supervision. A term paper or its equivalent and regular meetings with an adviser are required. Ordinarily only one term may be offered toward the major or for credit toward the degree. 

For students with advanced Chinese, Japanese, or Korean language skills who wish to pursue a close study of the East Asia region, not otherwise covered by departmental offerings. May be used for research, a special project, or a substantial research paper under faculty supervision. A term paper or its equivalent and regular meetings with an adviser are required. Ordinarily only one term may be offered toward the major or for credit toward the degree. 

Preparation of a one-term senior essay under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Students must receive the prior agreement of the director of undergraduate studies and of the faculty member who will serve as the senior essay adviser. Students must arrange to meet with that adviser on a regular basis throughout the term.

Preparation of a one-term senior essay under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Students must receive the prior agreement of the director of undergraduate studies and of the faculty member who will serve as the senior essay adviser. Students must arrange to meet with that adviser on a regular basis throughout the term.

Two-term directed research project under the supervision of a ladder faculty member. Students should write essays using materials in East Asian languages when possible. Essays should be based on primary material, whether in an East Asian language or English. Summary of secondary material is not acceptable.