Courses in East Asian Studies
A EAS 140 Introduction to East Asian Cinema (3)
This course offers an introduction to East Asian cinema, with emphasis on movies produced in China and Japan. Lectures and class discussions will focus on the interpretation of cinematic texts, especially as they relate to cultural dynamics and social change.
A EAS 177 (= A HIS 177) East Asia: Its Culture and History (3-4)
An introduction to the history and cultures of East Asia (China, Japan, and Korea), their major institutions and their religious and philosophical traditions from ancient times to the present. Only one version of A EAS 177 may be taken for credit.
A EAS 190 Confucianism and the Samurai Ethic (3)
This course will examine primary texts in translation from Confucius’ Analects to 20th century political propaganda in an effort to trace the origins and evolution of the ideas that formed the samurai ethic in Japan. Course taught in English; no knowledge of Chinese or Japanese necessary.
T EAS 190 Confucianism and the Samurai Ethic (3)
This course will examine primary texts in translation from Confucius' Analects to 20th century political propaganda in an effort to trace the origins and evolution of the ideas that formed the samurai ethic in Japan. Course taught in English; no knowledge of Chinese or Japanese necessary. Open to Honors College students only.
A EAS 220 Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy (3)
Practical instruction in the artistic design and the different styles of written Chinese and Japanese with the traditional implements: brush, rice paper, ink plate and ink bar. Knowledge of Chinese or Japanese is not required.
T EAS 250 China's Confucian Tradition (3)
This course addresses the central philosophical and ethical issues in the Confucian tradition, a main source of East Asian cultural values. The emphasis will be on reading and discussing translations of primary sources, including the Analects of Confucius, the Mencius, excerpts from the other Confucian Classics and Confucianism’s key interpreters in later centuries. Topics addressed will include human nature, the foundations of political life, ethical decision-making, and the Confucian vision of learning. Upon completion of the course, students will have an appreciation of both the richness of the tradition and the challenges it faces in adapting to the modern world. Open to Honors College students only.
A EAS 261 (= A REL 261) Introduction to the Religions of Japan (3)
An introduction to the major religious traditions of Japan, particularly Shinto and Buddhism, this course will cover the major forms of religious expression in Japanese history from the earliest historical records to the so-called New Religions which arose in the 20th century. Discussion will include the philosophical, artistic, social, and political dimensions of religion in Japanese society. Only one version of A EAS 261 may be taken for credit.
A EAS 265 (= A REL 265) Introduction to Buddhism (3)
This course is an introduction to Buddhism, covering its early history in South Asia, its expansion into Central, East, and Southeast Asia, and its recent growth in Europe and the Americas. Students will acquire a foundational knowledge about basic Buddhist doctrines and practices, as well as the diversity of Buddhism as a lived religion. Class content will focus on textual, artistic, philosophical, literary, social, and political expressions of the Buddhist tradition. Only one version of A EAS 265 may be taken for credit.
A EAS 266 (= A REL 266) Buddhism in East Asia (3)
This course is an introduction to the history and development of the Buddhist traditions of East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Tibet, and Vietnam). Students will acquire a foundational knowledge of early Indian Buddhist doctrines and practices, as well as the pre-Buddhist Chinese religious and philosophical systems Confucianism and Daoism, so as to come to a critical understanding of the emergence of uniquely East Asian form of Buddhism. Class content will focus on textual, artistic, philosophical, literary, social, and political expressions of the Buddhist tradition in premodern and modern East Asia. Only one version of A EAS 266 may be taken for credit.
A EAS 270 (= A WSS 270) Women in East Asian Literature (3)
By examining literary pieces from China and Japan, this course will examine the constraints of patriarchy, vestiges of matriliny, functions served by portrayals of women, and treat questions such as: What can one deduce from early literary and historical sources concerning women and their societies? Why do some people perceive gender related issues certain ways? and Why are women depicted certain ways? Conducted in English; no prior knowledge of the East Asian languages or cultures is required. Only one version of A EAS 270 and A WSS 270 may be taken for credit.
A EAS 305 East Asian Studies Research Methods (3)
This course will introduce research methodology and bibliographic methods in East Asian studies. Students will develop research skills that will include framing research topics, compiling resources from library catalogs and online journal databases, especially East Asian Studies databases, and evaluating scholarly resources. Students will also learn how to use various East Asian Studies reference materials, which will enable them to develop mastery of ancillary research techniques. Prerequisites: one year or equivalent of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean language.
A EAS 321Y (= A GOG 321Y & A LCS 321Y) Exploring the Multicultural City (3)
This course will explore the human dimensions and implications of ethnic diversity in the United States, focusing on New York City. The course utilizes a variety of methods to introduce students to the multicultural city, beginning in the classroom but ending with fieldwork in a specific New York neighborhood. Only one version of A EAS 321Y may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): one of A GOG 102, 125, 160, 220, or 240.
A EAS 357 (= A REL 357) Zen Buddhism (3)
An introduction to the religious, philosophical, and artistic tradition of Zen Buddhism in China, Korea, and Japan and the West. This course looks at the birth and subsequent historical evolution of the Zen or Ch’an school of Buddhism in East Asia. We will look at the intersection of Buddhist and Chinese presumptions about spirituality that gave rise to this unusual religious form, discussing precisely what is and is not iconoclastic about its tenets. The experience of American Zen communities will also be considered. Only one version of A EAS 357 may be taken for credit.
A EAS 389 Topics in East Asian History, Literature, and Culture (3)
This course will focus on a selected topic of traditional or modern East Asian literature, history, religion or culture for intensive study. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor.
A EAS 450 (= A REL 450; formerly A EAS/A REL 393) Readings in Buddhist Texts (3)
This is an advanced course in the study of Buddhism that will focus on the close reading of Buddhist scriptures in English translation. Prerequisite(s): A EAS 265, 266, or permission of instructor.
A EAS 490 East Asian Studies Research Capstone (3)
This course is a research seminar in which students develop a personal research project in the area of Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies, or East Asian Studies (depending on the student's major). The ultimate product will be an extended research paper. To complete the paper, students will work on preparatory work such as outlining and producing multiple drafts. To maximize opportunities for constructive feedback, students will periodically present their work to the seminar. Prerequisite(s): A EAS 305.
A EAS 495 Colloquium in East Asian Studies (3)
Directed readings and conferences involving several members of the faculty for students pursuing undergraduate honors in the Department of East Asian Studies. To be offered only when requested by students eligible for the honors program. This course may be repeated once with the approval of the student’s honors project adviser. Prerequisite(s): major in the department; junior or senior standing; acceptance into the Honors Program.
