Learning Objectives & Matches
The course employs a series of assignments tied together as bamboo scaffolding still used in the construction of buildings in East Asia: in-class lectures and discussions, three book quizzes, a midterm and final exam, as well as a 3-page paper that connects current events to themes studied in class. All assignments focus on sets of questions examining core themes: philosophic trends (i.e. Daoism, Confucianism, or the Bushido), dynastic governments, education, the role of women, achievements in material culture and technology or medicine; and how after 1500 Westernization constantly challenges traditional ways. For instance, Christianity arrived in East Asia with the Jesuit order in the mid-16thcentury. Despite their culturally sensitive conversion strategies, Catholicism was eradicated in Japan by 1640 and forbidden by the Qing dynasty in the 1720s. For the midterm, students are required to compare and contrast Jesuit strategies in China and Japan; apply the “Opposite World” theory to make meaningful sense of the data; then state conclusions based on the evidence provided, identifying any shortcomings therein. The final exam requires students to apply this theory when analyzing the on-going legacies of Western-dominated global systems of economics, diplomacy, education, cultural norms, science, democracy, fascism, communism/socialism, and human rights. Additionally, this SLO is reinforced by the 3-page paper on current events in East Asia due at the end of the quarter.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as ancient history, postwar civilizations, and the history of third-world countries.
Study and interpret religious laws, doctrines, or traditions.
Develop and test theories concerning the origin and development of past cultures.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students and the community on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious thought.
Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
Research, survey, or assess sites of past societies and cultures in search of answers to specific research questions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as research methods, urban anthropology, and language and culture.
Train and supervise religious education instructional staff.
Develop factors such as themes, plots, characterizations, psychological analyses, historical environments, action, and dialogue to create material.