DOWNLOAD a PDF file of the Asian Studies courses offered in FALL 2008.

Description of Courses in Asian Studies (* indicates a Gateway course)

Jump to classes in: Business, Economics, Environmental Studies, History, Language, Philippine Studies, Literature and Culture, Media Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, USF Center for the Pacific Rim, Visual Arts.

Business

0303-350 International Business

The economic, cultural, political, and social environment of international business and how firms must adapt their strategies and operations as they internationalize. Emphasis on the financial, production, human resource, and marketing challenges of multinational firms.

0303-351 Comparative International Management

Comparative analysis of business environments and practices in different countries and regions of the world. Study of political, economic, socio-cultural, and legal systems and how these affect business decisions with an emphasis on multinational firms.

0303-397 International Study Tour

Direct participation in and analysis of business environments in Japan. Pre-departure preparation will include a broad understanding of the historical, cultural and economic underpinnings of the Japanese business environment.

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Economics

0104-284 Economies of the Pacific Rim

This course surveys the economic development and economic growth process, political system and the current economic issues of the countries in the Pacific Rim and East Asia. Students will emerge from the course with a solid understanding of the cultures, societies, and economies of these countries.

0104-691 Themes in International Political Economy

Introduction to the theory and policy of international trade and international economic relations. Offered every Fall.

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Environmental Studies

0110-360 International Environmental Politics

Study of the politics of ethnicity and nationalism in the contemporary world and ramifications for state sovereignty, international cooperation and security. Case studies from a wide variety of settings (i.e., South-Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle-East, Canada, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia) will be used to illustrate conceptual and empirical issues.

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History

* 0115-303 East Asian Civilization

Introductory survey of the four East Asian civilizations of China, Japan, Korea, and the Asian area of Russia. The course offers a selective treatment of key issues and important achievements of these societies. Its methodology is historical, analyzing the political, economic, social, and cultural institutions as they have developed from antiquity to the present. The emphasis will be on the modern period, primarily after the middle of the nineteenth century. Junior or Senior standing advised. Offered every semester.

0115-349 History of Women and the Family: China

Examination of recent scholarship on the history of women and the family in either Europe, Asia or Latin America. Emphasis is on questions of methodology. Offered intermittently.

0115-380 Traditional China to 1839

A broad survey of China's history prior to 1840, covering social, political, economic, and cultural developments. Offered Fall.

0115-381 Modern China: Revolution and Modernization

A broad survey of China since 1840, emphasizing China's response to the West and the impact of the Revolutions of 1911 and 1949. Offered Spring.

0115-382 Traditional Japan to 1868

A survey of Japan's history prior to 1868, emphasizing cultural achievements, the impact of Buddhism, and the role of the Shogunates. Offered intermittently.

0115-383 Modern Japan Since Perry

A survey of Japan's history after 1868, emphasizing its rapid modernization and its rise to great power status.

* 0115-384 History of South and Southeast Asia

A broad survey of South and Southeast Asian history from antiquity to modern times. Beginning with the rise of the Indus valley civilization, the course considers topics like European colonialism and imperialism, nationalism, and the post-independence period. Offered Fall.

0115-386 History of U.S.-China Relations

A study of the United States-China relations from the 1780s to the present day, with special emphasis on the period since 1945. Offered Fall.

0115-387 History of U.S.-Japan Relations

Consideration of a broad variety of political, social, economic, and cultural issues concerning America's relationship with Japan, beginning with Commodore Perry's visit in 1853 and including contemporary economic and security concerns. Offered Spring.

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Language

0146-101 First Semester Chinese

Intensive grammar, composition, conversation, reading. Stress on spoken language. Offered every Fall.

0146-102 Second Semester Chinese

Prerequisite: CHIN - 101 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department. Continuation of CHIN 101. Offered every Spring.

0146-201 Third Semester Chinese

Prerequisite: CHIN - 102 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department. Continuation of CHIN 102. Offered every Fall.

0146-202 Fourth Semester Chinese

Prerequisite: CHIN - 201 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department. Continuation of CHIN 201. Offered every Spring.

0148-101 First Semester Japanese

This course will introduce basic Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and writing systems (katakana and hiragana), together with some relevant aspects of Japanese culture. Emphasis on developing communicative conversational skills. Offered every Fall.

0148-102 Second Semester Japanese

Prerequisite: JAPAN - 101 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department. Continuation of JAPAN 101. Some basic kanji will be introduced. The course will focus on developing conversational skills and reading/writing skills. Offered every Spring.

0148-201 Third Semester Japanese

Prerequisite: JAPAN - 102 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department. Continuation of JAPAN 102. This course will develop communicative conversational skills and reading and writing skills and will familiarize the student with Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and kanji. Offered every Fall.

0148-202 Fourth Semester Japanese

Prerequisite: JAPAN - 201 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department. Continuation of JAPAN 201. This course will provide extensive practice for conversation, reading, and writing for advancement to the intermediate level of Japanese. Offered every Spring.

0148-301 Intermediate Japanese

Prerequisite: JAPAN - 202 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department. Continuation of JAPAN 202. This course will provide extensive practice for conversation, reading, and writing to consolidate the student's language skills. Offered every Fall.

0148-302 Advanced Japanese

Prerequisite: JAPAN - 311. Continuation of JAPAN 311. This course will include reading authentic materials (newspapers, periodicals, novels, etc.), discussing the materials in Japanese, and writing compositions. Offered every Fall.

0148-375 Introduction to Japanese Linguistics

Prerequisite: JAPAN - 201 (or equivalent competence). This course aims to develop linguistic knowledge about the Japanese language. The course will focus on understanding the Japanese language in terms of history, lexicon, phonology, morphology, syntax, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics. Such linguistic training provides essential background for teaching Japanese. Offered every Spring.

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Philippine Studies

0182-301 Philippine History from Early Times to 1900

A survey of the major developments, issues, and political incidents leading to the 20th century.

0182-325 Filipino Culture and Society

This course examines contemporary Filipino culture and society through historical, political, and economic focal points.

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Literature and Culture

0146-350 Literati Culture in Traditional China

A history of the literati arts of landscape and bird and flower painting, calligraphy, and zither music, along with closely affiliated pursuits such as poetry, garden design, religious or literary pilgrimage, and philosophical contemplation. The impact of literati culture on Japan, Korea, and elsewhere is also covered.

0146-355 Chinese Literature in Translation

An introduction to significant examples of classical and modern literature, with emphasis on fiction, drama, and poetry (shi and ci).

0148-310 Zen and the Art of Japanese Calligraphy

This course aims to develop classical Japanese calligraphy skills and to engender a deeper appreciation of the calligraphic arts and of the role of Zen philosophy in Japanese culture. Application of the form and beauty of the characters also makes them easier to remember. The course will provide a hands-on tutorial of basic brush strokes and painting techniques.

0148-350 Japanese Culture

This course will introduce essential aspects of Japanese culture. It is taught in English and may be repeated for credit when different topics are treated. Offered every other Fall.

0148-351 Contemporary Japanese Culture

This course will explore various aspects of contemporary Japanese culture. It is taught in English. Offered every other Fall.

0148-355 Japanese Literature in Translation

This course will introduce the classics of Japanese literature as well as works by the Nobel laureates. The course is taught in English. Offered every Spring.

0148-357 Naturalism in Japanese Literature

A history of the Naturalist Movement in Japan, with special emphasis on Western literary influences, as well as native resistance to and adaptation of them, during this formative period in Japanese literature.

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Media Studies

0166-409 Global Media

Prerequisite: Completion of 200-level requirements.. Analysis of structures and content of international media and role of culture in globalization.

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Philosophy

* 0122-340 Asian Philosophy

This course examines both the historical development and contemporary debates of the philosophical traditions of Asia. The topics include metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions raised in Indian, Chinese, Buddhist, and Japanese philosophies. References will also be made to the larger cultural and political issues that are relevant in these traditions today. Offered regularly.

0122-331 Japanese Philosophy

This course examines the historical and contemporary content of Japanese philosophy. As a background, some philosophical issues in Zen Buddhism, relevant concepts in European philosophy as well as intellectual movements during Japan's modernization will be covered.

0122-380 Chinese Philosophy

The study of philosophical development in pre-Hand and Han China with emphasis on Confucianism, Mohism, Taoism, and Legalism.

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Politics

* 0110-213 Introduction to International Politics

This course provides an introduction to the field of international relations. Students will critically assess the competing conceptual/theoretical issues and debates in the field, analyze the origins and evolution of the post-war global order, the legacy of the cold war on the international system, and the challenges for global peace and security in the emerging new world order. Offered every year.

0110-314 Democratic Theory and Transitions

Study of theory and practice of modern democracies, with an emphasis on recent democratization. Topics include causes of democratization, threats to newly formed democracies, and consolidation of democratic regimes through building state institutions and constitutional structures, designing electoral systems and political parties, establishing civilian control over the military, and creating democratic culture. Other topics include the relation between economic development and democratic consolidation, and between globalization and democratization. Course assesses the state of democracy throughout the world, and explores what democracy should mean today. Offered every other year.

0110-332 Political Thought in Developing Nations

The evolution of political thought in Asian, Middle-Eastern, African and Latin-American societies and its impact on nation-building. Topics include the ideals and practice of Third World nationalism, socialism, negritude, Arab unity, Gandhian political thought as well as current political and philosophical trends. Offered every other year.

0110-346 Government and Politics of South and Southeast Asia

A comparative political study of India, Pakistan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and other South/Southeast Asian states, focusing on state-society relations, the military, religion, race, ethnicity, culture, nationalism, and the challenges for economic development and nation-building. Offered every other year.

0110-347 Government and Politics of China and East Asia

A study of the emergence of modern East Asia; political changes in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan after 1945; survey of international developments. Offered every other year.

0110-352 Human Rights and Global Change

Domestic and global human rights, and their role in a changing world order. Impact of governments, multinationals, churches, universities, and human rights advocates on political and economic development, and the level of repression in the world. Strategies for global justice and change, with a focus on human rights activists and movements. Offered every year.

* 0110-359 International Politics of the Asia Pacific

A study of the foreign relations of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam from the 19th century encounters with Western powers and each other through the late 20th century. An analysis of post-war U.S.-China, Sino-Soviet, U.S.-Japan, divided Korea, revolutionary Vietnamese, and other selected international relationships. Offered every other year.

0110-360 International Environmental Politics

Study of the North-South divide and the challenges it poses for global environmental cooperation. Focus on the politics and processes that underlie environmental negotiation and lawmaking at the U.N., international organizations and selected nation-states, including the problems of implementation and enforcement, sustainable development and the Rio conference. Offered every other year. Cross Listed With: ENST - 360

0110-432 Politics of Ethnicity and Nationalism

Study of the politics of ethnicity and nationalism in the contemporary world and ramifications for state sovereignty, international cooperation and security. Case studies from a wide variety of settings (i.e., South-Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle-East, Canada, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia) will be used to illustrate conceptual and empirical issues. Offered every other year.

0110-450 Political-Economy of Developing Nations

A study of theory and methodology of competing political-economy approaches to development. Topics include: role of the state and market in development, roots of the poverty problem, multinationals, foreign aid, debt-crisis, gender, the role of the World Bank, the IMF, and sustainable development. Offered every other year.

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Psychology

0123-307 Cross-Cultural Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY - 101 or permission of instructor. This course increases understanding of the similarities and differences among cultures through experimental evidence, group experience, and class discussion. Offered every year.

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Religious Studies

0128-216 Religion and Non-Violence

This course centers on Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Dorothy Day. Through spiritual autobiographies, critical theories, and fiction the course explores the theme of nonviolence as a political and religious force in the U.S., India, and elsewhere.

0128-314 Trialog: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity

An historical and cultural study of three religious traditions so as to appreciate the nuances, potential and limits for current interreligious conversations.

0128-316 Religion and Health

Explorations into the relationship between religious faith, belief, and practice and their influences on all aspects of human health.

0128-361 Religion and the Environment

Explores the religious underpinnings of contemporary attitudes and practices concerning the environment. Both historical and contemporary understandings of nature as expressed in various religious traditions. Offered intermittently. Cross Listed With: ENST - 361

* 0128-366 Religion and Spirituality in Asia

A survey of major religious traditions-- Hinduism, Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity--that have helped shape the societies and cultural identities of Asian peoples.

0128-367 Daoism and Chinese Culture

An historical and yet contemporary overview of the multiple traditions that are called "Daoist" within Chinese society and overseas.

0128-368 Japanese Religions

From the 21st century to the 1st century, the rich religious heritage of Buddhism, Shinto, and new religions provides a window into understanding Japanese society and culture.

0128-371 Hinduism

An exploration of ancient, classical, medieval, modern and contemporary expressions of what we call "Hinduism."

0128-375 Buddhist Paths in Asia and North America

This course draws upon primary and secondary sources, films, guest lectures, and field trips to select Buddhist institutions in San Francisco to understand the traditions, people, teachings, rituals, cultures, and allure of Buddhism in the world today

0128-379 Zen Buddhism

Contemporary Zen practice in East Asia and North America provide the context for an exploration into the history, aesthetics, practices, and textual traditions of this school of Buddhism.

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Sociology

0143-228 Asian American Culture and Society

This course examines the long and diverse experiences of Asians (Japanese, Chinese, Filipinos, Koreans, South Asians, and Southeast Asians) in the United States. Looking at historical and contemporary issues, we can understand what it means to be American for those Americans who have roots in Asia. Offered in Fall.

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USF Center for the Pacific Rim

(Note: The following courses are part of the BA/BS-MA in Asia Pacific Studies degree, open to qualified seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA.)

0185-601 Comparative Modernization of East Asia

The historical process of political and social modernization in China, Japan, and Korea. Emphasis is on the evolution of traditional societies in the classical and medieval periods and their transformation in the modern era. Both the influence of contact with the West, and the effects of internal pressures for change are examined from a comparative perspective.

0185-605 Cultures of East Asia

The religious and philosophical traditions of China, Japan, and Korea, especially as they affect the lives of contemporary East Asians. Emphasis is on the development of Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist and other schools of thought, their spread through South, Southeast, and East Asia, and the story of how they shaped and were in turn shaped by the cultures of the region.

0185-635 Literature of East Asia

Comparative survey of influential traditional and modern literary works from China, Japan, and Korea, investigating the cultural assumptions and historical conditions under which they came into being. Emphasis is on utilizing the lens of literature to examine the society it reflects and shapes and on gaining an understanding of the role literary arts play in the cultural life of each country.

0185-636 Society and Culture in the Contemporary Asia Pacific

Comparative study of the social and cultural aspects of contemporary China, Japan, and Korea. Emphasis is on the symbols, ideologies, social orders, and politics that lend themselves to the construction and maintenance of national and cultural identities. The continual modification of these identities under the pressure to meet the challenges of the 21st century will also be explored.

0185-620 International Politics of the Asia Pacific

Comparative analysis of the international politics of Japan, Korea, 'Greater' China, Southeast, and South Asia in the 20th century. Emphasis is on regional and international political developments, including those involving the United States, and on examining policies and strategies used by countries to compete and cooperate while assuring their national security.

0185-640 Economies of East Asia

Comparative study of the economic systems of East Asia with a focus on Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Emphasis on East Asian economic developments in the 20th century with a focus on the applicability of competing economic theories and models of economic development to current economic problems and opportunities in the East Asia region.

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Visual Arts

0107-217 Asian Art

This course helps students build an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts of China, Japan, and India. Lectures illustrated with slides and museum visits.

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