This course will present a broad overview of Asian civilizations with a strong emphasis on China and Japan. Students will learn about Asia from a number of perspectives including social, political, economic and geographic. Students will also look at Asia from cultural perspectives including art, architecture, language, music and food. There may be an opportunity for consortium students to participate in the SBHS The International Experience (TIE) Japanese exchange.

Asian Studies Enrichment Project

You will be required to do one enrichment project on an Asian country and present it either first or second semester. An enrichment project is a research project that is presented in a creative manner, is engaging and informative. Every enrichment project must cover the following topics:

Geography

Religion

Festivals

The country today

Brief Historical overview

Relations with the U.S.

Your enrichment project must include the following:

A 3-5 page written section

A map

At least 1 other visual

An activity for the class

A bibliography with a variety of sources

The Presentation will be graded based on an enrichment rubric. Your project must be presented competently (i.e. you must use PowerPoint or note card prompts…you cannot read off your written paper)

Syllabus

Asian Studies

“The extension of knowledge consists in the investigation of things. When things are investigated, knowledge is extended; when knowledge is extended, the will becomes sincere; when the will is sincere, the mind is rectified; when the mind is rectified, personal life is cultivated….” (Confucius)

China

I. Geography: The Land of China

II. Dynasties: Part I

III. Religion: Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism

IV. Festivals: Holidays, Food, Character Writing

V. Dynasties: Part II

VI. The Chinese Republic: Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek, Mao Zedong

VII. China Today: Modern China and China/U.S. Relations

VIII. Enrichment Projects: Student research project on an Asian country

Japan

I. Geography: Japan: An Island Nation

II. Early Japan: Ancient, Classical, Medieval, Feudalism

III. Festivals & Society: Holidays, Language, Food

IV. The Emergence: Beginning of Modern Japan

V. Japan Today: Economic Superpower, Japanese/U.S.

VI. Enrichment Projects: Student research project on an Asian country