May Term (May 26-June 25, 2021)

AST 286 Understanding Modern China

Instructors: Jianfen Wang and Nancy Sowers
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or permission of instructor
Offered: online

China has reemerged as an economic powerhouse over the last 30 years.  While this seems fast to the typical American, a closer look at China’s history and society would reveal an expansive culture of innovation, resources, and productivity.  A good way to understand the transition and growth of the economy within the much longer historical context that the nation deserves is to learn more about its people, its markets, and its institutions.  Students will develop their perspective of modern China, broaden their understanding of the power of economic growth, and learn about the complexity of opportunity and challenge that comes with the economic transformation of “socialism with Chinese characteristics.”  Beginning with a critical review of the key issues about China in the media today, such as the COVID pandemic, the US-China trade-war, China’s Belt-Road Initiative, and the controversies over China’s social media APPs Tik Tok and WeChat, we seek to understand China’s economic transformation from developing economy to industrial giant over the last 50 years.  We will examine factors that promoted China’s economic growth by revisiting the macroeconomic patterns in China’s economy before and since its ascension to the World Trade Organization in late 2001. From this history we can develop an understanding of some of the economic tradeoffs for the environment, for the workforce, and for doing business in China that were made in the name of economic prosperity.  Finally, based on a better understanding of modern China and its domestic strengths and challenges, students will explore its rapidly changing place in the world. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement AND elective credit for Asian Studies Major or Minor.
1 Course

Summer Term (May 26-July 27, 2021)

AST 286 U.S.-Japan Foreign Policy (PSC)

Instructor: Lauren McKee
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or permission of instructor
Offered: online

This course will serve as an introduction to the process and content of foreign relations between the United States and Japan. Reaching back to the beginnings of this relationship in the mid-1850s, students will learn the historical context of this relationship spanning from contact with Commodore Matthew Perry in the 1850s, through Japan’s Meiji Restoration, WWI and WWII, to the post-war treaties and contemporary relationship between the U.S. and its greatest ally in East Asia. Students should gain a better understanding of the historical context of this relationship, how foreign policy is created and how domestic politics and international relations intersect.  Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement AND elective credit for Asian Studies Major or Minor.
1 Course

PSC 250 International Relations

Instructor: Lauren McKee
Prerequisite: PSC 100 or permission of instructor
Offered: online

A study of the various forces, assumptions, considerations, and actors that define national interests, shape international relations, and promote world order.  Fulfills Methods requirement for Asian Studies Major or Minor.
1 Course