East Asian Languages and Cultures
The Bi-College Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures is housed at both Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges. Our mission is to foster learning about East Asia through rigorous language study and through deep and exploratory engagement with prominent themes and sources from East Asian countries. Towards these ends, EALC offers Chinese and Japanese language through the advanced level and an array of courses on East Asian culture taught in English, including such topics as religion, visual culture, film, gender, history, and literature. Beginning in 2023, EALC introduced Korean language at the introductory level and added the intermediate level beginning in 2024. The Major seeks to train students in language, guide them through a curriculum that situates East Asian culture within global discourses, and nurture their skills in critical thinking, research, and writing. Our language programs are central and foremost in this effort. Minors are offered in Chinese, Japanese, and EALC. (See details on the requirements of the Major and the three Minor tracks below.) Many students choose to study abroad during the school year or during the summer to enrich their knowledge and experience, as well as language skills. Alumni have pursued a wide variety of fields after graduation, both in East Asia and in the United States. Students also take advantage of courses offered at Swarthmore and the University of Pennsylvania, which may be counted towards the major or minor.
Learning Goals
EALC has four learning goals:
- Laying the foundations for proficiency in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language and culture.
- Gaining broad knowledge of the East Asian cultural sphere across time and in its global context.
- Developing basic bibliographic skills and protocols; learning how to identify, evaluate, and interpret primary textual and visual sources..
- Embarking on and completing a major independent research project that pulls together past coursework, taking the knowledge and skills gained to a new level to demonstrate mastery of a particular aspect of East Asian culture.
Requirements for Honors
The departmental faculty awards honors based on superior performance in two areas: coursework in major-related courses (including language classes), and the senior thesis. The faculty requires a minimum 3.7 average in major-related coursework to consider a student for honors.
Study Abroad
The EALC Department strongly encourages our majors to study abroad to maximize their language proficiency and cultural familiarity. We require formal approval by the study abroad advisor prior to the student’s travel. Without this approval, credit for courses taken abroad may not be accepted by EALC. If study abroad is not practical, students may consider attending certain intensive summer schools that EALC has approved. Students must work out these plans in concert with the department’s study abroad advisor and the student’s dean.
Senior Prizes
Graduating Seniors in EALC are eligible for the “Margaret Mayeda Petersson Prize,” which recognizes a spirit of engagement and enthusiasm through the major and the thesis project.
EALC-sponsored Prizes
Graduating Seniors from any department who have studied Chinese are eligible for the “Hu Shih Prize in Chinese” which recognizes excellence and dedication in the study of the Chinese language.
EALC Major Requirements - Twelve Courses
Two introductory courses, Major Seminar, Capstone
- EALC B131 Chinese Civilization Chinese Civ.1
- EALC B132 Japanese Civ.1
- EALC B200/EALC H2002 Themes and Methods in the study of East Asia (this course is offered every semester: at Haverford in the fall and at Bryn Mawr in the spring)
- EALC 398 Senior Thesis (This is a single semester thesis offered only in the fall)
- 1
The two 100-level course requirements are intended to give students a survey of East Asia. Substitutions may be made only in consultation with the major advisor and department approval.
- 2
EALC 200 is the BMC Writing Intensive (WI) Course designated for the EALC Major
Two Terms of Intermediate/Advanced Language
- Two terms of Japanese or Chinese at Third-Year level or above
Students who demonstrate the equivalent of third year level or above in Chinese or Japanese (with approval of the respective language director) may petition to substitute alternative coursework with major advisor approval
Six Electives
- Two must be 300-level EALC courses
- Four other electives selected from 200 or 300 level. Students can substitute up to one 100 level and up to two non-EALC (including CNSE or JNSE) courses with major advisor approval.
EALC Minor
The EALC minor requires six courses taken in the EALC Department, including language courses. The mix must include EALC 200 and one 300-level course.
Chinese Minor and Japanese Minor Requirements
The Chinese language and Japanese language minors both require six language courses. Students must take at least four language courses in our Bi-Co programs, and can take at most two at the Quaker Consortium or our approved off-campus domestic or Study Abroad programs. The most advanced course taken for the minor will be at the BiCo. Candidates for the Minor are approved in consultation with the language program directors.
Students declaring a minor in Chinese should discuss their plans with Shizhe Huang at Haverford College. Students declaring a minor in Japanese should discuss their plans with Tetsuya Sato at Haverford College. EALC minors are approved by the EALC chairs.
Language Placement Tests
The language programs conduct placement tests for first-time students at all levels before the start of the fall semester. Students planning to take the language placement test should consult with the language directors of their program.
To qualify for third-year language courses, students need to finish second-year courses with a score of 3.0 or above in all four areas of training: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
If students do not meet the minimum grade at the conclusion of second-year language study, they must consult with the director of the respective language program and work out a summer study plan that may include taking summer courses or studying on their own under supervision.
Students who do not meet the requirement to advance must take a placement test before starting third-year language study in the fall.
Curriculum
Chinese Program
The Chinese Program is a fully integrated Bi-Co program. We offer multiple levels of instruction in Mandarin Chinese.
- First-Year Chinese (CNSE B001-CNSE B002) and Second-Year Chinese (CNSE B003–CNSE B004) both have master and drill sections.
- First-Year Chinese (CNSE B001–CNSE B002) is a year-long course. Students must complete both semesters to receive a total of three credits.
- We offer Non-intensive First-Year Chinese (CNSE H007-CNSE H008) for students with some background in Chinese, based on results of a placement test. Upon completion of this full-year sequence, students move on to Second-Year Chinese.
- Following Third-Year, we offer Advanced Chinese each semester. So far, we have eight topic courses in the Advanced Chinese series and students can continue taking Advanced Chinese for credits as long as the topics differ.
Japanese Program
The Bi-Co Japanese Program offers five years of instruction in modern Japanese. All Japanese language courses are offered at Haverford and may be found on the Haverford course webpage as well as through a BIONIC search.
- First-Year Japanese (JNSE H001-JNSE H002) meets six hours per week. This is a year-long course. Students must complete both semesters in order to receive credit.
- Second-Year Japanese (JNSE H003-JNSE H004) meets five hours per week.
- Third- and Fourth-Year (Advanced) Japanese (JNSE H101-JNSE H102 and JNSE H201/JNSE H201B) meet three hours per week.
- Advanced Japanese takes a different topic each term; students can take it any term as Fourth- or Fifth-Year Japanese, with one credit per semester, and repeat the course with different topic headings.
Korean Program
The Bi-Co Korean Program offers two years of instruction in modern Korean. All Korean language courses are offered at Bryn Mawr.
- First-Year Korean (KORN B101-KORN B102) meets six hours per week. This is a year-long course. Students must complete both semesters in order to receive credit.
- Second-Year Korean (KORN B103-KORN B104) meets five hours per week.
- Advanced level Korean courses may be taken through study abroad or at the University of Pennsylvania in consultation with our Korean language faculty.
EALC B110 Intro to Chinese Literature (in English) (1 Unit)
Students will study a wide range of texts from the beginnings through the Qing dynasty. The course focuses on the genres of poetry, prose, fiction and drama, and considers how both the forms and their content overlap and interact. Taught in English.
EALC B115 Introduction to Korean Culture and Society (1 Unit)
This course offers an introductory survey of Korean culture and society, focusing on major transformations and continuities during the modern period. Students will investigate various themes essential to comprehending Korea, such as Confucianism, modernization, colonialism, nationalism, industrialization, democratization, gender relations, US-Korea relations, and contemporary popular culture. In addition to class lectures, the course utilizes audio-visual materials, films, and slides to enhance the learning experience. No prior knowledge of Korea or Korean language is required.
EALC B131 Chinese Civilization (1 Unit)
A broad chronological survey of Chinese culture and society from the Bronze Age to the 1800s, with special reference to such topics as belief, family, language, the arts and sociopolitical organization. Readings include primary sources in English translation and secondary studies.
EALC B200 Major Seminar: Methods and Approaches (1 Unit)
This course is a writing intensive course for EALC majors and minors to introduce some foundational ideas and concepts in the study of East Asia. Beginning with close readings of primary source texts, students are introduced to the philosophy and culture of China, and its subsequent transmission and adaptation across the vast geographical area that is commonly referred to as “East Asia.” Students will gain familiarity with methods in this interdisciplinary field and develop skills in the practice of close critical analysis, bibliography, and the formulation of a research topic. Required of EALC majors and minors. Majors should take this course before the senior year.
EALC B210 K-Pop and The Korean Wave (1 Unit)
This course provides an introduction to the globalization of K Pop and Hallyu, the recent cultural phenomenon from Korea. To fully understand this phenomenon, the course will delve into the diverse contexts that have shaped K - Pop and other Korean media products, including their historical, political, economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the course offers an opportunity to explore key aspects of Korean culture that are reflected in K - Pop and other Korean media products. Students will have the chance to listen to K - Pop songs, watch Korean films, excerpts from K - Drama, Korean documentaries, and more, making the course both informative and enjoyable. No prior knowledge of the Korean language is required
EALC B218 K-Drama: Identity in Uncertain Worlds (1 Unit)
This course delves into the complexities of identity within the uncertain worlds of K-Drama. Through analysis of popular Korean dramas, students explore themes of personal reflection and resilience. Dynamic discussions uncover the nuances of character development and societal pressures portrayed in these narratives. Experience a captivating journey of self-discovery as K-Drama storytelling is examined through a reflective lens.
EALC B231 Topics in Modern Chinese Culture (1 Unit)
This a topics course. Course topics vary.
EALC B240 Topics in Chinese Film (1 Unit)
This is a topics course. Course content varies.
EALC B263 The Chinese Revolution (1 Unit)
Places the causes and consequences of the 20th century revolutions in historical perspective, by examining its late-imperial antecedents and tracing how the revolution has (and has not) transformed China, including the lives of such key revolutionary supporters as the peasantry, women, and intellectuals.
EALC B264 Human Rights in China (1 Unit)
This course will examine China’s human rights issues from a historical perspective. The topics include diverse perspectives on human rights, historical background, civil rights, religious practice, justice system, education, as well as the problems concerning some social groups such as migrant laborers, women, ethnic minorities and peasants.
EALC B265 Chinese Empires: Yuan, Ming, and Qing (1 Unit)
The Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties (1271-1912) witnessed fundamental transformations in imperial China. The Mongols made China part of its vast land empire in the Yuan; Han Chinese restored the ethnic Han dominance in the Ming; and the Manchus established China’s largest conquest empire during the Qing. These imperial experiences not only enriched Chinese cultural traditions but also left profound and ever-lasting legacies for contemporary China. From a historical perspective, this course examines the Chinese empires by focusing on such topics as the formation and growth of imperial government; the changing relationship between the central bureaucracy and local society; the interaction of diverse ethnic groups; the tension between agrarian economy and commercialization; the roles of women in family and society; the dynamics of elite and popular cultures; the interplay between Chinese empires and foreign forces; and China’s search for m odernity. This course will meet the College requirements for “Approaches to Inquiry” in “Cross-cultural Analysis” and “Inquiry into the Past.” Class time: 70% lecture, and 30% discussion.
EALC B270 Topics in Chinese History (1 Unit)
This is a topics course, course content varies.
EALC B281 Food in Translation: Theory and Practice (1 Unit)
This semester we will explore the connections between what we eat and how we define ourselves in the context of global culture. We will proceed from the assumption that food is an object of culture, and that our contemplation of its transformations and translations in production, preparation, consumption, and distribution will inform our notions of personal and group identity. This course takes Chinese food as a case study, and examines the way that Chinese food moves from its host country to diasporic communities all over the world, using theories of translation as our theoretical and empirical foundation. From analyzing menu and ingredient translations to producing a short film based on interviews, we will consider the relationship between food and communication in a multilingual and multicultural world. Readings include theoretical texts on translation (Apter), recipe books and menus, Chinese and Chinese-American literature (Classic of Poetry, Mo Yan, Hong Kingston). Films include Ian Cheney's "Searching for General Tso," Wayne Wang's "Soul of a Banquet" and "Eat a Bowl of Tea," Ang Li's "Eat Drink Man Woman," and Wong Karwai's "In the Mood for Love."
EALC B315 Spirits, Saints, Snakes, Swords: Women in East Asian Literature & Film (1 Unit)
This interdisciplinary course focuses on a critical survey of literary and visual texts by and about Chinese women. We will begin by focusing on the cultural norms that defined women's lives beginning in early China, and consider how those tropes are reflected and rejected over time and geographical borders (in Japan, Hong Kong and the United States). No prior knowledge of Chinese culture or language necessary.
EALC B322 Topics: Considering the Dream of Red Chambers (1 Unit)
The Dream of Red Chambers (Hongloumeng) is arguably the most important novel in Chinese literary history. The novel tells the story of the waxing and waning of fortunes of the Jia family and their networks of family and social relations, and in its finely articulated details also serves as a chronicle of the Qing dynasty, an examination of visual culture, environment, kinship, sociology, economics, religious and cultural beliefs, and the structures of domestic life. In addition to addressing these aspects that we might categorize as external, the novel also turns inwards and examines the human heart and mind. How can we know another? How do we define ourselves? These questions, and many others, have occupied scholars for the last two centuries. We will spend the semester reading all five volumes of the David Hawkes translation, with secondary readings assigned to guide the discussion based on the semester's theme. Course topics varies.
EALC B325 Topics in Chinese History and Culture (1 Unit)
This is a topics course. Course content varies.
EALC B353 The Environment on China's Frontiers (1 Unit)
This seminar explores environmental issues on China’s frontiers from a historical perspective. It focuses on the particular relationship between the environment and the frontier, examining how these two variables have interacted. The course will deal with the issues such as the relationship between the environment and human ethnic and cultural traditions, social movements, economic growth, political and legal institutions and practices, and changing perceptions. The frontier regions under discussion include Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and the southwestern ethnic areas, which are all important in defining what China is and who the Chinese are.
EALC B355 Animals, Vegetables, Minerals in East Asian Literature & Film (1 Unit)
This semester, we will explore how artists question, explore, celebrate, and critique the relationships between humans and the environment. Through a topics-focused course, students will examine the ways that narratives about environment have shaped the way that humans have defined themselves. We will be reading novels and short stories and viewing films that contest conventional binaries of man and animal, civilization and nature, tradition and technology, and even truth and fiction. “Animals, Vegetables, Minerals” does not follow chronological or geographical frameworks, but chooses texts that engage the three categories enumerated as the major themes of our course. We will read and discuss animal theory, theories of place and landscape, and theories of modernization or mechanization; and there will be frequent (and intentional) overlap between these categories. We will also be watching films that extend our theoretical questions of thes e themes beyond national, linguistic, and generic borders. You are expected to view this course as a collaborative process in which you share responsibility for leading discussion. There are no prerequisites or language expectations, but students should have some basic knowledge of East Asian, especially Sinophone, history and culture, or be willing to do some additional reading (suggested by the instructor) to achieve an adequate contextual background for exploring these texts.
EALC B398 Senior Seminar (1 Unit)
A research workshop culminating in the writing and presentation of a senior thesis. Required of all majors; open to concentrators and others by permission.
EALC 2180 Mongolia: Architecture and Archaeology (1 Unit)
CNSE B001 Intensive First-Year Chinese (1.5 Unit)
An intensive introductory course in modern spoken and written Chinese. The development of oral-aural skills is integrated through grammar explanations and drill sessions designed to reinforce new material through active practice. Six hours a week of lecture and oral practice plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. Requires attendance at class and drills.
CNSE B002 Intensive First-Year Chinese (1.5 Unit)
An intensive introductory course in modern spoken and written Chinese. The development of oral-aural skills is integrated through grammar explanations and drill sessions designed to reinforce new material through active practice. Six hours a week of lecture and oral practice plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. Attendance required at class and drills
CNSE B003 Second-Year Chinese (1 Unit)
Second-Year Chinese aims for further development of language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Five hours of class plus individual conference. This is a year-long course; both semesters (CNSE 003 and 004) are required for credit. Prerequisite: First-year Chinese or a passing score on the Placement Exam. Requires attendance at class and drills
CNSE B004 Second-Year Chinese (1 Unit)
Second-year Chinese aims for further development of language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Five hours of class plus individual conference. This is a year-long course; both semesters (CNSE 003 and 004) are required for credit. Prerequisite(s): First-year Chinese or a passing score on the Placement Exam. Attendance required at class and drills. Prerequisite(s): CNSE 003
CNSE B007 First-Year Chinese Non-Intensive (1 Unit)
This course is designed for students who have some facility in listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese but have not yet achieved sufficient proficiency to take Second Year Chinese. It is a year-long course that covers the same lessons as the intensive First Year Chinese, but the class meets only three hours a week. Students must place into Chinese B007 through the Chinese Language Placement exam.
CNSE B008 First Year Chinese (Non-intensive) (1 Unit)
This course is designed for students who have some facility in listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese but have not yet achieved sufficient proficiency to take Second Year Chinese. It is a year-long course that covers the same lessons as the intensive First Year Chinese, but the class meets only three hours a week. Prerequisite: CNSE B007
CNSE B101 Third-Year Chinese (1 Unit)
A focus on overall language skills through reading and discussion of modern short essays, as well as on students’ facility in written and oral expression Audio- and videotapes of drama and films are used as study aids. Prerequisite(s): Second-year Chinese or consent of instructor
CNSE B102 Third-Year Chinese (1 Unit)
A focus on overall language skills through reading and discussion of modern short essays, as well as on students’ facility in written and oral expression. Audio- and videotapes of drama and films are used as study aids. Prerequisite(s): CNSE 101
CNSE B201 Advanced Chinese (1 Unit)
Development of language ability by readings in modern Chinese literature, history and/or philosophy. Speaking and reading skills are equally emphasized through a consideration of the intellectual, historical and social significance of representative works. May be repeated as topics vary. Prerequisite: Third-year Chinese or permission of instructor. (Offered at Haverford)
CNSE B403 Supervised Work (1 Unit)
JNSE B201 Fourth Year Japanese (1 Unit)
KORN B101 Elementary Korean (1.5 Unit)
An intensive introductory course in modern spoken and written Korean. Six hours a week of lecture and oral practice plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. Requires attendance at class and drills. This course is associated with the 2023-2024 Flexner lecture.
KORN B102 Elementary Korean (1.5 Unit)
An intensive introductory course in modern spoken and written Korean. Six hours a week of lecture and oral practice plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. Requires attendance at class and drills.
KORN B103 Intermediate Korean (1 Unit)
An intermediate course in modern spoken and written Korean. Five hours a week of lecture and oral practice. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit.
KORN B104 Intermediate Korean II (1 Unit)
An intermediate course in modern spoken and written Korean. Five hours a week of lecture and oral practice. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit
ARCH B237 Art and Archaeology of Central Asia (1 Unit)
Exploring the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of Central Asia, this course delves into the region's history, art, and archaeology spanning from the third millennium BCE to the eighth century CE. Central Asia, constituting the territory between western China and eastern Iran, served as the heartland of the ancient Silk Road. Despite its significance, the region's history and culture often remain shrouded in mystery, largely unknown to the academic community. This course sheds light on topics related to Central Asia, such as state formation, nomadism, religious beliefs, trade, and arts and crafts production of Central Asia, while emphasizing the region’s interconnectedness with the broader world.
COML B213 Theory in Practice: Critical Discourses in the Humanities (1 Unit)
What is a postcolonial subject, a queer gaze, a feminist manifesto? And how can we use (as readers of texts, art, and films) contemporary studies on animals and cyborgs, object-oriented ontology, zombies, storyworlds, neuroaesthetics? By bringing together the study of major theoretical currents of the 20th century and the practice of analyzing literary works in the light of theory, this course aims at providing students with skills to use literary theory in their own scholarship. The selection of theoretical readings reflects the history of theory (psychoanalysis, structuralism, narratology), as well as the currents most relevant to the contemporary academic field: Post-structuralism, Post-colonialism, Gender Studies, and Ecocriticism. They are paired with a diverse range of short stories across multiple language traditions (Poe, Kafka, Camus, Borges, Calvino, Morrison, Djebar, Murakami, Ngozi Adichie) that we discuss along with our study of theoretical texts. We will discuss how to apply theory to the practice of interpretation and of academic writing, and how theoretical ideas shape what we are reading. The class will be conducted in English, with an additional hour taught by the instructor of record in the target language for students wishing to take the course for language credit.
COML B216 Dreaming and Fictional Narrative in Comparative Context (1 Unit)
Is the sleeping you still “you”? How does your dream-self relate to your “real world” self? In this course we will examine the relationship between dreams and other acts of imagination represented in fiction, drama, film, and other related arts. How do dreams engage questions of the distinctions between reality and fiction? Following the philosopher Zhuangzi’s dream of the butterfly: if there is a clear distinction, can we know which side of that distinction we are on? In this course, we will look at the ways that different authors have used dreams to explore topics such as: the relationship between true and false, dreams as expressions of innermost desire, dreams as predictions of the future, and dreams as interpretations of experiences. Surveying classical and contemporary fiction, drama, film, and graphic novels from Chinese, American, and other national languages and traditions, we will apply ideas developed in philosophy and critical theory to examine how authors have explored this tradition. Theoretical topics include: narrative theory, time and memory, epistemic injustice. All texts are read in English translation, but students who can read the original language are encouraged to do so when possible. EALC or COML majors have the option to take it as 316 with permission of instructor.
COML B316 Dreaming and Fictional Narrative in Comparative Context (1 Unit)
Is the sleeping you still “you”? How does your dream-self relate to your “real world” self? In this course we will examine the relationship between dreams and other acts of imagination represented in fiction, drama, film, and other related arts. How do dreams engage questions of the distinctions between reality and fiction? Following the philosopher Zhuangzi’s dream of the butterfly: if there is a clear distinction, can we know which side of that distinction we are on? In this course, we will look at the ways that different authors have used dreams to explore topics such as: the relationship between true and false, dreams as expressions of innermost desire, dreams as predictions of the future, and dreams as interpretations of experiences. Surveying classical and contemporary fiction, drama, film, and graphic novels from Chinese, American, and other national languages and traditions, we will apply ideas developed in philosophy and critical theory to examine how authors have explored this tradition. Theoretical topics include: narrative theory, time and memory, epistemic injustice. All texts are read in English translation, but students who can read the original language are encouraged to do so when possible.
HART B120 History of Chinese Art (1 Unit)
This course is a survey of the arts of China from Neolithic to the contemporary period, focusing on bronze vessels of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, the Chinese appropriation of Buddhist art, and the evolution of landscape and figure painting traditions.This course was formerly numbered HART B274; students who previously completed HART B274 may not repeat this course.
HART B320 Topics in Chinese Art (1 Unit)
This is a topics course. Course content varies. Prerequisite: one course in History of Art at the 100- or 200-level or permission of the instructor. Enrollment preference given to majors and minors in History of Art.
HART B320 Topics in Chinese Art (1 Unit)
This is a topics course. Course content varies. Prerequisite: one course in History of Art at the 100- or 200-level or permission of the instructor. Enrollment preference given to majors and minors in History of Art.
HART B370 Topics in History & Theory of Photography (1 Unit)
This is a topics course. Course content varies. Prerequisite: one course in History of Art at the 100- or 200-level or permission of the instructor. Enrollment preference given to majors and minors in History of Art. This course was formerly numbered HART B308.
HART B370 Topics in History & Theory of Photography (1 Unit)
This is a topics course. Course content varies. Prerequisite: one course in History of Art at the 100- or 200-level or permission of the instructor. Enrollment preference given to majors and minors in History of Art. This course was formerly numbered HART B308.
POLS B227 Field Seminar in Comparative Politics (1 Unit)
This seminar introduces the intellectual history of comparative politics, and explore the primary approaches and concepts scholars employ in order to systematically analyze the political world. In doing so, we will also examine the political structures, institutions, and behaviors of a number of countries around the world. Key questions we will discuss include: What is power and how is it exercised? What are the differences between democratic and authoritarian regimes? How do different countries develop their economies? What factors affect the way that countries behave in the international arena? By the end of this course, students will be equipped to answer these questions, and prepared for further study in political science. Freshman may not take this course and can take POLS B131. Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher
POLS B326 Comparative Environmental Politics in East and Southeast Asia (1 Unit)
East Asia (referring to both Northeast and Southeast Asia) is often discussed as one unit vis-à-vis other economic blocs yet this region is a home to the largest population in the world with various divergent cultures, colonial histories, religions, political system and state-society relations, as well as the level of economic development. With increasing focus on 3Es— Economic growth, Environment protection, and Energy security— as shared priorities at the regional level, such diversities serve not only as opportunities but challenges for East Asian states to cope with environmental issues. Geographic proximity makes countries in the region environmentally interdependent, and heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels make energy security as a matter of survival. Increasing public outcry over pollution and resultant health problems has also challenged political legitimacy and sustainable economic development. his course explores contemporary environmental issues in East Asia from comparative political economy perspective and sheds light on how environmental problems – and solutions – are often shaped by political context and interweaved into varying actors’ perceived interest. Main questions in the course include: What kind of environmental problems East Asia face and how diverse historical, political and economic conditions of each country shape the context in which countries deal with the problem either individually or collectively? What are the roles of various social, political and market actors in environmental politics? What sorts of approaches seem most likely to solve local, national and regional environmental issues such as air pollution, natural resource depletion, and climate change? What are the impacts of globalization and technological innovation in dealing with environmental issues? Prerequisite: Junior standing or higher, previous courses in social science, humanities, area studies or relevant experiences are required. This course meets writing intensive requirement.