HIS 2116 - WOMEN IN ASIA MODERN

credits: 3.0
Crosslisted/Same As: WMS 2116
HIS 2116-WMS 2116, the principal goal is to emphasize the value of comparative study for a meaningful understanding of different social and cultural traditions especially as they relate to the roles and status of women in Asia. The purpose is not merely to catalogue the problems and concerns of women at a particular period of time, but to provide you with an adequate understanding of the social, cultural, and historical factors which have shaped women’s lives and roles in different cultural settings. Will focus on the modern period, a period that covers from closing days of the dynastic system, through the period of Western imperialism, to the middle of the twentieth century and the rise of post-colonial states across Asia. Objectives: A) Outline and explain the changing roles of women in Asia as demonstrated through a series of in-class exercises and short tests; B) Compare these roles within the various cultures of Asia as demonstrated through in-class discussion and written assignments; C) Describe and compare core principles and arguments surrounding the concepts of gender and sex in human history; D) Gain the basic skills for doing research in Asian Studies as demonstrated through a written paper and oral presentation that are developed and edited throughout the term. Method of Instruction: Class time will be divided between short lectures on the topic/readings of the day, small group projects, and in class discussion. Students will be expected to be active participants in the direction and content of the course discussions and projects. In order to do this all assigned readings must be prepared before class and those materials must be brought to class. Method of Evaluation: Participation: 10% (prepared active participation in discussions), Discussion leader 15%, Exam one: 10%, Exam two: 10%, Exam three (semi-cumulative): 20%, Paper 35% (paper proposal 5%; draft 5%, final draft 20%, Presentation 5%). Meets *WRT and *NWP Distribution Requirements.