Chinese
EAS100Y1
Modern Standard Chinese I [48T, 48S]
Intended for students with no or minimal background in Mandarin or in any Chinese dialect. this course provides is an introduction to Modern Standard Chinese as a foreign/second language. The course consists of mandatory lectures and tutorials. Students study a minimum of 550 Chinese characters. Interviews are required of all students who wish to enroll in the course. After the first three days of classes, new students will not be admitted into the course.
Exclusion: EAS101Y1
EAS101Y1
Modern Chinese I for Students with Prior Background [24T, 48S]
This course is designed for students who can speak and understand elementary Mandarin or any Chinese of any dialect because of their family backgrounds. The course consists of mandatory lectures and tutorials. Students will learn a minimum of 700 characters. Interviews are required of all students who wish to enroll in the course. After the first three days of classes, new students will not be admitted into the course.
Exclusion: EAS100Y1, EAS290Y1
EAS200Y1
Modern Standard Chinese II [48T, 48S]
This course is As a continuation of EAS100Y1. Those students who are suitable for this course but have not studied some content in EAS100Y1, especially Hanyu Pinyin, must make an effort to catch up on their own time. The course consists of mandatory lectures and tutorials. Interviews are required of all students who wish to enroll in the course.
Prerequisite: EAS100Y1 (minimum grade 67%)
Exclusion: EAS101Y1
EAS201Y1
Modern Chinese II for Students with Prior Background [24T, 48S]
This course is a continuation of EAS101Y1. Those students who are suitable for this course but have not studied some content of EAS101Y1, especially Hanyu Pinyin, must make an effort to catch up on their own time The course consists of mandatory lectures and tutorials. Interviews are required of all students who wish to enroll in the course.
Prerequisite: EAS101Y1 (minimum 70%)
Exclusion: EAS200Y1, EAS290Y1
EAS290Y1
Chinese Language for Non-Mandarin Speakers I [72S]
For students who speak a Chinese dialect other than Mandarin and have acquired a basic knowledge of written Chinese. Gives basic knowledge of spoken Mandarin and ability to read both literary and modern texts.
Exclusion: EAS101Y1, EAS201Y1, EAS300Y1, EAS400Y1
EAS300Y1
Modern Standard Chinese III [48S]
This intermediate-level language course is a continuation of EAS200Y1. It is not open to native speakers of Chinese and students who know Mandarin or any Chinese dialect because of their family backgrounds. Interviews are required of all students who wish to enroll in the course.
Exclusion: EAS201Y1, EAS290Y1.
Prerequisite: EAS200Y1 (minimum 70 %)
EAS390Y1Y
Chinese Language for Non-Mandarin Speakers II [48S]
Stress on oral presentation and analysis of different styles of scholarly writing. Language laboratory work mandatory.
Prerequisite: EAS290Y1Y
EAS400Y1
Modern Standard Chinese IV [72S]
This fourth-year Chinese course aims to develop students’ language abilities further at an advanced level. The course focuses on reading of literary, journalistic, and fictional writings. In this course, students will improve their reading comprehension, strengthen their writing skills and advance their speaking and listening skills through class discussions and oral presentations. Interviews are required of all students who wish to enroll in the course.
Prerequisite: EAS300Y1 (minimum 73%), EAS201Y1 (minimum 80%)
Exclusion: EAS290Y1, EAS390Y1
Recommended preparation: EAS206Y1
Japanese
EAS120Y1
Modern Standard Japanese I [48L, 72T]
This course is designed for those with no or a very limited Japanese language background. The course aims to build students’ basic written and spoken skills in the language as well as provide relevant cultural information. By the end of this course, students should expect to be able to read and write simple passages, as well as 220 kanji, and to engage in simple daily conversation. The course consists of mandatory lectures and tutorials. Newly admitted students and those who have formally or informally learned Japanese (e.g., at high school) are required to be interviewed to enroll in this course. receive permission to take this course
Exclusion: EAS121H1, EAS122Y1
EAS121H1
Japanese I for Students with Prior Background [24L, 36T]
This course is for those with a background in the Japanese language. Ability to read and write hiragana and katakana, as well as approximatELY 100 basic kanji is required to enroll in this course. Students are also required to have basic proficiency in the language, including the ability to describe the locations of things and people; to describe past and non-past events and states; and to provide reasons for actions and statements. Students must also have some knowledge of basic counters. The course consists of mandatory lectures and tutorials. Students are required to be interviewed and, often, to take a placement test to enroll in this course.
Exclusion: EAS120Y1, EAS222Y1
EAS122Y0
Summer Japanese in Japan I [TBA]
Japanese for those who have never studied or know little about the language. Those who have successfully completed this course are able to take EAS121H1 or EAS220Y1 based on the result of the interview and/or the placement test.
Prerequisite: passing the placement test prepared by the host school
Exclusion: EAS120Y1Y
Recommended Preparation: Hiragana and Katakana characters
EAS220Y1
Modern Standard Japanese [72L, 48T]
An advanced beginners’ level language course. An introduction to complicated sentence structures and basic vocabulary for daily life. All four language skills are emphasized and approximatELY 300 kanji are introduced. Some cultural aspects are introduced as well. Both lectures and tutorials are mandatory. Open only to those whose Japanese level is equivalent to Level 4 of Japanese Language Proficiency test and/or to those who have successfully completed a full year Japanese language course at other academic institution. Those who have not taken EAS120Y1/EAS121H1 or do not have appropriate Prerequisite need to pass a placement test followed by an interview
Prerequisite: EAS120Y1/EAS121H1 (minimum 67%).
Exclusion: EAS223Y1
EAS222Y0
Summer Japanese in Japan II-a [TBA]
Japanese for those who know a little about the language. Familiar with Hiragana, katakana and some kanji as well as basic sentence patterns. Those who have successfully completed this course are able to take EAS220Y1 or EAS320Y1Y based on the result of the interview and/or the placement test.
Prerequisite: Passing the placement test prepared by the host school
Recommended Preparation: Two-thirds of the contents covered in EAS120Y1
EAS223Y0
Summer Japanese in Japan II-b [TBA]
Japanese for those who have completed a course equivalent to EAS120Y1/EAS121H1 or passed Level 4 of the JLPT. Those who have successfully completed this course are able to take EAS320Y1 based on the result of the interview and/or the placement test.
Prerequisite: Passing the placement test prepared by the host school
Exclusion: EAS220Y1Y
Recommended Preparation: One-third of the contents covered in EAS220Y1Y
EAS320Y1
Modern Standard Japanese III (formerly EAS348H1, 349H1) [120S]
This is a low intermediate level course. Appropriate for those who have learned Japanese for two years in an academic institution and/or who have passed Level 3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. The knowledge of the strong foundation of the beginners’ level grammar AND 500 basic kanji are required. Developing all four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) is equally focused. All the classes are conducted in a seminar setting. Those who have not taken EAS220Y1 or do not have an appropriate Prerequisite need to pass a placement test after an interview
Prerequisite: EAS220Y1 (70% minimum)
Exclusion: EAS349H1,EAS322Y1
EAS321Y0
Summer Japanese in Japan III-a [TBA]
Lower intermediate Japanese for those who have completed a course equivalent to EAS220Y1 or passed Level 3 of the JLPT. Those who successfully have completed this course are able to take EAS320Y1 or EAS460Y1/EAS461Y1 based on the result of the interview and/or the placement test.
Prerequisite: Passing the placement test prepared by the host school
Recommended Preparation: The contents covered in EAS220Y1
EAS322Y0
Summer Japanese in Japan III-b [TBA]
Lower intermediate Japanese for those who have completed a course equivalent to EAS320Y1 or passed Level 3 of the JLPT. Those who successfully have completed this course are able to take EAS320Y1 or EAS460Y1/EAS461Y1 based on the result of the interview and/or the placement test.
Prerequisite: Passing the placement test prepared by the host school
Exclusion: EAS320Y1
EAS460H1
Modern Standard Japanese IVa (formerly EAS460Y1) [72S]
This is a high intermediate level course. Focused on oral/aural communication. Emphasis is on acquisition of vocabulary, spoken styles and commutation strategies that are required to carry formal/informal conversation in contemporary Japanese society. Native or near-native speakers are not permitted to take this course. Those who have not taken EAS320Y1 and/or do not have appropriate Prerequisite must attend an interview to receive permission to take this course.
Prerequisite: EAS320Y1Y
Exclusion: EAS460H1/Y1, EAS463Y1
EAS461H1
Modern Standard Japanese IVb (formerly EAS461Y1) [72S]
This is a high intermediate level course. Focused on advanced reading and writing skills. Emphasis is on acquisition of advanced grammar, vocabulary/kanji and expressions especially in authentic written Japanese texts. Native or near-native speakers are not permitted to take this course. Those who have not taken EAS320Y1 and/or do not have appropriate Prerequisite must attend an interview to receive permission to take this course.
Prerequisite: EAS320Y1
Exclusion: EAS461H1/Y1, EAS463Y1
EAS462Y0
Summer Japanese in Japan IV-a [TBA]
Upper Intermediate Japanese for those who are prepared to take Level 2 of the JLPT. Those who have successfully completed this course might be able to take EAS460Y1 and/or EAS461Y1 based on the result of the interview and/or the placement test.
Prerequisite: Passing the placement test prepared by the host school
EAS463Y0
Summer Japanese in Japan IV-a [TBA]
Advanced Japanese for those who have completed a course equivalent to EAS460Y1/EAS461Y1 or passed Level 2 of the JLPT.
Prerequisite: Passing the placement test prepared by the host school
Exclusion: EAS460Y1, EAS461Y1
Korean
EAS110Y1
Modern Standard Korean I [96S]
An introductory Korean language course open to students with no prior knowledge of Korean. Comprehension, speaking, reading and writing are covered but the main emphasis is given to spoken Korean.
EAS210Y1
Modern Standard Korean II [48S]
Students study grammatical structure in depth through reading various forms of writing. Attention given to idiomatic expressions with emphasis on the use of language in actual context.
Prerequisite: EAS110Y1
EAS216Y1
Modern Standard Korean for Students with Prior Background [48S]
For students with limited prior background in spoken and/or written Korean. Reading, speaking, writing and grammar are equally emphasized. Access is limited and based on the results of a placement interview.
Exclusion: EAS210Y1, EAS110Y1
Prerequisite: Placement test
Recommended preparation: Limited prior background in spoken/or written Korean
EAS310Y1
Modern Standard Korean III [96S]
Expansion of vocabulary, practice in reading comprehension and active skills of writing and conversation are emphasized. Students participate in discussions and compose short essays. Selected readings include different styles of work on Korean culture, history, society and literature.
Prerequisite: EAS210Y1
EAS410Y1
Modern Standard Korean IV [48S]
Emphasis on communicative skills, grammatical structure, efficient reading ability and composition. Readings from original writings on various aspects of Korean culture.
Prerequisite: EAS310Y1
EAS415Y1
Advanced Readings in Korean [48L]
This course provides various readings of original texts and newspapers for students with knowledge and language ability at least equivalent to those who have successfully completed EAS210Y1. Besides extensive reading, the course introduCES 800 Chinese characters often used in mixed-scripts.
Prerequisite: EAS210Y1
Sanskrit
EAS282Y1Y
Elementary Sanskrit (formerly EAS180Y1) [96S]
Elementary Sanskrit covers script, phonology, grammar and syntax to enable a student to read simple narrative Sanskrit texts with the help of a dictionary after one year.
Preparation: Adequate knowledge of English grammatical terminology
Exclusion: EAS180Y1
EAS379H1
The History, Structure and Politics of the Hindi Language [48L, 24P]
This course traces the origins and development of Hindi/Urdu via a multitude of Northern Indian dialects to the present day Modern Standard Hindi. The linguistic development in the late 19th and the 20th centuries is intimately linked to the emerging Indian, especially Hindu, nationalism. The politically complicated relationship between Hindi and Urdu will be highlighted. Knowledge of the devanagari script is required.
Recommended Preparation: 1 year of Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit or other Indo-Aryan language
EAS381H1
Intermediate Sanskrit I [24S]
Ethics and worldly wisdom was taught in classical and medieval India through animal fables like the Hitopadesa and the Pañcatantra. Along with the later tales of the Kathãsaritsãgara these stories provide suitable readings for beginning Sanskritists and serve as an introduction to ancient Indian social and cultural life.
Prerequisite: EAS282Y1 Introductory Sanskrit or equivalent
Exclusion: EAS382H1/Y1
EAS383H1
Intermediate Sanskrit II [24S]
The Mahâbhâptrata and the Râmâyana epics provide suitable and relatively easy readings for students who have completed an Introductory Sanskrit course. The epics illustrate the social, cultural and ethical values of classical and medieval India and play an important role even in modern India.
Prerequisite: EAS282Y1 Introductory Sanskrit or equivalent
EAS480H1
Advanced Sanskrit I [24S]
EAS480Y1
Advanced Sanskrit I [48S]
Reading in classical Sanskrit poetry and prose.
Prerequisite: EAS382Y
EAS482H1
Advanced Sanskrit II (formerly EAS482Y) [24S]
Technical Sanskrit: readings from alamkarasastra, dharmasastra, darsana and other non-literary texts.
Prerequisite: EAS382Y1
Exclusion: EAS482Y1
EAS Society-Culture Courses
100-Series Courses
EAS102Y1
Introduction to East Asian Civilizations [48L, 24T]
Highlights of Chinese, Japanese and Korean civilization to abOUT 1600.A.D. The focus is on political, social and intellectual history, as well as on the interactions among the three cultures. Required for students taking specialist, major and minor programs in East Asian Studies.
EAS105H1
Modern East Asian History (formerly EAS202Y,H AND204Y) [24L]
Examines how various histories of East Asia can be written by examining specific themes in the history of China, Japan and Korea from rougHLY 1600 to the outbreak of the Cold War.
Exclusion: EAS202Y,H,EAS204Y, HIS107Y1, not open to students who took EAS102Y1 in 2001-2002
HUM199H1
First Year Seminar [24S]
HUM199Y1
First Year Seminar [48S]
Undergraduate seminar that focuses on specific ideas, questions, phenomena or controversies, taught by a regular Faculty member deeply engaged in the discipline. Open only to newly admitted first year students. It may serve as a distribution requirement course; Details here..
200-Series Courses
EAS203Y1
China and the Internet [48L]
The course explores the history of the internet in China, studies its current and future distribution, government policies around the net, and the social implications of its spread. Hands on exploration of sites for research on Chinese culture, politics, business and economics.
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Chinese
EAS206Y1
Classical Chinese I [48S]
An introductory reading course in Classical Chinese with emphasis on Grammatical analysis and translation into English. Open only to students enrolled in an EAS Major or Specialist subject POSt.
Exclusion: EAS290Y1
Prerequisite: Must have already taken at least 3 EAS half courses
Co-requisite: EAS200Y1/EAS201Y1
Recommended Preparation: Two or more years of Modern Standard Chinese
EAS209Y1
Approaches to East Asia [48L]
Intended for EAS specialists and majors, this course introduces various approaches and methodologies for the advanced study of East Asian society and culture. Required for EAS specialists and majors.
EAS211Y0
Chinese Art [48L]
A survey of the visual arts of China from earliest times to the end of the traditional era: the aesthetics and historical/cultural context of painting, calligraphy, sculpture, architecture, and the other arts. Field trip is included.
EAS215H1
History of Chinese Thought: Tang through Ming Periods [24L, 24P]
This course examines the vibrant “middle period” of Chinese history – a period of profound transformation in which some of the most distinctively traditional forms of thought, religious belief, artistic and literary expression, and scholarly practices emerged and developed in China. Topics studied include: the establishment of empire as a norm in China (and its implications); the rise of the literati and literati culture; the examination system; Neo-Confucian philosophy; visual culture; the sciences of the body; and popular and print culture.
EAS217Y1
Major Aspects of Contemporary Korea [48L]
A broad perspective on contemporary Korea. Emphasis is on the last 30 years of political dynamics on the peninsula which brought about the “Korean-style democracy” and “Korean-style economy” (chaebol), plus Juche ideology in North Korea.
EAS233H1
History of China’s Performing Arts [24L]
An historical overview of Chinese theatre, a reading of selected texts, viewing of videotaped performances and class discussions of the characteristics of this art form. Enrolment priority: Given to students enrolled in an EAS program and Drama students.
EAS237Y1
Japanese Cinema: Film Form and the Problems of Japanese Modernity [48S]
How film aesthetics relate to the most profound socio-historical problems of Japanese modernity. How various film makers employ cinematic form to engage the social problems of their moment.
EAS245H1
Pre-Modern Japanese History [24P]
A survey of the history of pre-modern Japan from earliest recorded histories to the disintegration of the feudal system in the 19th century. Uses a wide range of translated primary Japanese texts to illuminate the emergence of cultural forms and their conjunctions with social, economic, religious and political trends.
Prerequisite: EAS102Y1
EAS241H1
History of Chinese Philosophy [39L]
This is an introductory course, both historical and systematic, to the major philosophical traditions in China, such as Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and their historical development from ancient to modern times in four periods: the emergence of Confucianism, Daoism, and other minor schools; the introduction of Buddhism and the development of various sects of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism; the development of modern Chinese Philosophy. Major thinkers, basic concepts and texts, and their historical contexts will be the focus of discussion.
Exclusion: PHL237H1
EAS246H1
Pre-Modern Japanese Cultural History [24L, 12T]
A survey of the history of pre-modern Japan from earliest recorded histories to the disintegration of the feudal system in the 19th century. Uses a wide range of translated primary Japanese texts to illuminate the emergence of cultural forms and their conjunctions with social, economic, religious and political trends
Recommended preparation: EAS102Y1
EAS247H1
History of Capitalism in Modern Japan [24L, 12T]
This course provides an historical narrative of the development of the capitalist mode of production in Japan, from the mid-19th century to the present day. Readings will include texts from various disciplines: economics, philosophy, social and labor history, literature.
EAS251H1
Aesthetics and Politics in 20th Century Korea [24L]
This lecture course examines key questions and texts in the history of literature from the Korean peninsula during the twentieth century, exploring how aesthetic form has refracted the experiences of colonialism, division, and the formation of opposing nation-states.
EAS256H1
Chinese Literature (Pre-Qin to Tang) (formerly EAS336H1) [24L]
A survey course of major works in premodern Chinese literature, including poetry, essays, and short narratives from the pre-Qin through Tang eras (11th BCE – 10th C CE). Readings are available in translation and in the original. All lectures and coursework are in English. Enrolment priority: Students enrolled in an EAS subject POST.
Exclusion: EAS336Y1, EAS336H1
EAS257H1
Chinese Literature (Song to Qing) (formerly EAS337H1) [24L]
A survey course of major works in premodern Chinese literature, including poetry, essays, short narratives and drama from the Song through Qing dynasties (10thC – 19thC). Readings are available in translation and in the original. All lectures and coursework are in English. Enrolment priority: Students enrolled in an EAS subject POST.
Exclusion: EAS337Y1, EAS337H1
EAS271H1
20th Century Korean History [24L]
EAS271Y1
20th Century Korean History [48L]
A survey of the history of Korea from the Tonghak uprising and Sino-Japanese war of 1894-1895, through the colonial period, division, and civil war, to the democratization movement.
Exclusion: EAS271Y1, EAS271H1
EAS272H1
Post-War Korean Society & Culture [24L]
This course focuses on critical analysis of South Korean film and literature as a way of understanding political and cultural contexts of post-Korean War South Korean Society and Culture. This class is devoted to developing critical perspectives on historical context and cultural representation of Korea. In particular, it introduces students to ongoing construction of identities about marginalized Koreans through major political incidents, such as Kwangju uprising, and LA incident.
Exclusion: EAS351H1
Prerequisite: EAS271H1; EAS209Y1 for EAS students
EAS284H1
Modern Chinese Literature [24L]
This course offers a critical examination of twentieth-century Chinese literature. It aims to explore the various ways of being modern as well as different meanings of writing Chinese literature. We will focus upon the important developments of literary writing over time, from the inception of New Literature in THE 1910s, the development of realism and modernism of THE 1930s, to the emergency of post-revolution and postmodernist writings of THE 1990s. Great emphasis is also placed on generating a dialogue on interpretations of key works. In doing so, we will be exercising the skills of reading literary works in terms of aesthetic choices and strategies of cultural politics.
EAS293H1
Fundamentals of Japanese Grammar [24L]
This course is designed for those who wish to develop a thorough knowledge of Japanese Grammar in order to advance all aspects of language skills to a higher level. All grammatical items introduced in elementary levels are examined from both linguistic and cultural perspectives in depth well beyond regular language courses.
Prerequisite: EAS120Y1/EAS121H1
Recommended Preparation: LIN204H1
EAS295Y0
Selected Topics in East Asian Studies, 200-level [TBA]
This course allows students to pursue the specialized study of specific topics tailored to the research and study opportunities available in Hong Kong and the expertise and interests of the instructor. Available only in the Woodsworth College Hong Kong Summer Program.
EAS297H1
Texts, Images and Objects in East Asia (48L, 24P)
Understanding East Asian Civilizations through Texts, Images and Objects exhibited in ROM. With lectures on the theoretical and historical background, students will study various types of texts, paintings, bronzes, architectures, sculptures, porcelains and other objects, pending on the focus of each year, and explore their historical, aesthetic and critical meanings.
EAS299Y1
Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details here.
300-Series Courses
JMC301Y1
State & Society in 20th Century China [48L]
This course explores China’s efforts to construct a modern and effective political order in the face of powerful demographic and revolutionary challenges. The clash between competing ideologies, political and social movements and institutional alternatives in the context of rapid social and economic change are analyzed.
Prerequisite: EAS102Y1/HIS280Y1/328Y1/JMC201Y1/POL215Y1
This course is classified as both a Humanities and Social Science course
EAS303H1
Technology of Social Engineering: Women in 20th Century East Asia [24L]
This course aims to teach how East Asian modern societies were engineered through projecting women into particular being/positions. “New women” discourse in early 20th century and industrial motherhood/wifehood to late 20th century in Japan, China, and Korea will be the central theme.
Prerequisite: EAS209Y1
EAS306Y1
Classical Chinese II (formerly EAS335Y1) [48S]
The course helps students gain more in-depth control of grammatical structures, read classical materials with greater ease and discuss academic and scholarly topics more articulately.
Prerequisite: EAS206Y1 (minimum 70%)
EAS307H1
Chinese Political Philosophy [24S]
The course analyses both historically and systematically the development of Chinese political philosophy from ancient times to the present day.
Prerequisite: PHL237H1
EAS309H1
Modern Chinese Prose [24S]
A survey of representative works of prose written by twentieth-century Chinese writers. This course focuses on reading texts, as well as analyzing their textual structure, aesthetic values, and historical context. Readings are available in translation and in the original.
EAS311H1
A History of Japanese Monsters [24L]
This course will examine the historical development of Japanese monsters, from roughly the 7-8th centuries to modern times. We will focus on how the changing understanding of monsters in society has embodied certain fissures in Japanese culture, especially with regard to gender and class.
Prerequisite: EAS102Y1
EAS318H1
Rethinking Modernism: The Perspectives of Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong [24L]
Modernism is one of the important cultural heritages of the last century that call for critical reflections in light of novel perspectives and new methodologies. Postmodern critical thinking and postcolonial scholarships have in particular made significant impact on ways of rethinking modernism across national histories. This course takes various forms of modernism(s) across China, Taiwan and Hong Kong as the object of study, and the postcolonial and postmodernist approaches to modernism as the refashioned methodological possibilities. Readings of main modernistic writings, studying cinema and arts originated from the above different localities. Discussions on such questions as how can theoretical generalizations about modernism be adequately grounded in interconnected histories, languages, as well as experiences of colonialism and modernity? How does the temporality of modernism get translated across different locations of writing? How do we understand the lines of solidarity and tension among artists and writers of different camps or localities? The goal of this course is not to find a better definition for modernism but to release modernisms to fresh ways of thinking and imagination.
EAS319H1
Language and Culture: Japanese [24L]
This course surveys the relationship between Japanese language and culture, focusing on various characteristics of language use and how cultural aspects affect such use. The course covers cultural characteristics crucial to language competency and includes authentic materials (interviews of people from the target culture) that reflect genuine Japanese cultural/linguistic patterns rather than stereotypical images.
EAS324H1
Mysticism in East Asia Revisited [24L]
In this course we will explore the topic of mysticism in East Asia by paying close attention to and questioning the relation between the metaphors, experiences, texts, behaviors, practices, and objects that we often label “mystical.” Sources from Daoism, Buddhism, local cults, medicine, new religions, and popular media in East Asia will be consulted.
Recommended Preparation: EAS102Y1
EAS325H1
The Body in East Asian Religions [24L]
In this course we will examine the history of the body and its relation to particular forms of religiosity in East Asia. What influence did the religious traditions of this region have on the way in which the body was constructed and disciplined? What role did the body play in the development of these traditions? Both pre-modern and modern forms of religiosity will be considered.
Recommended Preparation: EAS102Y1
EAS327H1
Japanese Fiction and the Nation [24S]
The focus is on modern Japanese literature, with special attention given to literature’s relation to the nation. Students track how this literature transforms throughout Japanese modernity and how its meaning and effects function to simultaneously tie together and pull apart national identity.
Prerequisite: At least one course in literature or East Asian Studies
EAS330H1
Narrative Strategies in Modern Japanese Fiction [24S]
Discussion of narratives by Natsume Soseki, Mori Ogai, Tanizaki Jun’ichiro, and Ibuse Masuji, with attention to issues in narratology and contemporary narrative studies such as: the voice and perspective; the gender and power relationships of the narrator-narratee-narrated; the act of narrating, writing, listening and reading; and metafictional paradox. Reading are assigned from secondary and theoretical materials. All readings are available in English.
EAS333H1
Modernism and Colonial Korea [24L]
This course considers the problem of colonial modernism through a close reading of literary and other cultural tests from early 20th century Korea. It asks what it means to enter modernity under colonial rule, and questions the relationship between imperialism, writing and subjectivity in particular. Topics covered include the role of literature in elaborating new concepts of subjectivity, literature and the fine arts as assimilatory practices, the emergence of urban space and consequent reconfiguration of notions of the rural, and changing notions of time and space in the cultural products of nativism. Readings of literary works will be accompanied by showings of paintings and photographs from the period, as well as discussion of theoretical essays on modernism.
EAS334Y1
The Chinese Novel (formerly EAS334H1) [24L]
The development of Chinese fiction from earliest times with emphasis on the twentieth century. Readings in English translation; lectures in English. Normally offered during summer.
Exclusion: EAS334H1
EAS338H1
Classical Daoism [48L, 24P]
This course will examine some major issues of classical Daoist thought, such as Dao and cosmos, body and self, human nature, language and knowledge, political visions etc., based on both textual and ideological analysis of some Daoist works such as the Laozi, the Zhuangzi, and some Huanglao Daoist texts, to be updated with recently unearthed manuscripts in silk and bamboo slips.
Prerequisite: PHL237H1, EAS241H1
EAS340Y1
The Chinese: Society & Culture in Transition (formerly EAS340H1) [48S]
The course explores issues of identity, self, and community among other topics in a broad exploration of cultural transformation in China.
Exclusion: EAS340H1
Recommended preparation: EAS102Y1
EAS344H1
Topics in Chinese Society and Culture [24S]
This course addresses selected themes and issues in China’s complex process of modernization and reform, the format and requirements to vary according to theme, and class and instructor preferences and interests.
Recommended preparation: One course on modern China or East Asia or equivalent
EAS345Y1
The Rise of Greater China: Issues & Topics (formerly EAS345H1) [48S]
This course looks at China in regional perspective, including issues of Taiwan, Hong Kong and People’s Republic of China economic integration. The role of overseas Chinese communities globally and in Southeast Asia also receives attention. The form and focus of the course varies according to class and instructor interests. Normally, offered only in the Hong Kong Summer Program.
Exclusion: EAS345H1
Recommended preparation: One course on modern China or East Asia or equivalent
EAS346H1
Self and Imagination in Pre-Modern China [48L]
In this seminar we will explore the diverse and intriguing ways in which subjectivity was conceived in pre-modern China (up to the twelfth century) by way of the various images thinkers invoked to make sense of it. Works studied include: Warring States philosophical treatises; Buddhist and religious Daoist texts on meditation and self-cultivation; literary theory and poetry; philosophical prose essays by literati; and painting.
EAS347H1
Everyday Life in Modern Japan [24L]
The history of modern Japan around the problem of “everyday life” and its relationship to capitalism. Using a range of literary, philosophical, economic and ethnographic materials that deal with the development of capitalism in Japan, as well as Japanese colonialism, imperialism and fascism, explores ways to specify and critique what is called “everyday life”.
Recommended preparation: EAS247H1
EAS357H1
From Socialism to Postsocialism: Mao’s China and Beyond [24L]
This course will introduce major issues and events in contemporary Chinese history from the success of the Communist revolution in 1949 to China’s postsocialist transitions toward a capitalist modernity in THE 1980s and eaRLY 1990s. It will examine China’s multifaceted transformations both chronologically and thematically, in its socioeconomic, political, and cultural aspects. Topics include the development and victory of the Chinese Communist revolution; the rule and legacy of Mao Zedong, particularly the Hundred Flowers movement, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution; economic reform and political repression (especially the Tiananmen crisis in 1989) in the era of Deng Xiaoping. Close attention will also be paid to the impact of global factors on China's domestic development. Readings are assigned from both secondary literature and English translations of primary materials.
EAS361Y1
Zen Buddhism [48L]
This course will serve as an introduction to the Zen Buddhist traditions of China, Korea, and Japan. A heavy emphasis will be placed on the radical views of history, language, ritual, self, and enlightenment espoused by these traditions. The course will also examine issues related to Zen monasticism, the development of koans, and the definition of orthodoxy in both premodern and modern Zen. Students will be asked to explore these and other topics by paying close attention to the historical, doctrinal, and institutional contexts from which they arose. Readings will include both primary material in translation and secondary scholarship.
EAS362Y1
Classical Japanese [48S]
Introduction to classical Japanese, followed by readings of various short works by classical authors.
Prerequisite: EAS220Y1
EAS364H1
China’s Cultural Revolution: History and Memory [24L]
No understanding of contemporary Chinese is possible without understanding the ramifications of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). This course seeks to consider this tumultuous episode as a field of historical research and conceptual inquiry: What was the meaning of “culture” in the Cultural Revolution? To what extent was it “revolutionary?” What did really it mean to talk about “class” and “class struggle” during the movement? How is the Cultural Revolution remembered and represented? And, how do we understand China’s globalizing present in the historical context of the Cultural Revolution? This course invites you to explore such questions by critically examining a wide variety of sources, including scholarly accounts, official documents, personal memoirs, oral histories, and literary works.
EAS366H1
Lovers & Madmen in Chinese Literature [24L]
An introduction to some of China’s major literary texts, along with some philosophical and historical texts that are often viewed as “literary”. To do so, we will take as our guides the lover and the madmen as both writers and literary subjects. Lovers and madmen, as Shakespeare suggests, both have vivid imaginations, strong narrative compulsion, and a passion that at times borders on lunacy because it may chafe against social borders, orthodoxy, or both.
Prerequisite: EAS102Y1Y, EAS209Y1Y
EAS367H1
The Cosmopolitan City in Premodern Chi: Chang’An [24L]
This course will introduce multiple ways of looking at the city of Chang’an and a particularly rich tradition of literature associated with it, from the time of the first emperor to the end of the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), a period often considered China’s Golden Age.
Prerequisite: EAS102Y1Y, EAS209Y1Y
Recommended Preparation: some background of the general history of China helpful but not required
EAS368Y1
The Philosophy of the Buddha (formerly EAS260Y1) [48S]
The philosophy of the Buddha as preserved in the Pali Canon and its development in the Early Schools in India.
Exclusion: EAS260Y1
Recommended preparation: RLG206Y1
EAS369Y1
Transformation of Buddhist Practice in the Contemporary World [48L]
The course explores various forms of traditional Buddhist practice in relation to Buddhist philosophy, and observes the transformation of these practices in the contemporary world. Principal studies include Theravada tradition, Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Pure Land and Chan traditions. To provide a foundational understanding of Buddhist philosophy and its relation to meditative practice. This course will also examine the influence of Buddhism on films and material culture.
Recommended preparation: RLG206Y1
EAS373H1
Choson History [24L]
This course examines various approaches - economic, social, gender, political, international, and cultural - to the history of Choson Korea.
Prerequisite: EAS271H1/EAS272H1
EAS374H1
Modern Japan and Colonialism [48L]
This course interrogates the history of Modern Japan from the perspective of Japan’s colonial exploits in East Asia. The course will also address the political-economy and culture of the military Occupation of Japan by the Supreme Command of the Allied Powers. Texts from economics, philosophy and literature will be used.
EAS378H1
Edo, Osaka, and Kyoto: Urban Life in Early Modern Japan (24L)
An exploration of most important cities of Tokugawa Japan. Among the largest cities of the early modern world, the three were home to a vibrant urban culture and remarkable economic activity. The framework is historical, but the texts will be divers – buildings, maps, screen paintings, prints, film, novels.
Prerequisite: EAS102Y1
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EAS379H1
The History, Structure and Politics of the Hindi Language [48L, 24P]
This course traces the origins and development of Hindi/Urdu via a multitude
of Northern Indian dialects to the present day Modern Standard Hindi. The linguistic
development in the late 19th and the 20th centuries is intimately linked to
the emerging Indian, especially Hindu, nationalism. The politically complicated
relationship between Hindi and Urdu will be highlighted. Knowledge of the devanagari
script is required.
Recommended Preparation: 1 year of Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit or other Indo-Aryan
language
EAS389Y1
History of Korean Religion [48L, 24P]
This course offers a broad overview of Korean religious tradition.
 EAS393H1
Topics
in Buddhism [24L]
Sub-title will be provided
to indicate topic to be discussed for the academic session. Topics in Buddhism
may vary according to the instructor’s interest.
EAS393Y1
Topics in Buddhism [48L, 24P]
Sub-title will be provided to indicate topic to be discussed for the academic
session. Topics on Buddhism may vary according to the instructor’s interest.
EAS394H1
Film Culture in Contemporary China [24L]
This course discusses variations of documentary film and DV culture in
contemporary China as forms of cultural, communal, and political practices.
We will be focusing on those films and videos that seek to address important
global issues such as peace and climate change in cross-media approach and
in personal tone. We will be asking what new tendencies are there in the films
and videos, where can we trace them back to, and what fresh possibilities are
they to bring forth to our aesthetic and public life.
EAS395Y0
Selected
Topics in East Asian Studies, 300-Level [TBA]
This course allows students to pursue the specialized study of specific
topics tailored to the research and study opportunities available in Hong Kong
and the expertise and interests of the instructor. Available only in the Woodsworth
College Hong Kong Summer Program.
.
EAS 396H1
Practical Learning in East Asia [24L]
This course explores the development of Practical Learning and its ramification
in East Asia. We focus on how it originates from late Ming China as shixue
and ramified to Korea as silhak and Japan as jitsugaku, and mediates between
classical and modern East Asia and lays the foundation for Asian theories
of modernity.
EAS397H1
Literary Lives in Premodern China [24L]
An in-depth examination of the lives of a few selected men and women
throughout premodern China – the world such travellors searched for a or encountered.
Introduces cultural/historical concepts and themes such as memory, gender,
individual and society.
Prerequisite: EAS102Y1, EAS209Y1
EAS398H0
Independent Experiential Study Project
EAS399Y0
Independent Experiential Study Project
An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See
page 48 for details.
400-Series Courses
EAS406Y1
Thinking about things: Material Culture in East Asia [48S]
Intensive seminar exploring theories of the object, the histories of
objects in East Asia, and critical thinking about the process of research.
Through theoretical readings, class and individual research projects, the seminar
asks how to formulate research questions, use the internet and other resources,
and present discoveries in a class conference.
EAS407H1
Textual Analysis of Classical Chinese Philosophy [24S]
Readings of texts from ancient and medieval Chinese philosophy. Beginning
by linguistic (especially semantic) analysis of key words, structure and meaning
of sentences, paragraphs and text as a whole. Philosophical analysis proceeds
from linguistic analysis.
Prerequisite: PHL237H1, EAS306Y1
EAS408H1
Modern Taiwanese Literature [24S]
A general survey of modern Taiwanese literature from 1949 until today.
It attempts to examine issues such as historical/cultural context, oral/written
language, self-identification, gender, human rights, etc., central to understanding
the Taiwanese experience. Readings are available in translation and in the
original.
EAS411H1
Art and Archaelogy of Early China I [48L, 24P]
With extensive introduction to recent archaeological discoveries in China,
this course explores development of ancient societies from prehistory to the
Bronze Age of China, and to offer students with an understanding of the origins
and formation of Chinese civilizations.
Prerequisite: Only for third or fourth years Art and Science students.
EAS412H1
Technology and Material Cultures of Ancient China [48L, 24P]
This course introduces prehistoric and Bronze Age technology and material
cultures of early China. The course is designed for students to have an understanding
of the development of ancient technologies (e.g. bronze, jade, and lacquer)
and associated life of ancient China from archaeological perspectives.
Prerequisite: EAS411H1
EAS418H1
Topics in Chinese Art Theories [24S]
This course will focus on theories of Chinese arts by critically analyzing
various theoretical texts on music, painting, calligraphy, literature, in the
form of special treatises and documents recorded in the Classics.
Prerequisite: PHL237H1, EAS306Y1
EAS420H1
Travels, Travelers and Travel Accounts in Asia [24S]
This intensive seminar focuses on the circulation of people (and as consequence,
words and ideas) throughout East Asia and Central Asia in the premodern
era. Texts include the diaries of the Japanese monk Ennin, a we try to understand
the world such travellors searched for or encountered of.
Prerequisite: EAS102Y1, EAS209Y1
EAS431H1
Advanced Topics in Japanese Cinema [24S]
The focus ranges from the examination of cross-cultural theoretical problems
(such as Orientalism) to a director based focus, from the examination of genre
(such as documentary or the category of genre itself) to the way film intersects
with other cultural forms and technologies (such as Video and New Media)
Prerequisite: EAS237Y1
EAS432H1
Korean Cultural Studies Seminar [24S]
The Korean Cultural Studies Seminar provides the opportunity for in-depth
reading and research into a specific topic in the cultural and intellectual
history
of Korea. Topics will vary each semester but might include colonial period
print culture, the New Woman, the history of photography, and modernism.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
EAS438H1
Architecture in Pre-modern
China [24L]
Survey of China's architecture from the Song dynasty. Subjects include
design (including fengshui); the role of architects and craftsmen;
building techniques
and materials; and the logistics and financing of building projects.
Seminar format, with readings (Yingzao fashi, Lu Ban jing, geomantic treatises),
and visits to the Royal Ontario Museum.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Chinese preferred
EAS439H1
The Global Bildungsroman: Narratives of Development, Time and Colonialism [24L]
Through a sustained reading of several novels this course studies Bildungsroman,
the story of an individual’s “coming of age,” in the context of twentieth-century
political, cultural, and social developments of imperialism, anti-colonialism,
human rights discourse, and globalization. Our focus will be novels from the
(post)colonial world and theoretical essays on the Bildungsroman form. The
course aims to provide a model for rethinking literary history and literary
genres within a global context. We will thus not read these novels as copies
of European Bildungsroman, but consider how their form relates to social formations
of colonialism and globalization. This will entail, for example, exploring
the temporal structure which undergirds both the form of the novel and the
notion of self-development that is then aligned with development of the nation, colony, or otherwise.
Attention will be paid both to how these novels instantiate, resist or otherwise
engage creatively with the novelistic conventions of human development, and
to our own desire to read novels as Bildungsroman. Authors may include Yi Kwangsu
Wu Zhuoliu Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Kang Younghill, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Camara
Laye, amongst others.
EAS444H1
The City, Body and Text in Modern Japanese Literature [24S]
Examines how the city and body exert formative forces on the text, and
how the practice of writing and reading texts might inform the ways we, corporeal
beings, experience the city as manifested in the nineteenth century Japanese
literature. Required readings are available in English.
Prerequisite: Successful completion with the minimum grade of 75% in EAS235,
EAS237, EAS327, EAS330, EAS431, EAS456 or one of the humanities program at
U of T (e.g., English, art history, philosophy, etc.)
EAS453H1
Gender, Sexuality & Modernity in China, Korea
and Japan [48L, 24P]
This course focuses on the changing sexual mores and the challenges to
the traditional gender systems of East Asia brought by the processes of modernization
and globalization/westernization.
EAS456H1
Japan as seen by ?: Reference, Apparatus, Operation [24S]
Discusses how images of Japan, charged with varied degrees of desire
for empirical knowledge, have contributed to contemporary novels and plays
by David Mitchell, Ruth L. Ozeki, David Mamet, Joy Kogawa, Kazuo Ishiguro,
Marguerite Duras, and David Hwang. All the readings, including Japanese literary
and theoretical, are available in English.
EAS457H1
Special Topics in Modern Japanese History [24S]
Analyzing contemporary monographs on modern Japanese history. This course
will offer a critical survey of existing methodologies and approaches to writing
about Modern Japan.
Prerequisite: EAS247H1
EAS462H1
Ethnographic Literature on Korea: Class, Gender & Family
[24L]
This is a seminar course for upper level undergraduate students who are
interested in reading ethnographic literature. This course introduces contemporary
ethnographic literature written in English on South Korea. Despite the textual
focus on anthropological writing, it covers interdisciplinary inquiry into
cultural and historical concepts that have shaped people’s lives in South Korea.
This class is run as a dynamic seminar course with class discussions structured
around students’ presentations, and with writing and rewriting research paper.
Prerequisite: EAS209Y1 for
EAS students
EAS467H1
Photographic Narratives of Japan [24S]
Reads and discusses seminal theoretical literatures, photo roman (e.g.,
Abe, Nakagami), and narratives about photography (e.g., Tanizaki, Kanai, Horie),
to examine rhetorical complicity and coercion of the two modes of representation
which both emerged in the modern and nationalistic age, and persist, in
the
wake of the newer media, as dominant registers of everyday life and departures
from there.
Prerequisite: At least one course in humanities (literature, art history,
philosophy); or reading proficiency of Japanese
EAS473H1
Modern Korean History Seminar [24S]
An examination of recent research results in the modern Korean history
field, focusing especially on the late 19th and 20th centuries
Prerequisite: EAS271Y1
EAS475Y1
Issues in East Asian Historiography [48L]
This course analyses select topics in the historiography of East Asian.
Students are expected to write a major research paper of 30-40 pages in the
second semester.
Recommended preparation: EAS209Y1
EAS476Y1
Democracy and History in Korea [48S]
This course examines approaches to the history of the south Korean democracy
movement and the role of history within the democracy movement itself.
Recommended preparation: EAS271H1
EAS477Y1
Missionaries in Korea [48L]
This course examines the works of missionaries in Korea and the socio-political
situation of the Choson Dynasty.
EAS478Y1
Samurai Culture (48S)
Intensive seminar exploring one of Japan’s most recognizable figures,
the samurai. This course investigates the historical reality of warrior life
along with
the legends, with focus on the ways in the warrior’s world found expression
in religion, art, and literature. The seminr leads to the preparation of
a significant research paper (25-30 pp_.
Prerequisite: EAS245H1, 246H1, 247H1
EAS482H1
Advanced Sanskrit II (formerly EAS482Y1) [24S]
Technical Sanskrit: readings from alamkarasastra, dharmasastra, darsana
and other non-literary texts.
Prerequisite: EAS382Y1
Exclusion: EAS482Y1
EAS484Y1
The Japanese Empire (48S)
Course surveys historical literature on the Japanese Empire. A heavy reading and writing course intended for majors and specialists in East Asian Studies. The second semester will require a major research paper.
Prerequisite: EAS209Y1
Recommended Preparation: Courses in modern East Asian history.
EAS485H1
Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit [24S]
This course will study Buddhist narrative literature written in a particular kind of Sanskrit which actually is a Sanskritized version of vernacular languages. Its vast literature, such as the Mahâvastu, the Sukhâvativyuha, the Saddharmapundarika and the Jâtakas belongs mainly to Mahâyana Buddhism. These texts have been translated into Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan.
Prerequisite: EAS282Y1, EAS381H1 AND383H1 or equivalent
EAS486H1
Aspects of Classical and Medieval Indian Culture Through Sanskrit Texts [24S]
This course presents diverse mundane aspects of Indian social and culture life through selected texts on music, dance, agriculture, medicine, theatre, sports and games, hunting, cuisine, gardening, and so on. Although these texts illuminate and explain classical and medieval Hindu culture, they have rarely been translated into English.
Prerequisite: EAS282Y1, EAS381H1 AND383H1 or equivalent.
EAS488H1
Hinduism and Politics [24L]
EAS488Y1
Hinduism and Politics [48L]
The political expression of Hinduism begins with religious reform movements in the 19th century, and develops into a Hindu nationalism. Although independent India is a secular state, Hindu “fundamentalism” remains a powerful political force. This course analyzes modern Hindu political ideology.
EAS490H1
Introduction to Japanese Linguistics: Syntax and Semantics [72L]
This course introduces Japanese grammatical items in a scientifically and theoretically oriented manner. The goals of the course are: to gain knowledge of the basic characteristics of sentence structure and meaning in Japanese; to become familiar with selected theoretical analyses; and to develop a repertoire of linguistic vocabulary.
Prerequisite: EAS349H1
Recommended Preparation: LIN100Y1, LIN204H1
EAS495Y1
Topics in East Asian Studies [48S]
A guided research course on a common topic of the student’s choice. Students are required to produce a 20-30 page paper based on the selected topic.
EAS496H1
Topics in East Asian Studies [24S]
An in-depth study of Chinese, Japanese or Korean culture, history and/or literature. Content in any given year depends on the instructor.
Recommended preparation: Varies from year to year
EAS497H1
Beyond Orientalism [24S]
This course will confront the ‘Orientalist’ view of the world by looking at one Asian nation regularly exempted from that paradigm-Japan. By examining, among other topics, Japan’s emperor system, its construction of a national history, and its own imperialism, this course hopes to point toward other ways of thinking about East and West.
Recommended Preparation: EAS202Y1/204Y1/247Y1/EAS374H1
Independent Studies
EAS434H1
Independent Studies [TBA]
EAS434Y1
Independent Studies [TBA]
EAS435H1
Independent Studies [TBA]
EAS435Y1
Independent Studies [TBA]
EAS436H1
Independent Studies [TBA]
EAS436Y1
Independent Studies [TBA]
EAS437H1
Independent Studies [TBA]
EAS437Y1
Independent Studies [TBA]
A scholarly project chosen by the student, approved by the Department, and supervised by one of its instructors. Consult with the East Asian Studies Undergraduate Handbook for more information.
Prerequisite: Five EAS courses
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