Oberlin College Course Catalog

East Asian Studies

The East Asian Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the region that includes China, Japan, and Korea. The main goals of the program are to provide extensive training in East Asian languages and to introduce students to the societies, cultures, and histories of the region through courses in anthropology, art history, history, literature, politics and religion. Since language study is an integral part of the East Asian Studies major, interested students are strongly advised to begin language study in their first or second year at Oberlin. This is especially true of students who hope to spend time studying abroad.

Major. This interdisciplinary major program combines language study with coursework in various disciplines. Students may choose a program which
1. gives emphasis broadly to East Asian regional studies,
2. emphasizes either China or Japan (Chinese or Japanese Studies),
3. is focused in a discipline (e.g. History, Religion), or
4. concentrates on Chinese or Japanese language and literature. Students who choose option four must complete two semesters of 400-level language courses and must take a minimum of four non-language courses, including at least two literature in translation courses.

Korean Studies option: This concentration may be completed through coursework at Oberlin and study abroad at an approved institution.

The requirements of the major with any of the above concentrations include:

1. Four semesters of Chinese or Japanese language, with at least one year of language study done at Oberlin College. In the case of Korean language, the equivalent of four semesters taken at an approved institution will also meet this requirement.

2. Six additional courses (for a minimum of 18 credit hours), including at least one seminar. No more than two language courses may count toward this requirement. All majors must take at least two non-language courses that do not focus exclusively on their country of main interest.

3. A Capstone Project:
The Capstone Project is an opportunity to bring to bear on a focused intellectual project the various elements of one's East Asian Studies training. Normally completed in the senior year, the Capstone Project may be done in one of three ways: 1) as a research project in addition to or more substantial than the regular assignments in a scheduled upper-level colloquium or seminar taught by an EAS faculty member, 2) as a project in a 400-level Chinese or Japanese language course, or 3) as a Winter Term project overseen by an EAS faculty member. In all cases, students need to consult individually and early in the term with the EAS faculty member. There is a separate form of registration for the Capstone Project. Students who study abroad should complete the capstone in residence at Oberlin. Successful completion of Honors fulfills the Capstone Project requirement.

Courses for which a grade lower than a C– is earned may not be counted toward the major.

Students who enter the program with previous language training are still required to take a minimum of 24 hours to complete the major, even if they place out of first- and second-year language classes. Students proficient in Chinese, Japanese or Korean language must study another East Asian language to fulfill the requirements of the major.

Minor. The minor consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours of coursework. No more than 6 of the 15 hours, can be from basic language courses (100- and 200-level), and a minimum of 6 hours must be in non-language work. At least two courses must be beyond the introductory level. Students interested in a minor should consult with an EAS faculty member and/or the director in order to assure that the minor program is coherent.

Placement Tests:

Chinese: Consult with a Chinese faculty member regarding placement.

Japanese: All incoming students who have acquired linguistic ability in Japanese elsewhere, or who wish to qualify for advanced courses, should take the placement test administered during Orientation, or in consultation with a Japanese faculty member, to determine the level at which Japanese study should be continued.

Study in China. The East Asian Studies Program offers the opportunity for study in China under the auspices of the Associated Colleges in China (ACC) Program. This program, based at the Capital University of Economics and Business at Beijing, offers intensive instruction in the Chinese language. Students may participate for a summer, one or two semesters, or for a full twelve months. Students are required to have completed a full year of Chinese to participate in this program. More detailed information and applications for the program are available from the Chinese studies faculty and from the Office of the Dean of Studies.

Study in Japan. The East Asian Studies Program offers the opportunity for study in Japan under the auspices of the following two programs. Students on financial aid should consult the Financial Aid Office before planning to participate in either of these programs.

1. Associated Kyoto Program. This program, which offers the student a year abroad amidst the academic and cultural attractions of Japan's ancient imperial capital, is based at Doshisha University, one of Japan's leading private universities. Students can earn up to 32 hours of credit, which are subject to the transfer of credit fee. Prerequisites for admission include one full year of Japanese, EAST 131, a 3.0 GPA, a B average in Japanese, and an interview.

2. GLCA-ACM Japan Study Program. This program is based at Waseda University in Tokyo, one of Japan's leading private universities, and includes language study and independent research. Students admitted to this program can earn up to 30 hours of credit. The transfer of credit fee is also applicable to this program. A minimum GPA of 3.0 and one semester of Japanese are required for admission. For more information about this program, contact the Office of the Dean of Studies.

Transfer of Credit. The transfer of credit is not automatic. Students wishing to apply transfer credit to the major should be advised that a minimum of 18 hours must be completed toward the major at Oberlin, including at least one year of language study and the capstone project. For the minor, no less than half of the coursework, including three hours in non-language coursework, must be completed at Oberlin.

Honors. Admission to the Honors Program will be by invitation of the EAS faculty at the end of the second semester of the junior year. Students interested in being considered for Honors are encouraged to indicate their interest and discuss the details of the program with any member of the East Asian Studies faculty early in their junior year. By May 1 of the junior year, the candidate will submit a written proposal and bibliography. Students admitted to Honors will present a progress report at mid-year to the faculty. The final written project will be submitted by May of the senior year, when the oral examination will be scheduled. Both the thesis and the oral examination will figure in the awarding of Honors.

Newton Prize. The annual Newton Prize competition is open to all students in the College. Monetary prizes are awarded for the best essays, research papers, translations, etc., on Asian themes that promote better understanding between East and West. Works submitted are evaluated by the EAS faculty. Deadline for submission of entries is late March.

Asia House. Asia House is the program dormitory for students who demonstrate an interest in Asia. In an atmosphere of co-ed living, student-oriented programs about Asia are sponsored annually, including formal lectures, workshops, political discussions, films, performances, martial arts, calligraphy, concerts, exhibits and other entertainment. Students play a major role in planning and coordinating these events. In addition, Chinese and Japanese language tables meet several times a week in Stevenson Dining Hall.

Winter Term. The following faculty are willing to sponsor Winter Term projects as indicated. Ms. Cheng: East Asian art history. Ms. Deppman: Chinese language, literature and cinema. Mr. Dobbins: Asian religion. Ms. Jager: topics on Korea. Mr. Kelley: Chinese history. Ms. Kurasawa: Japanese language and culture. Mr. Li: Chinese language. Ms. Liu: Chinese language. Ms. Sherif: Japanese language and literature.

In this Department

First-Year Seminars

First-Year Seminars

FYSP 141. The Writings of Women in Japanese Culture
4 hours, 4HU, CD, WRi
Next offered 2006-2007.

FYSP 150. Contemporary East Asian Cinema
4 hours, 4HU, CD, WRi
Second Semester.
For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 14.
Ms. Deppman

FYSP 162. Cold War in Asia
4 hours, 4SS, QPh, WR
First Semester. For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 14.
Ms. Jager

In this Department

Chinese Language

Chinese Language Courses

101, 102. Elementary Chinese
5 hours, 5HU, CD
First (101) and Second (102) Semester.
First-year Chinese. Pronunciation and grammar of modern standard Chinese and an introduction to the writing system. Within the first year of study, students will be introduced to approximately 500 characters and the reading of simple texts in the vernacular style. Prerequisite for CHIN 102: CHIN 101 or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Ms. Deppman, Ms. Liu, Ms. Ma

201, 202. Intermediate Chinese
5 hours, 5HU, CD
First (201) and Second (202) Semester.
Second-year Chinese. Development of skills in the vernacular language through oral recitation and reading of texts, with drills on special features of grammar and emphasis on vocabulary in the vernacular idiom. Students will be introduced to approximately 600 additional characters. Prerequisite for CHIN 201: CHIN 102 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite for CHIN 202: CHIN 201 or consent of instructor.
Mr. Li, Ms. Liu

301, 302. Advanced Chinese
3 hours, 3HU, CD
First (301) and Second (302) Semester.
Third-year Chinese. This course aims to develop skills in reading, aural comprehension, speech, and writing. Vocabulary expansion and control of grammatical patterns are emphasized. Materials to be used include movies and screenplays, newspapers, and readings in expository prose. Conducted in Chinese. Prerequisite for CHIN 301: CHIN 202 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite for CHIN 302: CHIN 301 or consent of instructor.
Mr. Li

305. Introduction to Literary Chinese
3 hours, 3HU, CD
Next offered 2006-2007.

401. Seminar in Chinese Literature
3 hours, 3HU, CD
First Semester.
Fourth-year Chinese. Readings from contemporary Chinese literature, discussions, and writing assignments will further develop advanced skills in Chinese. Conducted in Chinese. Prerequisite: CHIN 302 or consent of instructor.
Mr. Li

402. Readings in Society, History and Contemporary Events
3 hours, 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
Fourth-year Chinese. Advanced skills in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension will be developed in this course through readings in expository prose, discussions, and writing assignments. Conducted in Chinese. Prerequisite: CHIN 401 or consent of instructor.
Ms. Ma

In this Department

Chinese Literature & Culture

Chinese Literature and Culture Courses

106. Topics in Chinese Literature
3 hours, 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
This course is an introduction to modern Chinese fiction. As we read, we will take into account the political controversies over the notion of Chinese sovereignty and will divide the readings into three major geographical categories: China, Taiwan, and Overseas. While this division calls attention to different cultural movements in each region and raises questions specific to each work, it also encourages us to compare the diverse social structures within which these texts are produced. For complete topics and description see the online supplement. Note: May be repeated for credit. Enrollment Limit: 30.
Ms. Deppman

109. Topics in Chinese Film
3 hours, 3HU, CD
First Semester.
A study of the booming contemporary cinema scenes in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. We will develop a contextualized critical vocabulary for film analysis, examine the history of popular Chinese cinema, and study the relationship between style and politics. Directors may include Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Wong Kar-wai, Stanley Kwan, Ang Lee, Hou Hsiao-hsien, and Tsai Ming-liang. For complete topics and description see the online supplement. Note: May be repeated for credit. Enrollment Limit: 30.
Ms. Deppman

120. Chinese Calligraphy
2 hours, 2HU, CD
Next offered 2006-2007.

500. Capstone Project
0 hours, 0HU
Note: P/NP or CR/NE grading only. Consent of instructor required.

995. Private Reading
1-3 hours, 1-3HU, CD
Independent study of a Chinese subject beyond the range of catalog course offerings. Consent of instructor required.

In this Department

Japanese Language

Japanese Language Courses

101, 102. Elementary Japanese
5 hours, 5HU, CD
First (101) and Second (102) Semester.
First-year Japanese. An introduction to basic grammar, sentence patterns, and vocabulary of the modern language. Attention to the written component of modern Japanese will include the hiragana and katakana syllabaries, as well as kanji. This course is designed for students with no previous knowledge of Japanese. No auditors. See instructor for correct placement. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Ms. Kojima, Ms. Kurasawa, Ms. Sherif

201, 202. Intermediate Japanese
5 hours, 5HU, CD
First (201) and Second (202) Semester.
Second-year Japanese. Primary emphasis on the development of oral skills and secondary emphasis on reading skills. Students will continue to learn basic grammatical patterns, expand vocabulary, and improve communicative skills in modern Japanese through oral-aural drills and exercises. Prerequisite for JAPN 201: JAPN l02 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite for JAPN 202: JAPN 201 or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Mr. Filler, Ms. Kojima

301, 302. Japanese Reading and Conversation
3 hours, 3HU, CD
First (301) and Second (302) Semester.
Third-year Japanese. This course seeks to reinforce the vocabulary and grammatical patterns learned in the first two years and to improve speaking and reading skills through task-oriented conversational practices, reading practices, and group discussion. Conducted in Japanese. Prerequisite for JAPN 301: JAPN 202 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite for JAPN 302: JAPN 301 or consent of instructor.
Ms. Kurasawa

401. Advanced Japanese I
3 hours, 3HU, CD
First Semester.
Fourth-year Japanese. This course is intended primarily for students who have completed a period of study in Japan. It seeks to further improve speaking, reading, and writing skills through the use of authentic reading materials, group discussion, and writing exercises. Materials are taken from modern literary works. Conducted in Japanese. Prerequisite: JAPN 302 or consent of instructor.
Ms. Sherif

402. Advanced Japanese II
3 hours, 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
Fourth-year Japanese. This course is intended primarily for students who have completed a period of study in Japan. It seeks to further improve speaking, reading, and writing skills through the use of authentic reading materials, group discussion, and writing exercises. Readings are taken from newspapers, magazines, and other media. Conducted in Japanese. Prerequisite: JAPN 401 or consent of instructor.
Mr. Filler

451, 452. Readings in Japanese Sources
1.5 hours, 1.5HU, CD
First (451) and Second (452) Semester.
This course is designed for students who have completed four levels of Japanese language or the equivalent. Conducted in Japanese.
Ms. Kurasawa

In this Department

Japanese Literature & Culture

Japanese Literature and Culture Courses

116. Traditional Japanese Literature in Translation
3 hours, 3HU, CD, WR
First Semester.
This course explores major genres of Japanese literature including myths, poetry, tales, diaries, drama, etc. The approach is chronological from earliest times to the mid-19th century, placing the literature in historical and social context. Course format is lecture and discussion based on readings and films. No prior knowledge of Japanese language or history is required. Enrollment Limit: 35.
Ms. Sherif

118. Modern Japanese Literature in Translation
3 hours, 3HU, CD, WR
Second Semester.
An examination of significant Japanese literary texts and cultural trends from the Meji Period (1868-1912) to the 1990s. We will do close readings of prose fiction, poetry, and film, and study the changing reception of these works in relation to notions of gender, aesthetics, ethnicity, and nationalism. No knowledge of Japanese language is required. Enrollment Limit: 35.
Mr. Filler

218. Modernity, Politics, and the West in Modern Japanese Literature
3 hours, 3HU, CD, WR
First Semester.
Japan's 19th-century modernization included radically new literary genres derived from Western literary traditions but developed in uniquely Japanese ways. Readings will include social fiction, naturalism, proletarian fiction, political autobiography, and modernist/ "decadent" literature, as well as selections from influential Western works. We will explore various issues: "adapting" from a foreign literary source; what makes modern literature "modern"; and how political, social, and technological developments affect literary form. No knowledge of Japanese required. Note: Previous coursework in modern literature is highly recommended.
Mr. Filler

500. Capstone Project
0 hours, 0HU
Note: P/NP or CR/NE grading only. Consent of instructor required.

995. Private Reading
1-3 hours, 1-3HU, CD
Independent study of a Japanese subject beyond the range of catalog course offerings. Consent of instructor required.

In this Department

East Asian Studies Courses

East Asian Studies Courses

121. Chinese Civilization
3-4 hours, 3-4SS, CD, WR
First Semester.
Identical to HIST 105. For description, please see "History" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 50.
Mr. Kelley

122. Modern China
3-4 hours, 3-4SS, CD, WR
Second Semester.
Identical to HIST 106. For description, please see "History" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 50.
Mr. Kelley

131. Traditional Japan to 1868
3 hours, 3SS, CD, WR
First Semester.
Identical to HIST 159. For description, please see "History" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 50.
Staff

132. Modern Japan, 1868 to Present
3 hours, 3SS, CD, WR
Second Semester.
Identical to HIST 160. For description, please see "History" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 50.
Staff

141. Approaches to Chinese Art History
3 hours, 3HU, CD
First Semester.
Identical to ARTS 250. For description, please see "Art" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 30.
Ms. Cheng

142. Approaches to Japanese Art History
3 hours, 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
Identical to ARTS 251. For description, please see "Art" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 30.
Ms. Cheng

151. Chinese Thought and Religion
3 hours, 3HU, CD
Identical to RELG 235. For description, please see "Religion" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 65.
Mr. Dobbins

152. Japanese Thought and Religion
3 hours, 3HU, CD
Second Semester.
Identical to RELG 236. For description, please see "Religion" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 65.
Mr. Dobbins

162. Modern Korean History
3 hours, 3SS, CD
Next offered 2006-2007.

163. Korea: Past, Present and Future
3 hours, 3SS, CD, WR
First Semester.
This course is designed to introduce students to a broad survey of Korea's history, both ancient and modern. It will examine various interpretive approaches to the political, social, cultural, and diplomatic history between Korea, China, and Japan. We will also investigate contemporary nationalist theories of Korean development, including Japanese imperial legacies of colonial conquest, and how they have informed Koreans' view of their ancient past as well as influenced current debates about the two Koreas' reunified future.
Ms. Jager

241. Living with the Bomb
3 hours, 3SS, CD, WR
Next offered 2006-2007.

260. Colonialism/Post-Colonialism and Globalization in East Asia
3 hours, 3SS, CD
Second Semester.
This course will explore the nature of colonialism (and semi-colonialism), modernity and post-modernity in East Asia and the dialectical relationship between these processes. It begins with an interrogation of the recent writings on post-colonialism in order to question the dominance that this discursive paradigm has had on the construction of identities, cultures and politics of non-Western societies, with a particular focus on Japan, China and Korea. The course will then interrogate alternative forms of modernity and post-modernity in East Asia. Topics to be discussed will include globalization, regionalism, transnational identities and politics, and gender.
Ms. Jager

262. Asia's Modern Wars
3 hours, 3SS, CD
Next offered 2006-2007.

362. The Korean War
3 hours, 3SS, CD, WR
Second Semester.
This seminar is designed to explore the cultural, social and political history of the Korean War in the context of the recent debate about the "origins" of the Cold War, Cold War ideology, American-Korean relationship in the context of the war, memory of the Korean War in South Korea and the U.S., as well as specific battles, key players and contested memories about the war, among other issues. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Jager

401. Honors Program
3 hours, 3HU
Admission to the Honors Program is subject to the approval of the East Asian Studies faculty during the student's junior year. Note: Registration limited to seniors. Consent of program director required.

500. Capstone Project
0 hours, 0HU
Note: P/NP or CR/NE grading only. Consent of instructor required.

995. Private Reading
1-3 hours, 1-3HU, CD
Independent study of an East Asian Studies subject beyond the range of catalog course offerings. Consent of instructor required.

In this Department