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Academic Year 2005/2006

From Warring States to the Shogun's Realm: The Global Origins of the Early Modern Japanese State
HIST 187 FA
Crosslistings:
EAST 187

This course is a sophomore seminar designed to introduce students to key issues in early modern and modern history by focusing on the emergence of the early modern Japanese state. In the mid fifteenth century Japan splintered into an unstructured coalition of fiefdoms under the control of independent warlords. By the mid seventeenth century, the Tokugawa Shogun tightly ruled the country. This was the result of technological changes in warfare, including the use of firearms, which brought about a revolution in military affairs. Also of key importance were economic changes, including international trade, and ideological changes that arose through European influence. Each of these categories will be examined in some detail, showing how the early modern Japanese state emerged, in part, as a result of global change.

MAJOR READINGS

Elison and Smith, WARLORDS, ARTISTS, AND COMMONERS
Elison, DEUS DESTROYED
Berry, HIDEYOSHI
Berry, THE CULTURE OF CIVIL WAR IN KYOTO TAIKOKI
KAGEMUSHA (The Shadow Warrior) - film

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

There will be five short response papers, one in-class presentation, and one 10-12pp. paper on a topic of the student's choice, with multiple revised drafts assigned.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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