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Asia and Asian American Studies

Asia and Asian American Studies

High School

Social Studies

Course Description:

This course explores the history and culture of Asia from its earliest beginnings to the modern era. The examination of Asia will focus on the geography, institutions, traditions, belief systems, and contemporary issues that have shaped and continue to shape East, Southeast, South, and Southwest Asia (the Middle East). The course traces historical relationships among Asian nations and regions involving cultural diffusion, trade, conquest, and colonialism and how these have impacted Asia. It also will explore the experience of Asian Americans in today’s society and how their experience has changed throughout the years. Furthermore, this course will consider how globalization has affected Asia’s relationship with the rest of the world.

Semester 1

China
Topic 1: Ancient and Classical China
Topic 2: Golden Age China
Topic 3: Challenges to China
Topic 4: Modern China

Japan and Korea
Topic 1: Ancient Japan and Korea
Topic 2: Classical/Medieval Japan
Topic 3: Classical/Medieval Korea
Topic 4: Modern Japan and Korea

South Asia
Topic 1: Ancient South Asia
Topic 2: Classical India
Topic 3: Post-Classical India
Topic 4: Modern South Asia

Semester 2

Note: if the following section is blank the course is 1 semester long

Southeast Asia
Topic 1: Early Southeast Asia
Topic 2: SE Asia Under Western Influence
Topic 3: Modern Southeast Asia
Topic 4: Modern South Asia

Middle East and Central Asia
Topic 1: Ancient Middle East
Topic 2: Rise of the Islamic World
Topic 3: Division of the Islamic World
Topic 4: Modern Middle East and Central Asia

Asian-American Experience
Topic 1: History of Asian Immigration
Topic 2: The Asian-American Experience in Modern U.S.

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