Korea, Japan, and China in the Sixteenth Century

This module explores Korea, Japan, and China in the sixteenth century, highlighting the unique historical dynamics of East Asia. Key themes include:

• The impact of European contact on East Asian societies.
• Cultural and economic exchanges within the region.
• Political developments and the rise of centralized states.
• Responses to external pressures and internal challenges.

Students will engage with primary sources to critically assess the interactions and transformations in East Asia during this period.

Course Lectures

• Transformations in Europe, 1500-1750

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines the significant transformations in Europe between 1500 and 1750, focusing on social, political, and economic changes. Students will explore:

  • The impact of the Renaissance on European thought.
  • Religious conflicts and the Reformation's influence.
  • The rise of nation-states and their implications for Europe.
  • Economic shifts due to exploration and colonization.

  Through lectures and discussions, participants will analyze the interconnectedness of these transformations and their effects on the broader world.

• The Americas, the Atlantic, and Africa, 1530-1770

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module delves into the interactions between the Americas, the Atlantic, and Africa from 1530 to 1770. Key topics include:

  • The transatlantic slave trade and its consequences.
  • Colonial economies and their reliance on enslaved labor.
  • The cultural exchanges and conflicts that arose from these interactions.
  • Resistance and adaptation among indigenous and enslaved populations.

  Students will engage with primary sources to better understand these complex relationships and their lasting impacts.

• The Americas, The Atlantic, and Africa, 1530-1770 II

  Richard Bulliet

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  This second part of the module on the Americas, the Atlantic, and Africa continues to explore significant events and themes from 1530 to 1770. Discussions will focus on:

  • The effects of European colonization on indigenous societies.
  • The development of new social hierarchies based on race and class.
  • Economic motivations behind exploration and exploitation.
  • The role of religion in justifying colonial practices.

  Through a critical lens, students will analyze the consequences of these dynamics on global history.

• Southwest Asia and the Indian Ocean, 1500-1750

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module investigates the historical developments in Southwest Asia and the Indian Ocean from 1500 to 1750. Key areas of focus include:

  • The rise of powerful empires such as the Ottomans and Safavids.
  • Trade networks and their influence on cultural exchanges.
  • Interactions between different religious and ethnic groups.
  • Colonial encroachments and their impacts on regional dynamics.

  Students will engage with diverse sources to understand the complexities of this vibrant region during a transformative period.

• Early Modern Islamic Governance

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module focuses on Early Modern Islamic Governance, examining the political structures and governance strategies in Islamic empires from 1500 to 1750. Topics include:

  • The administrative systems of major empires.
  • Legal frameworks and their implications for society.
  • Interactions between Islamic and non-Islamic governance models.
  • The role of religion in governance and statecraft.

  Students will analyze texts and case studies to understand the complexities of governance in the Islamic world during this period.

• Korea, Japan, and China in the Sixteenth Century

  Richard Bulliet

  Playing

  This module explores Korea, Japan, and China in the sixteenth century, highlighting the unique historical dynamics of East Asia. Key themes include:

  • The impact of European contact on East Asian societies.
  • Cultural and economic exchanges within the region.
  • Political developments and the rise of centralized states.
  • Responses to external pressures and internal challenges.

  Students will engage with primary sources to critically assess the interactions and transformations in East Asia during this period.

• Northern Eurasia, 1500 -1800

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module covers Northern Eurasia from 1500 to 1800, focusing on significant historical events and trends. Key aspects include:

  • The expansion of empires across Northern Eurasia.
  • The impact of trade routes on cultural and economic exchanges.
  • Interactions between diverse ethnic groups and cultures.
  • Responses to imperial expansion and local governance.

  Through analysis of various sources, students will gain insights into the complexities of Northern Eurasian history during this period.

• Revolutionary Changes in the Atlantic World, 1750-1850 Part I

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines the Revolutionary Changes in the Atlantic World from 1750 to 1850, focusing on the various revolutions that reshaped societies. Key discussions will cover:

  • The American Revolution and its global implications.
  • The French Revolution and its impact on Europe and beyond.
  • The Haitian Revolution and its significance for slavery and colonialism.
  • Revolutions in Latin America and their quest for independence.

  Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to understand the interconnectedness of these revolutionary movements.

• The Early Industrial Revolution, 1760-1851

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module focuses on the Early Industrial Revolution from 1760 to 1851, examining the profound changes in society and economy. Key topics include:

  • The transition from agrarian economies to industrialization.
  • The social impacts of industrial work and urbanization.
  • Technological advancements and their effects on production.
  • Responses to industrial challenges, including labor movements.

  Students will engage with various sources to critically assess the implications of the Industrial Revolution on global society.

• Egypt and the Ottoman Empire in the 19th Century

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module investigates Egypt and the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, focusing on the political, social, and economic transformations during this period. Key discussions will cover:

  • The decline of the Ottoman Empire and its implications for Egypt.
  • Modernization efforts in Egypt and their impact on society.
  • Colonial pressures and responses from both regions.
  • Cultural exchanges and their significance in shaping identities.

  Students will analyze primary sources to understand the complexities of these transformations and their historical significance.

• British India

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module focuses on British India, examining the socio-political dynamics during the colonial period. Key aspects include:

  • The establishment of British rule and its administrative structures.
  • Resistance movements and the quest for independence.
  • The impact of colonial policies on Indian society and economy.
  • Cultural exchanges between British and Indian societies.

  Through critical analysis of various sources, students will gain insights into the complexities of British colonial rule in India.

• Nineteenth Century China

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines Nineteenth Century China, focusing on significant events and transformations during this period. Key discussions will cover:

  • The impact of Western imperialism and the Opium Wars.
  • Internal challenges, including rebellions and social unrest.
  • The Qing Dynasty's responses to modernization.
  • Cultural exchanges between China and the West.

  Students will analyze various sources to understand the complexities of China's interactions with the world during the nineteenth century.

• Africa in the Nineteenth Century

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module investigates Africa in the Nineteenth Century, focusing on significant historical events and trends. Key topics include:

  • The impact of European colonization on African societies.
  • Resistance movements against colonial rule.
  • The role of trade networks in shaping economies.
  • Cultural exchanges and their effects on identity.

  Students will engage with various sources to critically assess the implications of colonialism on Africa during this period.

• Nineteenth Century Isms

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines Nineteenth Century Isms, focusing on the various ideologies that emerged during this period. Key discussions will cover:

  • Liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and their implications for society.
  • The role of nationalism in shaping modern states.
  • The impact of these ideologies on social movements and political changes.
  • Global interactions and the spread of these ideas.

  Through analysis of primary sources, students will gain insights into how these ideologies influenced historical developments.

• Velocity and Modernity

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module explores the themes of Velocity and Modernity, examining how rapid changes in technology and society transformed the world. Key discussions will include:

  • The impact of technological advancements on daily life.
  • Urbanization and its effects on social structures.
  • Modernity's influence on culture and identity.
  • Responses to the challenges posed by rapid changes.

  Students will engage with various sources to critically assess the implications of modernity on historical developments.

• The Twentieth Century in History

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines the Twentieth Century in history, focusing on significant events and transformations that shaped the modern world. Key themes include:

  • The impact of World Wars on global politics and society.
  • The rise and fall of ideologies such as fascism and communism.
  • The decolonization movements and their implications.
  • Technological advancements and their influence on daily life.

  Students will analyze various sources to understand the complexities of the twentieth century and its legacy.

• Social Darwinism

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module focuses on Social Darwinism, examining its origins and impact on society during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Key discussions will include:

  • Theoretical foundations of Social Darwinism and its proponents.
  • Applications of Social Darwinism in politics and social policy.
  • The critiques and controversies surrounding the ideology.
  • Its legacy in contemporary society and thought.

  Students will engage with primary sources and scholarly critiques to assess the implications of Social Darwinism on historical developments.

• Money and Decolonization

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines Money and Decolonization, focusing on the economic aspects of decolonization movements in the twentieth century. Key discussions will cover:

  • The role of economic factors in the push for independence.
  • Financial implications of colonial rule on post-colonial states.
  • Global economic systems and their influence on decolonization.
  • Strategies for economic development in newly independent nations.

  Students will analyze various sources to understand the complexities of economics in the context of decolonization.

• America and the Cold War

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module explores America and the Cold War, examining the geopolitical dynamics during the latter half of the twentieth century. Key themes include:

  • The ideological battle between capitalism and communism.
  • Key events such as the Korean War and Cuban Missile Crisis.
  • The impact of the Cold War on domestic policies and society.
  • Decolonization and its relationship with Cold War politics.

  Students will engage with primary sources and historical analyses to understand the complexities of this pivotal period in American history.

• Human/Animal Relations

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines Human/Animal Relations, focusing on the evolving dynamics between humans and animals throughout history. Key discussions will include:

  • The role of animals in human societies and economies.
  • Ethical considerations surrounding animal treatment.
  • Cultural representations of animals in various societies.
  • Modern implications of human-animal relationships.

  Students will analyze various sources to understand the complexities and significance of these relationships in historical contexts.

• Concluding Reflections

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module offers Concluding Reflections on the course, encouraging students to synthesize their learning and reflect on key themes. Discussions will include:

  • Major takeaways from the study of world history since 1500 CE.
  • The interconnectedness of global events and their implications.
  • How historical narratives shape contemporary understanding.
  • Future directions for historical inquiry and research.

  Students will engage in reflective discussions and assessments to consolidate their learning and apply it to future studies.