An exploration of the social, political, economic, and industrial elements that allowed the Japanese to create an economic superpower on a resource-poor archipelago. Using an historical framework, the course concentrates on the post-World War II era. Traces the revolutionary process that brought the Communist Party of China to power. Changes that have occurred socially, politically, and economically are explored, as are the relations with the countries of Asia, the United States, and various international bodies. Designed to acquaint the student with American involvement in Southeast Asia, in particular with the Second Indochina War.
Some attempt is made to provide a background of Vietnamese historical and cultural perspective.
Mexican history from the Aztecs to the present. Examines the history of the contact of Native American and Western cultures from the Age of Exploration to the present day. The student undertakes a specified course of study, comparable in content to a special topics course, under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Detailed analysis of a particular topic not covered by regularly scheduled courses. The student undertakes a defined task of research on campus under the supervision of a faculty member of an appropriate department, in which the fruits of the research are embodied in a thesis, extended paper, laboratory report, or other appropriate form.