Global Asia

In this minor we will address the political and cultural developments in the major countries of Asia and the historical relationship between Asia and other parts of the world.

Summary

Number of EC

30 EC

Number of courses

4 compulsory courses

Start

Block 3

Coordinator

Dr. Remco Raben

Course overview

Global Asia

Minor code

ASI-MINOR-15

Entry requirements

None

Associated MA-programmes
Register between 30 October and 24 November 2023

Make sure to register for the minor as well as all its courses

Content

Over the last decades, large Asian countries such as China, India, Japan and Indonesia have turned into prosperous and powerful states. The rise of Asia has enormous consequences for the rest of the world. In the Minor Global Asia we look at the backgrounds of Asia’s resurgence over the last century in a global perspective. The four courses concentrate on (1) the political and economic rise of Asia; (2) the consequences of colonialism; (3) ideas about tradition and modernity as expressed in literature; (4) the history and culture of modern China. The Minor combines approaches from history, media, literature, linguistics and international relations.

Goals of the minor

After completing the minor Global Asia:

  • You are able to identify and explain the major developments in the history of East, Southeast and South Asia over the past 150 years. This pertains in particular to political transformation and state building, the effects of colonialism and decolonization, the post-WWII economic rise of major Asian countries, and the major literary expressions in this period.
  • You are able to locate the discussions on abovementioned topics within a world-historical context, involving global comparisons and connections.
  • You can reflect on how historical categories such as national identity, tradition and modernity are constructed both by the people concerned and by outside forces.
  • You will have the ability to reflect on the major theoretical and historiographical debates on the political, economic and cultural developments in East, Southeast and South Asia
  • You are able to critically engage with various source materials on the political, economic and cultural developments in East, Southeast and South Asia.
  • You are experienced in writing essays on the topics mentioned above.
  • You will have the ability to develop a research plan using an array of secondary, archival and literary sources to reflect on the topics mentioned above.

Curriculum

The minor Global Asia starts in study period 3 (semester II) and continues in study period 1 and 2 (semester I) of the next year. The minor consists of 4 compulsory courses.

Application and registration

How to register for this minor and its course modules, depends on whether you are a student of Utrecht University or not.

More information

If you wish to know more, or have questions about this minor, please contact the Student Desk Humanities.