2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

EAST1450 Foundations of East Asia

20 Credits Class Size: 40

Module manager: Sem 1:Caroline Fielder. Sem 2: Alex Rotard
Email: C.L.Fielder@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

East Asia is home to approximately 22% of the world’s population, 25% of the world’s GDP, and several of the world’s most significant political hot zones. The module will provide an introduction to the geography of and the cultural, political and social diversity of the countries that comprise East Asia. It will provide an outline of major historical developments, and examine some of the major issues in contemporary East Asia that make it a dynamic and significant region of our world.

Objectives

The module aims to:
• introduce the geography and history of East Asia and consider its cultural, political, and social diversity.
• examine some of the current sociopolitical fault lines, as well as the important cultural features, like religion, literature, film, and folklore.
• explore continuity and change in the region, and compare and contrast the reasons behind changes

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
1. Outline key aspects defining the political, historical, cultural, and geographical diversity of East Asia.
2. Identify key determinants influencing the political and economic development of East Asia.
3. Recognise contemporary political developments in the region and demonstrate an appreciation for its diversity and dynamism.
4. Compare and contrast social, political and economic changes in different parts of East Asia.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
5. Integrate cultural, historical, and socio-political perspectives to question and gain a well-rounded insight into the region.
6. Develop skills in visual communication, including the selection and arrangement of visuals (e.g. images, videos, graphics) to convey messages effectively.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 20 1 20
Seminar 10 1 10
Private study hours 170
Total Contact hours 30
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will have multiple opportunities for formative feedback throughout the module. In semester 1, students will have 2 opportunities for formal feedback prior to submission of their assessment: (1) they will receive feedback on their prepared research questions that accompany their contributions to their group projects, and (2) have a group session with the instructor. Students will have three opportunities for feedback on exam preparation in semester 2, including potential exam questions, exam outlines/plans, and annotated bibliographies. Students will prepare individual, un-assessed, presentations on readings for seminars.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Group Project digital storytelling project 50
Online Assessment 48 hr OTLA 50
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 8/23/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team