Module manager: Dr Alexander Rotard
Email: A.P.Rotard@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
EAST3602
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In the 21st century, relations between Japan and the Korean peninsula remain dogged by unresolved historical issues, territorial disputes and identity politics. This module clarifies 21st century political tensions between Japan and the Korean peninsula by introducing students to the major historical events, debates, and concepts that have shaped Japan-Korea relations from 1870 to the present day. It will first examine the period prior to, during and immediately after the Japanese colonisation of Korea before moving on to considering the post-war evolution of Japan-Korea relations and the legacies of the colonial period. The module will enhance understanding of the motivations for and processes underlying Japanese/Korean foreign policy, by locating the history of Japan-Korea relations within the broader context of Western imperialism and globalisation. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The core aim of the module is to enable students to understand the major historical events, debates and concepts that have shaped Japanese relations with the Korean peninsula between 1870 and the present day. It also aims to deepen students’ awareness of the legacies of the colonisation of Korea in 21st century Japan-Korea relations. Moreover, it aims to teach students how to discover, analyse and interpret English-language primary sources related to 19th-21st century Japan-Korea relations and the colonisation of Korea. It also aims to equip students with the ability to identify and critically evaluate major scholarly debates on the causes, impacts and legacies of Japanese colonial rule in Korea.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Discuss the modern history of Japan-Korea relations from 1870-present.
2. Assess how this history has shaped current Japan-Korea relations and the tensions that exist between them.
3. Appraise critically contemporary Western discourses about Japan and Korea by studying how they were shaped and reinforced during this period.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the scholarly debates on the Japanese colonisation of Korea and its legacies.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Discover, interpret and critically analyse relevant primary sources in appropriate online and physical archives.
6. Identify and critically evaluate arguments and scholarly debates in secondary sources.
7. Apply methodologies for historical research and essay writing.
8. Build communication skills through the production of engaging and informative audio-visual presentations on complex historical issues and debates.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Group project presentations | 50 |
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 25/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team