1. Introduction to Asian Civilization Instructor Pacas

2. Asia

3. Discerning the past World history and history of specific regions are attempts to rectify the developments of 500 years of European imperialism/colonialism that gave birth to the ideology of Euro-centrism and particularly Anglo-centrism in the world- politically and in academia. Much of the history of other regions in the globe have traditionally been mere footnotes in the frame work of world history Regions only studied as they pertain to the framework of European developments. Not until fairly recent receiving any degree of focus.

4. -Nationalism- The idea of modern nation states can be traced back to Europe of the 19 th century. Idea adopted when European polities decided to adopt modernization. Modernization necessitated the birth of New Imperialism. Nationalism-changed parochial affiliations with a larger community- the nation.

6. Nationalism and Racism Nationalism and the belief of national and/or racial superiority were linked to the development of New Imperialism tied to Modernization. Civilizing Enterprise Exploitation of other non-European or non-Anglo European regions to feed industry. Converting the other parts of globe into export oriented economies Effects of this development were detrimental in politics and academia. Lack of well developed academic history of other global regions.

7. Elitism in history Other aspects that make interpreting the past difficult is elitist interpretation(s): Focus on (what were deemed) sophisticated civilizations as purveyors of only credible history. Focus on written accounts vs. oral traditions or pictorial artifacts. History vs. Archaeology The changing field(s) and interpretations- interdisciplinary studies, collaboration between academic experts, etc.

8. Historiography What are: Primary sources Secondary sources Artifacts Oral traditions Translations Piecing the past together and what we can learn… History as interpretation of ‘observable facts’

9. Specific Issues that complicate the study of Asian Civilization When dealing with an early history of Chinese Civilization, the historian is faced with a problem that the earliest actual historical record of China was not a written narrative until the 1 st century BCE, Sima Qian, Great historian of the Han Dynasty was the first to create a collective history of China. Before this development we are dependent on the oral traditions handed down from generation to generation.

10. The Histories Much of the histories of China, Japan, and Korea are somewhat an amalgamation of myths, semi-historical narratives, legends, etc. thus piecing a historiographical narrative is extremely difficult.

11. Asian Continent Inner Eurasia Outer Eurasia

12. The Geography and Climates of Asia Oceans and seas Rivers Mountains Eurasian Steppe Deserts Tropical regions The Monsoon and its impact on Asia