Globalizing East Asia from edX

○ This course explores the changing culture and society of the three East Asian countries, South Korea, China, and Japan. Students will understand how local culture has transformed over time as it responded to industrialization, war, socialism, expanding capitalist economy, and emerging consumerism.

○ Discussing Globalization: NOT an Unilateral, One-way Process

People often consider globalization west-originated, west-initiated changes in non-Western countries. In this sense, globalization appears to be unilateral, one-way process. Through this process, global powers such as capitalism, socialism, multinational corporations, or culture industry (e.g. Hollywood movies) seem to impose their rules and/or practices on the people of the non-western regions.

○ Debunking the Myth of West-Centered Globalization

Students in this course learn how to debunk this myth of west-centered globalization and restore agencies of the local. Due to the persisting agency of the local, the actual consequences of globalization is neither global nor local. Drawing on ethnographic, historical, and political literature about the three countries, students will be able to understand how the particular culture and economy of each country have contributed to creating different paths of their historical-cultural transformations.

○ Tracing Changes from Traditional to Contemporary Society & Culture

Understanding historical changes of globalization requires us to compare the contemporary forms of culture and society with the culture and society of the past. This course illuminates characteristics of the traditional societies based on patriarchy, Confucian ethics, and subsistence agriculture. Students seek to understand how the traditional culture and society of the three countries have transformed since their initial encounters with the expanding global capitalism and socialism.

○ Japanese and Korean Popular Culture Exemplifying Globalizing Local Culture

This course examines how the recently intensifying transnational movements of capital, commodities, people, and “cultures” have created particular cultural and societal forms in the region. Students look into the historical process that garner the hybrid form of local culture. Specifically, this course shows exactly how global or nonlocal elements become parts of the local culture, generating particular forms of localized globalization. Japanese and South Korean popular cultural items exemplify this bilateral process.

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Learning objectives

○ how post-war japan became a “model” country of modernization
○ critiques of “universal modernization”
○ “learn-from-japan” campaign & praising “asiatic” value
○ generating mechanisms of japanese corporate culture
○ limits of “corporate japan” & social costs of japanese work style
○ characteristics of traditional chinese culture & society
○ patriarchy & examples of women’s agency
○ socialist modernization & changes in chinese culture & society
○ limits of radical campaigns and “reform & openness”

○ traditional korea & colonial origins of “militarized modernity”
○ mechanisms of civil protest & political democratization in korea
○ impacts of 1997 economic crisis & changing workplace culture
○ multinational corporations & local consequences of globalization
○ emerging consumerism & post-socialist changes in china
○ case study of mcdonald’s in south korea & china
○ globalization with non-western origin
○ rise of japanese popular culture: cover songs & animation
○ “korean wage”: historical backgrounds & reasons of popularity

○ how post-war japan became a “model” country of modernization
○ critiques of “universal modernization”
○ “learn-from-japan” campaign & praising “asiatic” value
○ generating mechanisms of japanese corporate culture
○ limits of “corporate japan” & social costs of japanese work style
○ characteristics of traditional chinese culture & society
○ patriarchy & examples of women’s agency
○ socialist modernization & changes in chinese culture & society
○ limits of radical campaigns and “reform & openness”
○ traditional korea & colonial origins of “militarized modernity”
○ mechanisms of civil protest & political democratization in korea
○ impacts of 1997 economic crisis & changing workplace culture
○ multinational corporations & local consequences of globalization
○ emerging consumerism & post-socialist changes in china
○ case study of mcdonald’s in south korea & china
○ globalization with non-western origin
○ rise of japanese popular culture: cover songs & animation
○ “korean wage”: historical backgrounds & reasons of popularity

Syllabus

Lecture 1. Japan as a “Model” Country of Modernization

Lecture 2. “Japanese” Modernization & Corporate Culture Debate

Lecture 3. Traditional China: Land, Lineage, and Male Domination

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Explores the transformation of local cultures in South Korea, China, and Japan in response to industrialization, war, socialism, and expanding capitalism, offering valuable insights into East Asian studies

Examines the rise of Japanese and South Korean popular culture, providing a lens to understand the dynamics of localized globalization and the hybrid forms of local culture

Analyzes the historical backgrounds and reasons for the popularity of the "Korean Wave," offering a specific case study of cultural globalization with non-Western origins

Discusses the limits of radical campaigns and the impact of "Reform & Openness" in China, providing a nuanced understanding of socialist modernization and its consequences

Requires students to understand historical changes of globalization by comparing contemporary forms of culture and society with those of the past, which may require additional preparation

Examines the limits of "Corporate Japan" and the social costs of the Japanese work style, which may be of limited interest to students outside of East Asian studies

Reviews summary

Globalizing east asia perspectives

According to learners, this course offers a broad and fascinating overview of globalization's impact on South Korea, China, and Japan. Students appreciate its unique perspective that challenges traditional West-centric views, highlighting the agency of local cultures. The inclusion of case studies on popular culture, such as the Korean Wave and Japanese pop culture, is seen as a particularly engaging aspect. However, some learners note that the wide scope means certain topics may feel less in-depth, and the academic nature, including readings, requires significant effort. Overall, it's described as a valuable introduction for those interested in East Asian studies and global trends.

Engaging examples from popular culture.

"Learning about K-Pop and J-Pop through an academic lens was really cool."

"The sections on Japanese anime and music were unexpected highlights."

"Using these case studies made the broader theories much more relatable and fun."

Challenges West-centric globalization view.

"It changed my thinking about globalization's origins and effects."

"Really appreciated the focus on local agency in response to global forces."

"Not just another course on Western influence - the perspective feels refreshing."

Covers history & culture of 3 nations.

"I liked learning about Korea, China, and Japan in one course."

"Provides a great overview of the region's recent history and culture."

"Found the breadth of topics covered very informative and interesting."

Broad scope limits depth on topics.

"Felt like some interesting topics were just touched upon briefly."

"Wish there was more detail on certain historical periods or specific cultural movements."

"It's hard to go really deep when covering so much ground across three countries."

Academic rigor, potentially high workload.

"The readings were sometimes dense and required careful attention."

"Definitely requires dedicating a good amount of time each week to keep up."

"Expected a demanding course from SNU, and it delivered on that front."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Globalizing East Asia with these activities:

Review Key Concepts of Modernization Theory

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Solidify your understanding of modernization theory, a foundational concept for understanding the transformations discussed in the course.

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Read a summary of modernization theory.
Identify key criticisms of modernization theory.
Consider how modernization theory applies to East Asia.

Review Key Concepts of Modernization Theory

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Solidify your understanding of modernization theory, a key framework for analyzing East Asian development.

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Read a summary of modernization theory.
Identify key criticisms of modernization theory.
Consider how modernization theory applies to East Asia.

Read 'Embracing Defeat: Japan After World War II'

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Gain a deeper understanding of Japan's post-war transformation, a key theme in the course.

View The Violent American Century: War and Terror... on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to economic and social change.
Take notes on the key arguments and evidence presented.
Reflect on how the book's insights relate to the course lectures.

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Review 'Embracing Defeat: Japan After World War II'

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Gain a deeper understanding of Japan's post-war transformation, a crucial element in understanding its role in East Asian globalization.

View The Violent American Century: War and Terror... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and conclusion.
Focus on chapters discussing the American occupation and its impact.
Take notes on key themes and arguments.

Create a Timeline of Key Events in East Asian Globalization

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Visualize the historical progression of globalization in East Asia, reinforcing your understanding of key turning points.

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Research significant events related to globalization in Japan, Korea, and China.
Create a timeline using online tools or presentation software.
Add brief descriptions of each event's significance.

Review 'Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea'

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Explore the contrasting experience of North Korea, providing a nuanced perspective on the complexities of globalization in East Asia.

View Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to... on Amazon

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Read the book, paying attention to the characters' experiences.
Consider how North Korea's isolation affects its culture and society.
Reflect on the book's implications for understanding globalization.

Research the Impact of K-Pop on Global Culture

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Investigate the global phenomenon of K-Pop and its role in shaping cultural exchange and globalization.

Browse courses on K-Pop

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Research the history and evolution of K-Pop.
Analyze the factors contributing to K-Pop's global success.
Examine the cultural impact of K-Pop on different regions.
Present your findings in a research paper or presentation.

Create a Comparative Analysis of McDonald's in South Korea and China

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Analyze the adaptation and impact of a global brand in two distinct East Asian contexts, deepening your understanding of consumerism and globalization.

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Research McDonald's operations and marketing strategies in South Korea and China.
Identify key differences in how McDonald's has adapted to each market.
Analyze the cultural and economic factors influencing these differences.
Present your analysis in a report or presentation.

Compile a Resource List of Academic Articles on East Asian Globalization

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Build a valuable resource for future research and learning by compiling a list of relevant academic articles.

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Search academic databases for articles on East Asian globalization.
Categorize articles by topic (e.g., economics, culture, politics).
Write brief summaries of each article's main arguments.
Organize the list in a clear and accessible format.

Career center

Learners who complete Globalizing East Asia will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Business Consultant

An international business consultant helps companies expand their operations into new global markets. This course helps a business consultant better understand the complexities of East Asian markets, as it examines the historical and cultural factors that have shaped the business landscape in Japan, China, and South Korea. This course is particularly relevant for an international business consultant because it discusses the impact of globalization and industrialization on these countries, which is crucial knowledge for a consultant advising on market entry strategies, partnerships, or operational strategies. The course's lessons on corporate culture and changing workplace dynamics will be very valuable for someone looking to consult on international business.

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Academic Researcher

An academic researcher conducts in-depth studies on specific topics and publishes their findings. This course provides a strong introduction to the study of East Asia, making it relevant for an academic researcher who intends to focus on the region's social, cultural, or economic dynamics. This course helps the academic researcher understand the impact of globalization and modernization on East Asia. The course also exposes the academic researcher to literature, ethnographies, and historical writings, which would be a helpful orientation for anyone intending to do research in the field. An academic researcher typically holds an advanced degree.

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Global Marketing Manager

A global marketing manager develops and implements marketing strategies for international markets. This course is crucial for a global marketing manager working in the East Asian market, as they would gain insights into the cultural and historical contexts that influence consumer behavior. The course’s focus on local responses to globalization, the evolution of consumerism, and the study of popular cultures provides a foundation for developing effective and culturally appropriate marketing campaigns. A global marketing manager would use the course when planning market strategies.

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Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst studies consumer behavior and market trends, providing valuable insights for businesses. This course provides a framework for understanding the cultural nuances that affect consumerism in East Asia. A market research analyst would find this course extremely useful, as the course covers how local traditions and global influences interact to shape consumer preferences in Japan, China, and South Korea. The course's specific focus on the rise of consumerism and popular culture in these regions provides the market research analyst with a deeper understanding of the cultural drivers behind market trends.

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Cultural Liaison

A cultural liaison works to bridge cultural gaps and facilitate communication between different groups. This course is essential for a cultural liaison working with East Asian communities, as it explores the historical, social, and cultural transformations of Japan, China, and South Korea. The course’s examination of how local cultures have responded to globalization provides insights crucial for navigating intercultural interactions and promoting cultural understanding. A cultural liaison would benefit from the lessons that dispel myths of Western-centered globalization, as well as the specific analysis on the evolution of traditions and social norms.

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International Trade Specialist

An international trade specialist facilitates the import and export of goods and services across international borders. This course is useful for an international trade specialist who aims to conduct business with East Asian countries, as it covers the economic and cultural factors that have shaped the region. Given the course's discussion of industrialization, globalization, and changing workplace cultures, an international trade specialist will have some of the tools needed to make informed decisions about how to approach these markets. The course's specific discussions of multinational corporations are directly related to international trade.

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Social Media Manager

A social media manager develops and executes strategies to engage audiences via social media platforms. This course helps the social media manager understand the cultural context needed to connect with audiences in Japan, China, and South Korea, because a major component of the course is analyzing how cultures transform in response to globalization. This course’s lessons concerning popular culture and changing consumer trends in the region are particularly relevant for a social media manager who is involved in developing culturally sensitive and engaging content. This course helps the social media manager understand the nuances needed to create effective social media campaigns.

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Political Analyst

A political analyst researches and analyzes political events, policies, and trends. This course may be useful for a political analyst who wants to focus on East Asian politics, because it explores the political histories and social transformations of Japan, China, and South Korea. The course's coverage of topics such as political democratization in Korea, socialist modernization in China, and the impacts of war and globalization on the region provide a background for a political analyst who needs to understand the dynamics of these nations. The course's discussions of multinational corporations and their effects on local politics may also be relevant.

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Journalist

A journalist researches and writes articles that may be of interest to the general public. This course may be helpful for a journalist who reports on East Asian cultures, given that it explores the transformations in the societies and cultures of Japan, China, and South Korea. The course's focus on historical changes from traditional to contemporary societies, as well as its discussion of globalization's impacts on local cultures, will help a journalist create a complex and nuanced story. Specifically, the course's analysis of Japanese and Korean popular culture would benefit a journalist attempting to cover these stories.

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Lobbyist

A lobbyist advocates for specific policies or legislation on behalf of an organization or interest group. This course may be useful for a lobbyist who attempts to influence policy related to East Asia, since the course explores transformations in Japan, China, and South Korea. The course's discussions of the impact of globalization, corporate culture, and consumerism will help the lobbyist understand the forces at play when working on legislation with East Asian impact. The course’s focus on multinational corporations and political democratization may be particularly useful.

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Public Relations Specialist

A public relations specialist manages a client's public image, crafting messaging and managing events. This course may be useful for a public relations specialist working across East Asia, or with East Asian clients, as it provides insight into the cultural transformations of Japan, China, and South Korea. The course’s coverage of the impacts of globalization and consumerism on local culture may be relevant for a public relations specialist who needs to understand cultural nuances. The course's analysis of popular culture may also prove valuable for a specialist who is attempting to craft appropriate public relations messages.

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International Relations Specialist

An international relations specialist analyzes global political and economic trends, advising on policy and international cooperation. This course may be useful for an international relations specialist who is interested in learning more about East Asia because its lessons trace the historical and social transformations experienced by Japan, China, and South Korea. The course's focus on the impact of industrialization, war, and globalization provides a historical context, which is important for an international relations specialist who works on policy analysis. The course’s focus on political democratization in Korea is a relevant topic.

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Curator

A curator researches, acquires, and manages collections of objects, often for museums. This course may be helpful for a curator focused on East Asian art and history, because the class details the social and cultural transformations of Japan, China, and South Korea. The course's specific discussions of historical changes, emerging consumerism, and the popular culture of these nations are of particular relevance. This will help the curator to understand the context in which the artifacts being curated were produced, as well as their significance. A curator may hold an advanced degree.

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Brand Manager

A brand manager is responsible for crafting and executing marketing strategies that build brand awareness and customer loyalty. This course may be helpful to a brand manager who is developing strategies for the East Asian consumer market, because the material explores the ways in which globalization affects local culture and consumerism. A brand manager would greatly benefit from the course’s analysis of popular culture, such as the 'Korean Wave.' By taking this course, the brand manager will understand how local identity interacts with global trends.

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Social Worker

A social worker helps individuals, families, and communities navigate social problems and improve their well-being. This course may be helpful for a social worker who will be working with East Asian populations, because it explores the cultural and social changes in Japan, China, and South Korea. A social worker could use the historical and cultural context provided by this course to better understand their East Asian clients. The course’s content on patriarchy, women's agency, workplace culture, and the impacts of globalization will be especially relevant to this role.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Globalizing East Asia.

The Violent American Century

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This Pulitzer Prize-winning book provides crucial context for understanding Japan's post-war modernization and its subsequent role as a 'model' country. It explores the complex social, political, and cultural transformations that occurred in Japan after its defeat in World War II. offers a nuanced perspective on the factors that contributed to Japan's economic success and its evolving identity in the global arena. It is highly recommended as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the course material.

The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since...

Kindle Edition

Daughters of the Bamboo Grove

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Offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary North Koreans and their experiences with globalization, or lack thereof. It provides a contrasting perspective to the rapid globalization seen in other parts of East Asia. Reading this book will help students understand the complexities and unevenness of globalization's impact. It valuable resource for understanding the human cost of isolation.

Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to...

Hardcover

Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to...

Kindle Edition

Globalizing East Asia

What's inside

Learning objectives

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Reviews summary

Globalizing east asia perspectives

Activities

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