The Modern History of East Asia (HIST2040)

Course overview

Over the last century East Asia has become an economic powerhouse, and Australia's economic and strategic well-being is heavily dependent on the region. This course will ensure that students have a sound understanding of the broad contours and themes of the modern history of East Asia, including China and Taiwan, Japan, Korea and the countries of Southeast Asia. The course aims to introduce students not just to what happened, the individuals, incidents, sequences of events, and dramas of East Asia's modern history, but also and more importantly to major problems of modern East Asian history. Over the last century and a half East Asia has played a pivotal role in world history. In the nineteenth century the Western imperial powers and Japan gradually replaced Chinese hegemony in East Asia. All of Southeast Asia with the exception of Siam (Thailand), came under European colonial rule. Japan emerged as an economic and imperial power in its own right. This led to the rise of national liberation movements throughout East Asia, based both on indigenous traditions and Western political philosophies, which challenged both indigenous rulers and colonial states. Ideas of social and gender equality and political freedom were central to the political platforms of many of these movements. The Japanese invasion of China in 1937 and Southeast Asia at the end 1941 set in place a train of events that would lead to Japan's own defeat in WWII, the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, and the independence of Southeast Asian nations in the 1940s-1960s. The economic transformation that took place during the post-war period, first in Japan, then other East Asian nations, and then in China, would reintegrate the East Asian region economically. This course shows students how contemporary events in East Asia have their roots in the tumultuous history of the last century and a half.

This is an introductory course to the modern history of East Asia. The course covers China and Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and the countries of Southeast Asia, with particular focus on Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It aims to introduce students not just to 'what happened' - the individuals, incidents, sequences of events, and dramas of East Asia's modern history - but alsoﾠto some of the major debates in the writing of modern East Asian history. We will also explore the bigger methodological question in History of how the past is accessible to us in the present.ﾠThis course will not teach you what to think, butﾠhowﾠto think as a historian.

Over the course of the nineteenth century the Western imperial powersﾠgradually came to dominate East Asia. China, once the most powerful state in the region, weakened. All of Southeast Asia with the exception of Siam (Thailand), came under European colonial rule. Japan emerged as an economic and imperial power in its own right. Korea and Taiwan came under Japanese colonial rule. The rise of national liberation movements throughout East Asia, based both on indigenous traditions and Western political philosophies, challenged both theﾠcolonial state as well as the olderﾠindigenous ruling order. Modern ideas of social and gender equality and political freedom were central to the political platforms of many of these movements, yet older religious conceptions remained influential. The Japanese invasion of China in 1937, and Southeast Asia at the end 1941, set in place a train of events that would lead to Japan's defeat in WWII, the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, and the independence of Korea and Southeast Asian nations in the 1940s-1960s. Yet following independence the Cold War period saw East Asia split along ideological lines.ﾠThe economic transformation that took place during this period, first in Japan, then other East Asian nations, and then in China, would reintegrate the East Asian region economically. More recently, popular culture, youth movements, tourism, religious revival movements, and net culture have drawn the region closer together.ﾠ

This course aims to show students how contemporary events in East Asia have their roots in the tumultuous history of the last century and a half.

Course requirements

Assumed background

No prior knowledge of Asian history is required.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

HIST2101

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

For further timetable information, please refer to your my.UQ timetable.

Aims and outcomes

East Asian history tends to be studied according to individual countries. This course will cover the history of East Asia as an entire region, focussing on China, Japan, Korea,ﾠTaiwan, and the eleven countries of Southeast Asia: including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc. The course will highlight connections and interactions between different countries, giving particular attention to the process of the reintegration of East Asia as a region in recent decades.ﾠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Tutorial Participation

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Participation/ Student contribution

Weight

20%

Due date

4/08/2025 - 24/10/2025

Tutorials start in Week 2. Due to the Royal Queensland Show holiday on Wednesday, 13 August, there will be no HIST2040 classes in Week 3. The last tutorials will be taught in Week 12.

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Tutorial Diary

• Identity Verified

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection

Weight

10%

Due date

6/08/2025 - 22/10/2025

Due for submission in person at the start of the tutorial. In the case of missed tutorials, students should email the tutor a medical certificate or SAP and submit in person at the following tutorial.

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Students should submit the weekly tutorial exercises in person or in the case of illness or SAP, at the following tutorial.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Late submissions should be emailed to the tutor. A penalty of 10% of the available marks for the assignment will be imposed for every day and/or part day will be imposed. Those who can provide a medical certificate or SAP can submit at the next tutorial.

Essay: Primary Source Analysis

• Hurdle
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

30% 1000 words

Due date

28/08/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Please submit your assignment by the due date via the Turnitin link that can be found on Blackboard under "Assessment".

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

A late submission penalty of 10% of the available marks for the assignment will be imposed for every day and/or part day that the assignment is late.

Final Exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique, Examination

Weight

40% 2000 words

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

Your tutorial participation will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1.     Evidence of participation in discussions.

2.     Evidence of preparation for the tutorial, most notably through completing the set readings.

3.     Quality of contributions to discussions.

4.     Fostering of group discussions, through courteous and respectful interactions with staff and     students.

5.     Attendance is necessary to fulfill the above criteria, as per the course requirements, but marks cannot be awarded for attendance alone.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your attendance will be flawless and your participation exceptional. This grade reflects exceptional levels of preparation, mastery of course materials, and very high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers very effectively.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84) your attendance will be excellent and your participation very substantial. This grade reflects excellent levels of preparation, knowledge of course materials, and high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers effectively.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your attendance and participation will be good. This grade reflects proficient levels of preparation, good knowledge of course materials, and good quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your attendance and participation will be satisfactory. This grade reflects adequate levels of preparation and knowledge of course materials, and an acceptable quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%) your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation and superficial knowledge of course materials and basic levels of preparation. However, when in attendance, there is evidence of your ability to demonstrate developing achievement in contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your attendance and participation will be very unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, minimal knowledge of course materials, little evidence of preparation, and mixed to low quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, an no evidence of preparation, and little or no evidence of quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

Your tutorial diary assessment task will be assessed according to the following criteria:

1.        Degree to which set questions and topic have been addressed.

2.        Understanding and engagement with set reading or other materials as required.

3.        Clear and concise written expression, well presented.

4.        Completion of diary entries, as per course requirements.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your diary will provide an exceptional response to the set topic, demonstrate exceptional levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use very clear and concise expression with minimal, if any errors.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your diary will provide an advanced level of response to the set topic, demonstrate very high levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use clear and concise, largely error free expression.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your diary will provide a proficient response to the set topic, demonstrate high levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use an effective standard of written expression.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%), your diary will provide a basic response to the set topic, demonstrate functional levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use an appropriate standard of written expression sufficient to convey your ideas.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your diary will show that your entry has failed to meet the requirements for a passing grade, but that there is evidence of developing levels of achievement. You will have attempted to respond to the set topic, attempted to engage with and understand the prescribed readings. You will have used an appropriate a standard of written expression sufficient to convey your ideas.

 To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your diary will show that you have provided an unsatisfactory response to the set topic, that your levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings are minimal, and that your expression is poor and/or inappropriate.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your diary will show that you have provided an unsatisfactory response to the set topic, that you have failed to engage with and understand the prescribed readings, and that your expression is poor and/or unsatisfactory.

Failing Criteria and Academic Misconduct

Fabrication or misrepresentation of sources will result in an automatic maximum grade of 2 for this assessment, regardless of performance in other criteria. This includes but is not limited to: citing non-existent sources or attributing false quotes to real sources. Such issues demonstrate failure to meet the core learning outcomes for the course and may also be referred for academic misconduct

 Your primary source analysis will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1.     Ability to identify author or creator of the item.

2.     Ability to explain the context of the item.

3.     Ability to identify the key components, themes or features that allow critical appreciation.

4.     Ability to explain the significance of the item.

5.     Ability to critique various interpretations of an item and to employ interpretive perspectives, when applicable.

6.     Clear and concise written expression, well presented.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), you should demonstrate that you have an exceptional and highly nuanced understanding of the text or document. Your analysis should be critical and sophisticated and provide a thorough assessment of the item’s wider context/uses. Your writing will be very clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), you should demonstrate that you have an advanced level of understanding of the text or document. Your analysis should be critical and provide a thorough assessment of the item’s wider context/uses. Your writing will clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), you should demonstrate that you have a proficient understanding of the text or document. Your analysis should be well considered and provide a fundamental assessment of the item’s wider context/uses. The presentation and referencing of your essay will follow/largely follow discipline conventions, have few/some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%), you should demonstrate that you have a functional understanding of the text or document. Your analysis should provide a basic level of information and offer an adequate assessment of the item’s wider context/uses. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), you will need to show that you have a superficial understanding of the text or document. Your analysis should demonstrate that you have a developing understanding of the assessment item and its wider context/uses. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate/poor and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your work will show that you have only a minimal understanding of the text or document. Your analysis will demonstrate that you have not understood fundamental concepts or the wider context/uses of the item. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your analysis will fail to demonstrate that you understand the text or document. Your analysis will not provide evidence that you have grasped fundamental concepts or the wider context/uses of the item. Your standard of presentation and expression and use of discipline conventions will be poor or inadequate.

Failing Criteria and Academic Misconduct

Fabrication or misrepresentation of sources will result in an automatic maximum grade of 2 for this assessment, regardless of performance in other criteria. This includes but is not limited to: citing non-existent sources or attributing false quotes to real sources. Such issues demonstrate failure to meet the core learning outcomes for the course and may also be referred for academic misconduct

 Your final exam responses will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Essay Questions

Students will be assessed on:

1.                 Ability to recognize key issues in the question.

2.                 Ability to structure an argument.

3.                 Use of evidence.

4.                 Engagement with academic scholarship and/or debates.

5.                 Clear and concise written expression, well presented.

Unlike formative assessments undertaken during your course (such as book reviews and essays), exam answers are typically marked on right or wrong basis for multiple choice, single word and short answer questions. Individual exam essays and other exam questions are not awarded grades, but are assessed numerically (such as a mark out of five, or a mark out of ten). The overall grade achieved for an exam is arrived at by totalling the marks for the constituent elements of the exam.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

•ﾠ Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).

•ﾠ By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.

•ﾠ All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.

•ﾠ A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after ten calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.

•ﾠ It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.

•ﾠ Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1

•ﾠ Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.

•ﾠ For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

PRIMARY SOURCE COLLECTIONS IN EAST ASIAN HISTORY AT THE UQ LIBRARY

UQ Library provides access to a number of useful databases containing collections of thousands of primary sources in East Asian history.
To search the databases, go to the UQ library:ﾠhttps://www.library.uq.edu.au/
At 'Library Search' scroll down and click on 'Databases'. Then enter the name of the primary source collection, below:
ﾠ

East Asiaﾠ/ Southeast Asia

• China, America, and the Pacificﾠ
• China: Culture and Societyﾠ
• China: Trade, Politics and Culture, 1793-1980ﾠ

Viaﾠ Archives Direct Database:

• Foreign Office Files for China, 1919-1980 (Archives Direct)ﾠ
• Foreign Office Files for Southeast Asia, 1963-1980 (Archives Direct)ﾠ
• Foreign Office Files for Japan, 1919-1952 (Archives Direct)ﾠ
• Foreign Office Files for India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, 1947-1980 (Archives Direct)ﾠ
• Foreign Office Files for the Middle East, 1971-1981 (Archives Direct)ﾠ

Via AM Scholar Database

• Area Studies: China and Southeast Asia (AM Scholar)ﾠ
• Area Studies: Japan (Korean content within) (AM Scholar)ﾠ

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.