Asian Studies: Contemporary Japanese and Korean Societies

<p>Curious about Japan and Korea today? This course explores big questions, from shifting politics to media and social change. You'll gain insight into three dynamic societies and learn how their past continues to shape their present.</p><p>This course gives you the tools to explore modern-day Japan and Korea from several angles: historical, cultural, political, and social. You'll learn how each country's past affects the way people live, think, and relate to one another today.</p><p>The course begins with an overview of major political and social developments in Japan, North Korea and South Korea since the end of the Cold War. You’ll explore how historical legacies, such as colonialism and national division, continue to shape life today.</p><p>Next, you’ll compare Japan and South Korea more closely—focusing on shared experiences like occupation, authoritarianism and democratization, rapid economic development, and social transformation.</p><p>You’ll also examine how media plays a central role in shaping continuity and change in both societies, and how China’s influence affects the region.</p><p>Finally, the course turns to current challenges. You’ll look at population ageing, gender inequality, and migration - key issues that are shaping the future of both Japan and Korea.</p><p>Throughout, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how social, political, and cultural forces connect - and how different disciplines can help us analyse these complex societies.<br/></p>