Time and Location

M W F

Description and Goals

This course is a general introduction to Vietnamese culture focusing on its language, arts, history, literature, religion, family structure, and people. All readings are in English (GenEd, H and N, 3 credits).

The course closely examines how modern Vietnamese society and its culture were formed over the course of its history using various aspects such as arts, architecture, Romanized script, education, literature, trading patterns, missionary activities, and wars. In particular, through tracing and discussing important historical, social, and political elements, students will: a) identify which traits the Vietnamese culture shares with other communities of wet-rice growers in Southeast Asia, b) describe how Vietnam has been integrated into the cultural system of Eastern Asia, including Japan and Korea, under the strong influence of China, and c) illustrate how modern Vietnamese society embraces Western culture through trade, Catholicism and colonization.

Prerequisites: any Asia-related course with the following prefixes: ASH, CHI, CHT, JPN, JPT, REL, VTN. Lectures and readings are in English. No knowledge of Vietnamese is required.

Homework

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Final Grades

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Grading Scale

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Attendance and Late Policy

Attendance is mandatory.