Modern Asian Civilizations Intro Lecture

1. Modern Asian CivilizationsIntro Lecture Professor 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 19th 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 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. Exercise caution in interpreting: • Too often the mistake is made that interpretations are riddled with judgments that say little about historical developments but much about the observer’s own biases. • Ex. Thinking that your cultural traditions are superior to those of others…for example governmental institutions of the west superior to those from other regions and thus right in replacing them. Definition of ‘progress’ along western model versus how these other regions might define it…forcing institutions that run counter to their traditions concerning gender roles, ownership of land (communal versus individual), imposing consumerism, etc.

9. 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’

10. Asian Continent Inner Eurasia OuterEurasia

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