Japanese imperialism
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
This course has now started
Course Code: HWH76
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
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What is the course about?
This course provides a short introduction to Japanese imperialism during the period between World War One and World War Two [1914 - 1945]. We will examine the idea of Japanese imperialism during the war and it’s acquisition of territories under a League of Nation’s mandate at the end of World War One; through to its domestic political-military issues of the 1930s leading to its demise at the end of World War Two.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
• Acquisition / annexation of territories and peoples by the Japanese empire
• Issues of racial tensions and economic exploitation
• The development and rise of Japanese imperialism in the context of global imperialism during this period.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Explore aspects of Japan’s imperialism in the Asian-Pacific region
• Examine the reasons and responses to Japan’s imperial actions and expansion in the Asian-Pacific region.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an ‘introductory’ level course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good standard of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our history and current affairs courses. As with all of our history and politics courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen and to think about views with which you are not familiar or may not agree, are more important than any previous knowledge or experience in the subject matter.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will consist of tutor presentations, some audio and video clips as appropriate, some in-class readings for discussion, as well as opportunities for questions and comments.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.
Optional background reading on the topic:
- W.G. Beasley (1987) Japanese Imperialism 1894-1945. Oxford University Press.
- R.H. Mayers and M.R. Peattie (1984) The Japanese Colonial Empire, 1895-1945. Princeton University Press.
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When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HWH95 World War II: Collaboration and resistance across the globe
HWH26 Japan after the Second World war
HWH96 The Global Cold War.
Dale joined City Lit in 2010 and has taught a range of courses in the history and politics programmes. She also teaches in the Politics and Geography Departments at Birkbeck, University of London. She has a PhD in Politics from the University of Durham, and has taught at the Universities of Durham, Limerick, Bedfordshire, and has guest lectured at the University of Birmingham. She has a keen interest in American history/politics, European history/politics, democratic transitions & states, and global issues like the environment, migration and civic edudation. When not teaching, Dale is usually found buried in books (both textbooks and fiction!), baking, still making attempts to learn French, hiking, or squeeking away as a beginner - learning to play the violin.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
