131-210 Total War: Asia & the Pacific 1931-1952

Usually 12.5 points of first-year history or Asian studies.

This subject explores the World War II in Asia and the Pacific through lectures, videos, slides, and music. Within a political, social, economic, industrial, environmental, legal, moral, racial, military, and diplomatic context we will explore such questions as: Why did Japan attack America, Singapore, Australia? What role did race place in both the planning and execution of the war? Why were time, distance, intelligence, environment, medicine, and material so important in this conflict? What accounts for the Nanking Massacre and what makes an act of war a 'war crime?' Why did the Americans, who so vociferously condemned the bombing of civilians in China by the Japanese so willingly target Japanese civilians in 1945? How fair were the post-war trials and can war crimes trials ever be 'fair'? On completion of this subject students should have a solid understanding of the factors that led to this conflict, its nature, and the way it fundamentally shaped the world, relations between state and society, and the nature of warfare itself. This subject will change the way you view the most important event of the Twentieth Century.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A research essay proposal, historiography, and annotated bibliography exercise of 1000 words 20% (due 31 January), a research essay of 3000 words 70% (due 23 February), and tutorial participation 10%.