131-422 Asia in Paradigms of World History

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history.

This subject explores changing paradigms in world history with particular reference to Asia. Hegel supposed that China and India lay outside the domain of world history, waiting to be drawn into it by a youthful and vigorous Europe, whose rise marked the inexorable progress of Reason. In this subject, we shall reflect on how globalization theory and postcolonialism in the post-Cold War era have produced a revisionist, post-Hegelian paradigm in world history. This revisionism has involved reconfiguring Asia's historical place, particularly but not only in histories of the Early Modern World.

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and classroom discussion

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

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts of knowledge

• demonstrate writing skills through conducting a discussion and constructing an argument in clear prose.

A seminar paper 1500 words, 30% (due mid semester) and a research essay 3500 words, 70% (due end of semester)

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester