Course Syllabus

Course Information

ISGS 3335/501: U.S. and East Asia

(22504):
Spring, 2011
Class Meeting Time: 7 – 9:45 PM, Tu.
Class Location: CB1 1.106

Professor Contact Information

Dr. Dachang Cong dccong@utdallas.edu

Office Location: HH 2.302 972-883-2297
Office Hours: M and W 10 -11:30 AM And by Appointment
The School of Interdisciplinary Studies
The University of Texas at Dallas

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

There are no pre-requisites.

Reading, critical thinking, and writing skills are essential.
Every student should have a college writing guide.

Course Description

The goal of this course is to examine the interactions and contrasts between the United States and East
Asia from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course focuses on the complex cultures and intricate
economic systems of China, Japan, and the United States. Topics also include conflicts in political ideals,
economic relations, trans-Pacific diplomacy, and the strategies of doing business with East Asia. The
course highlights how the three countries cope with crises and disasters. Other topics include the spread
of American influence (Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and Wall Street), the rise of East Asia’s economic
power, and the global economic crisis.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able:

1. To gain a thorough understanding of the interactions and contrasts between the United States
and East Asia from an interdisciplinary perspective.
2. To identify and describe new realities and new changes in the cultures and economies of
China, Japan, and the United States.
3. To offer critical and constructive comments on how China, Japan, and the United States
should work with each other in diplomacy and international trade.

Course Syllabus Page 1

 Required Textbooks and Materials

Chang, Lesley.
Factory Girls.
Kingston, Jeff.
Contemporary Japan.
Lowenstein, Roger.
The End of Wall Street.

Suggested Course Materials

The instructor will suggest a number of web sites, TV programs, and movies.

Assignments & Academic Calendar

I Orientation Jan. 11
Introduction to East Asia
The Rise, Fall, and Comeback of East Asia's Economic Power
The Global Economic Crisis

II The U.S. and East Asia in a Changing World Jan. 18

The U.S. as the Global Leader
The Three Economic Systems (1)

III Decoding Japanese Culture, Society, and Economy (1) Jan. 25

The Spread of American Influence in Global Economy
The Three Economic Systems (2)

Kingston. Contemporary Japan, Part I.

IV Decoding Japanese Culture, Society, and Economy (2) Feb. 1

Economic and Social Crises in Japan (1)
Understanding Japanese Management

Kingston. Contemporary Japan, Part II.

V Decoding Japanese Culture, Society, and Economy (3) Feb. 8

Economic and Social Crises in Japan (2)
Doing Business with the Japanese

Kingston. Contemporary Japan, Part III.

VI Decoding Japanese Culture, Society, and Economy (4) Feb. 15

Understanding the Japanese Mind

Kingston. Contemporary Japan, Part IV and V

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VII Reading Chinese Culture, Society, and Economy (1) Feb. 22
Doing Business with the Chinese
Midterm

Chang. Factory Girls, Chapters 1- 4.

VIII Reading Chinese Culture, Society, and Economy (2) Mar. 1

Understanding Chinese Management

Chang. Factory Girls, Chapters 5 - 8.

IX Economic and Social Crisis in China Mar. 8

Reading Chinese Culture, Society, and Economy (3)

Chang. Factory Girls, Chapters 9 - 12.

X Deciphering the Global Economy (1) Mar. 22

Reading Chinese Culture, Society, and Economy (4)

Chang. Factory Girls, Chapters 13 - 15.

XI Deciphering the Global Economy (2) Mar. 29

U.S. and the global Economic Crisis (1)

Lowenstein. The End of Wall Street, Chapters 1 – 5.

XII Deciphering the Global Economy (3) Apr. 5

U.S. and the global Economic Crisis (2)
The Rest of East Asia

Lowenstein. The End of Wall Street, Chapters 6 – 10.

XIII Deciphering the Global Economy (4) Apr. 12

U.S. and the global Economic Crisis (3)
The Global Digital Revolution

Lowenstein. The End of Wall Street, Chapters 11 – 15.

XIV The Future of the U.S.-East Asia Relations Apr. 19

U.S. and the global Economic Crisis (4)
Challenges for China, Japan, and the U.S.
Final take-home exam questions to be distributed.

Lowenstein. The End of Wall Street, Chapters 16 – 20.

XV Conclusion Apr. 26

XVI Term Paper and Final Exam Due May 5

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Grading Policy

Each student is required to write a term paper. The paper is based on original/ethical fieldwork. He or she
is also required to complete two exams (essay questions).
1) Term paper 50% of final grade
2) Exams 40% of final grade
3) Class participation 10% of final grade
Poor attendance and late work will cause a reduction in the final grade. The instructor will make
a decision on the reduction according to the degree/nature of poor attendance and belatedness.

Course & Instructor Policies

Attentiveness to lectures is required.

Electronic gadgets should be turned off in classroom.
Class participation is essential. Late work will impact on the grade negatively.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

For UTD rules and regulations, please visit

http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies

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