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Centre for East Asian Studies 2014–2015 Study Leaflet (updated
16.10.2014)
The Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS) offers both a Bachelor level Minor in East Asian Studies
(MEAS, 25 credits) and a Master’s Degree Programme in Asian Studies (MPAS, 120 credits). Some of
the contents of this leaflet are subject to change during the term as more information on individual
courses is made available. Please check the Centre’s website or intranet regularly for updates.
General contact information
Centre for East Asian Studies
Arwidssoninkatu 1, bldg. 12
http://www.utu.fi/ceas, [email protected]
https://intranet.utu.fi/en/units/soc/units/ceas/
Samu Kolehmainen, Executive Administrator
[email protected]
Tel: +358 2 333 6965
Teacher contact information
Lauri Paltemaa
Professor pro tempore
[email protected] – Consultation: Tue 14–15
Annamari Konttinen
University Teacher
[email protected]
Outi Luova
University Lecturer
[email protected]
Silja Keva
University Teacher
[email protected]
Hermann Aubié
Doctoral candidate
[email protected]
Antti Leppänen
University Teacher
[email protected]
Jukka Aukia
Doctoral candidate
[email protected]
Kanako Kuramitsu
Japanese language teacher
kurakana28@hotmail
Junxin Jiang
Doctoral candidate
[email protected]
Meng Qinglan
Chinese language teacher (Hanban)
[email protected]
Pilvi Ahonen
Doctoral candidate
[email protected]
Jung Ah Kwon
Korean language teacher
[email protected]
Consultation with teachers is by appointment only, except as indicated.
Academic year 2014 – 2015
The academic year is divided into two terms, autumn and spring. Teaching in the autumn term starts on 1
September 2014 and ends on 19 December 2014. The spring term begins on 7 January 2015 and ends
on 31 May 2015. Note that different courses may have varying start dates and durations, so check the
individual course times under each course or the Summary of courses list at the end of the leaflet and with
individual teachers.
Course times and venues
Exact lecture times are indicated, where available, in each course description and at the end of the Study
Leaflet. Unless noted otherwise, all lectures, seminars and exams take place in the Centre for East Asian
Studies lecture hall, see address above.
Registration for optional courses (not language)
The optional courses have a registration requirement of minimum 5 students in order for them to be
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organised. Students need to register to these courses two weeks prior to the start date through Nettiopsu.
Finnish University Network for Asian Studies course schedule
Students can take Master’s level courses from the Finnish University Network for Asian Studies
selection. Application period for both autumn and spring terms is 1-30 September 2014. The courses and
application forms are found on the Network’s website at http://www.asianet.fi/.
Grading
All courses are graded on a scale of 1-5 unless noted otherwise.
Literature exams
For more information on what literature exams are and how to study for them, please consult the Study
Techniques Guide on the Centre’s intranet.
If not specified otherwise, literature exams are taken on one of the exam dates below (approximately once
a month on Fridays) at 12:00 in lecture halls Publicum I & II. You will be called to one of these halls, so
be there early. Remember to bring your own pencil and eraser.
Registration for the literature exams takes place through the NettiOpsu system (http://nettiopsu.utu.fi) at
least one week before the exam, or in the case of the June and August dates, by the end of May. Literature
exam dates in 2014–2015 are as follows:
2014: 5 September, 3 October, 31 October, 28 November
2015: 9 January, 6 February, 6 March, 10 April, 15 May
The Faculty of Social Sciences has decided that starting from summer 2015 the Electronic Exam Service
will be taken into use on for summer exams. More information will be made available later – for now, see
https://tenttis.utu.fi/.
Lecture exams
You do not need to register separately for lecture exams. For each lecture course with a final exam, you
have two chances to take the final exam at the end of the course, plus a last chance exam. Last chance
exams are held at CEAS on Fridays 16 January 2015 and 15 May 2015 at 12:15. You must sign up for
the last chance exams just as you would for a literature exam.
Moodle
Most of the courses listed below make use of the Moodle online learning environment. UTU Moodle
environment is located at http://moodle2.utu.fi/, and can be accessed with an utu.fi email account or
through the Finnish HAKA federation of universities. General information on Moodle is available at
http://www.moodle.org/.
Orientation for Master's Degree Programme in Asian Studies (MPAS) students
Welcome meeting
Students who begin their studies in the Master’s Programme are invited to and should attend a welcome
meeting at the Centre at 10 a.m. on Friday 29 August 2014. During the meeting, the Centre’s personnel
are introduced, the Programme’s structure explained and students’ questions answered. In the afternoon
of the same day, student tutors will give a tour of the Centre’s facilities and surroundings.
Further events will be announced at the welcome meeting and on the Centre’s website. Info on other
orientation courses arranged by the University’s International Office and the Faculty of Social Sciences
can be found at http://www.utu.fi/en/studying/masters-degree-programmes/Pages/Orientationcourse.aspx.
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Obligatory orientation seminar
There will be an obligatory orientation seminar on Friday 5 September 2014 at 10 a.m. This half-day
seminar will introduce students to studies in the MPAS. Issues introduced include the following: good
studying and writing practices, the various types of exams (lecture exam, literature exam etc.), the lecture
passport, and the Moodle online learning environment. Participation in this seminar is a mandatory
requirement for new Master's students.
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Minor in East Asian Studies (25 credits)
Learning outcomes: Students of the Minor in East Asian Studies will learn the basics of East Asian (i.e.
Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) societies, politics, and history. They will know and be able to recognize
the most important social and political events, personages, and social trends in the region, are aware of
the topical social and political issues in the region. After completing the minor, students will be fully
capable of carrying out their studies further in the field of East Asian studies or apply their learning in
various professions related to East Asia.
Students in Contemporary History who take the East Asia study line (A3.5) will take 21 credits to
complete the line, i.e. all modules except language studies. These students are however, encouraged to
take the whole minor by completing also the required language studies. They can receive a separate
certificate by request on completing the study line.
The courses marked (MA) are open to students of the Master's Degree Programme in Asian Studies in
their Module 6: Other Studies.
Signing up to the Minor
Sign up for the Minor in East Asian Studies beforehand by email to [email protected] by 25 August 2014.
Please note in the message your main subject, your student number, which language you want to study
(Chinese, Japanese or Korean) and at which level.
By signing up, those that choose Chinese will become eligible for participation in the courses organized
by the Language Centre in the CEAS quota and do not need to sign up separately with the Language
Centre. Japanese language will have a pre-selection process through Moodle. An exam at the end of it
will determine who will be selected to Beginner’s Japanese I.
Students can also take individual Minor courses without registration. When you have completed the
required amount of credits, please get in touch with the Executive Administrator to register the whole
Minor.
The Minor studies coordinator
The programme coordinator for the Minor in East Asian Studies 2014-2015 is Annamari Konttinen.
Please contact her with any questions concerning studies in the Minor.
MINOR – STUDY MODULES
MODULE 1: Introduction to East Asia
Learning outcomes: In the introduction module to East Asia, students will learn about the basic histories
as well as social and political structures of the nations in the region. All courses in this module are
obligatory.
MEAS1008 Introduction to East Asian History (Silja Keva & Hermann Aubié) 4 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will be familiar with the main historical development of the East
Asian region and individual countries from pre-modern era to the present, know their major
events, persons and trends and thus acquire the basis for further study of the region.
Contents: The course introduces the historical development of the region.
Taken as: Lectures (24 h), literature and exams
Time: Autumn 2014, Thursdays 10-12, starting on 4 September 2014.
Literature: Schirokauer, Conrad and Donald Clark: Modern East Asia: A Brief History (2004).
The course book is available for loan to students at the CEAS office.
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MEAS1002 Introduction to Contemporary East Asia (Junxin Jiang) 2 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will learn about the most central aspects of present-day East Asian
societies, polities, and economies.
Contents: The course focuses on the social, political, and economic state of contemporary China,
Japan and the Koreas.
Taken as: Online lectures, readings and assignments
Times: Online course in Moodle, starts 1 September 2014, sign up by entering the course site in
Moodle by 8 September at the latest: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=263, enrolment
key: “MEAS1002”.
MODULE 2: Nations and States
Learning outcomes: In the Nations and States module, students will learn about each individual major
nation in the region. After completing the module, students will know the major trends in the
developments of each society and their most topical social and political issues. All courses in this module
are obligatory.
MEAS1024 Introduction to Chinese Contemporary History (Lauri Paltemaa, online course) (MA) 2
credits
Learning outcomes: Students will learn the general course of contemporary Chinese history (c.
1949 to present), its major events, personages, policies and contradictions.
Contents: The course introduces students to Chinese contemporary history from the Civil War to
the present. The central theme in the course is to follow the folding and unfolding of the
Communist experiment in China and the emergence of a new aspiring economic and political
superpower by the early 21st century.
Taken as: Online lectures (18 h) available throughout the year, home exams (1 each month)
Times: Academic year 2014-2015
Home page: http://www.asianet.fi/
Moodle https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=305, enrolment key: “MEAS1024”
MEAS1031 Introduction to Chinese Contemporary History Literature Exam (Lauri Paltemaa) 2
credits
Learning outcomes: Students will learn the general course of contemporary Chinese history (c.
1949 to present), its major events, personages, policies and contradictions.
Contents: As an independent part of the Introduction to Chinese Contemporary History course
students will read one recent general history on the topic (either in Finnish or in English).
Taken as: Literature exam
Literature:
o Paltemaa, Lauri and Juha Vuori: Kiinan kansantasavallan historia (2012) OR
o Gittings, John: The Changing Face of China: From Mao to Market (2006)
MEAS1010 Japanese Society (Annamari Konttinen) (MA) 4 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will learn to recognize and to analyse the diversity and complexity
of contemporary Japanese society and culture.
Contents: Themes treated in the course include gender and equality, popular culture, traditional
arts, minorities, nationalism, religion and social movements. These are put in historical and
comparative perspective while the Japanese self-understanding is discussed.
Taken as: Supervised reading, lectures (16h), and writing assignments.
Recommended previous studies: For minor students MEAS1002. This course is also
recommended for MA students with little or no background in Japanese studies.
Times: autumn 2014, Mondays 16-18, starting on 6 October 2014.
Home page: Moodle https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=436, enrolment key “MEAS1010”
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MEAS1025 The Intertwined Histories of North and South Korea (Antti Leppänen) (MA) 4 credits
Learning outcome: The course provides tools for understanding the complex relationship of the
two Koreas, paying attention to political, economic and socio-cultural developments.
Contents: Since the separation of North and South Korea in 1948, the two countries have
developed in different directions with only limited mutual interaction. Regardless of that, the two
states have affected each other's policies, economies, and socio-cultural developments, both
directly and indirectly. The course looks at the key questions of the contemporary history and
society of the two Koreas, paying special attention to their complex relationship.
Taken as: Lecture course or book exam and essay taken during the same academic year. Contact
the teacher to agree upon the topic of the essay. Length of the essay ca. 3 000 words.
Literature:
Buzo, Adrian: The Making of Modern Korea (2nd edition, 2007)
Gelézau; De Ceuster and Delissen (eds.): De-bordering Korea: Tangible and intangible legacies
of the Sunshine Policy (2013)
Time: Autumn 2014, Tuesdays 16-18, starting on 9 September 2014.
MODULE 3: Topical Issues in East Asia
Learning outcomes: In module 3, students will be introduced in depth to selected topical issues in the
region. They will understand the issue and be able to analyse its significance to a given society, the East
Asian region and globally.
Choose at least one of the courses below to complete this module.
MEAS1030 Regional Cooperation in East and Southeast Asia (Silja Keva) (MA) 3 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will learn to understand and analyse the current trends in Regional
Cooperation in Asia.
Contents: In addition to a short historical introduction, the course focuses on current trends and
most important actors in regional cooperation, such as ASEAN+3, East Asia Summit etc.
Students can choose which area of cooperation they want to focus on. Possible topics include
security cooperation, non-traditional security risks, production networks, free trade agreements
etc.
Taken as: Online course, readings, short assignment and independent media analysis on a chosen
topic in Finnish or English.
Times: Spring term 2015, starts on 4 March 2015. Sign up in NettiOpsu by 28 February 2015.
Link to Moodle course site: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=268, enrolment key
“east_asia”
MEAS1028 Media Reading Course (Silja Keva) (MA) 3 credits
Learning outcomes: The students learn to analyse Chinese and Japanese media and understand the
basic features that affect them.
Contents: This course introduces students to newspapers and the media culture of China and
Japan. Topics covered in this course include censorship, government control, media ownership,
press clubs, reporters and politicians’ connections etc. The course material consists of online
articles, e-newspapers and other reading material. The students conduct an independent media
analysis on a current East Asian news topic of their own choice by following the English-language
media in China and/or Japan.
The course material consists of online articles, e-newspapers and other reading material.
Taken as: Online course. Reading materials, short assignment and a media analysis essay in
Finnish or English.
Times: Spring term 2015, starts on 4 March 2015. Sign up in NettiOpsu by 28 February 2015.
Link to Moodle course site: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=267, enrolment key
“media”
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MODULE 4: Language Studies
Learning outcomes: Students will learn the basics of one of the major languages in the region (Chinese,
Japanese, and/or Korean) or continue their studies on a more advanced level with at least 4 credits.
Language studies (Language Centre teachers/CEAS teachers) 4 credits/term
Learning outcomes: Courses in basic to intermediate Chinese, Japanese and/or Korean.
Contents: Students may choose Chinese, Japanese or Korean at any level.
For details, contact the Language Centre (http://kielikeskus.utu.fi).
Or, if the student’s skills permit
Advanced language studies (Kuramitsu/Meng/Kwon) 5 credits/term
Learning outcomes: Lessons in writing and speaking Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. Chinese and
Japanese are for students who already have completed all language studies at the Language Centre
or have a good command of the language. See the Master’s Programme module 7 for more.
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Master’s Degree Programme in Asian Studies (120 credits)
Learning outcomes: By taking the Master’s Degree Programme in Asian Studies students will become
experts in the field of East Asian Studies. They will acquire in-depth knowledge of the national and
regional issues in the area and will have mastered at least one major language in the region on an
intermediate level on their graduation. Through their pro gradu Master’s thesis projects students will gain
necessary research skills and expertise on a specific issue of their own choosing in the region.
The application period to the Master’s Degree Programme is at the turn of each year from the beginning
of December to the end of February, and the yearly intake is 15 students. For more information on
admission, please see http://www.utu.fi/en/units/soc/units/ceas/studying/mpas/Pages/home.aspx. Students
at UTU can also take individual Master’s courses without being full-time students in the programme.
DEGREE STRUCTURE
The Master’s degree in Asian Studies consists of a minimum of 120 credits (cr) of studies. To finish his
or her degree a student must complete the required studies in the following categories:
Methodology and MA thesis, 60 cr: Obligatory modules 1 (Methodology; 20 cr), and 5 (Master’s
Thesis; 40 cr)
Obligatory Subject Studies in Modern and Contemporary East Asia, 20 cr: courses from Modules
3 and 4. Obligatory courses totalling 20 cr, which all students must take, are marked with *.
Optional Subject Studies in Modern and Contemporary East Asia 16 cr: freely chosen 16 credits
of courses from Modules 2, 3, 4 and 6.
These can also include studies in the Minor marked with “MA”, relevant courses from
other units at UTU and exchange studies
Obligatory and Optional Subject Studies must total at least 36 credits, but can be more.
Language studies 10 to 20 credits in East Asian languages + 4 cr Academic English: in Module
7, consisting of Advanced Academic Writing in English (4 cr, should be taken during the first
autumn term) plus at least 10 credits in an East Asian language. A maximum of 20 credits of an
East Asian language will count towards the degree.
Students should have mastered at least one major language in the region on an
intermediate level on their graduation.
Students who are taking less than 20 credits of East Asian languages need to include the
remaining credits from the Optional Subject Studies
Based on the language teacher’s assessment, a waiver can be given for the language
studies requirement to students who master a major East Asian language on an advanced
level. These students must take an equal amount of other (subject and/or other) courses
instead. A waiver for academic English is granted by the Language Centre.
English on level 2 or 3 and/or Finnish courses on any level at the Language Centre
can also be included in the degree and are recommended for students who have
received a waiver. Please contact the language teacher if you want a waiver.
All studies must add up to a minimum of 120 credits, but the total number of credits can, and
often will be, more.
The courses marked as obligatory with (*) are compulsory for students beginning this year. If the courses
change, students will be instructed how to substitute obligatory courses with other courses so that they
can meet their degree structure requirements. If unavailability of a course threatens to delay a student’s
graduation, please contact the study coordinator.
Personal Study Plan (HOPS) and study coordinator
All new students in the Master’s Degree Programme in Asian Studies will also create a personal study
plan (HOPS) during the first term. The study plan is discussed and approved with the MPAS study
coordinator. The Master’s Degree Programme coordinator 2014-2015 is Lauri Paltemaa. Please contact
him with any questions concerning the programme and the HOPS.
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MASTER’S PROGRAMME STUDY MODULES
MODULE 1: Methodology in Asian Studies
Learning outcomes: After completing module 1, students master the basic research and scientific writing
methods in East Asian studies and are able to utilize them in their own research projects.
MPAS2050 Methodology in East Asian Studies (*) (CEAS) 6 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will learn how to prepare for independent research of the region in
social sciences by gaining basic knowledge in the special requirements and pertinent tools of data
acquisition and data analysis as well as specific theoretical and paradigmatic issues in East Asian
studies.
Contents: The course introduces students to the process of preparing, conducting and reporting
their research in the field of East Asian studies. It deals with the practical methods of acquiring
and analysing data from different sources.
Taken as: Lectures (36 h); assignments; readings; exam. A student can have a waiver for this
course after the first two sessions if s/he earns the grade 4 or higher in the waiver exam.
Times: Spring 2015, Wednesdays 14-18 when Master’s research seminars are in recess
Literature:
Selected reference materials in Moodle: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=311,
enrolment key “methods”
Course text book TBA.
CEAS Writing and Research Guide (2013),
https://intranet.utu.fi/fi/yksikot/soc/yksikot/ceas/Documents/CEAS-WritingResearchGuide.pdf
MPAS2141 Methodology selective studies (*) (CEAS) 2 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will deepen their knowledge of the research method best suited for
their own MA Thesis
Contents: Workshops offer a combination of detailed instruction on a selected data analysis
method as well as hands-on learning experience. Essays will be based on reading packages
Taken as: Workshop (12h) or essay on one of the following topics:
o Historiography and archival work
o Statistics, data banks and quantitative analysis
o Conducting and analysing interviews
o Ethnography
o Policy analysis
o Mixed-method approaches
Times: Autumn 2014 – Spring 2016 (courses on different topics announced separately)
MPAS2125 Methodology in East Asian Studies Literature Exam (*) (CEAS) 2 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will learn how to prepare for fieldwork in the region.
Contents: The self-study course contains literature on conducting fieldwork in Japan and in China.
Taken as: Literature exam.
Times: Suggested: spring 2015.
Literature:
Heimer, Maria and Stig Thøgersen (eds.): Doing fieldwork in China (2006) OR
Bestor, Theodore C., Patricia G. Steinhoff and Victoria Lyon Bestor (eds.): Doing Fieldwork
in Japan (2003) OR
Reader on fieldwork in Korea compiled at CEAS, available from Antti Leppänen as PDF file
on request
Other literature TBA
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MPAS students can also watch the online lectures in the Ph.D. level course CEAS1023 Fieldwork
Methods in Asian Studies and take part in seminars for doctoral students. The password to the online
lectures can be acquired from Network University Lecturer Outi Luova.
Research seminars (*) (CEAS) MPAS2002 (2 cr), MPAS2022 (2 cr), MPAS2032 (3 cr), MPAS2042 (3
cr); total 10 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will learn critical thinking, research, and writing skills, social
scientific argumentation and presentation skills necessary to accomplish their Master’s thesis.
Contents: This course consists of four sections taken over a two-year period – MPAS2002 (2
credits), MPAS2022 (2 credits), MPAS2032 (3 credits), MPAS2042 (3 credits) – which help
students complete their pro gradu (Master’s thesis) project. Students are assigned a supervisor at
the beginning of their first term according to their selected field of study: contemporary China
(Lauri Paltemaa), contemporary Japan (Annamari Konttinen), and contemporary Korea (Antti
Leppänen). Each student participates in the seminar under his/her assigned supervisor, but can
change their supervisors if their thesis topic changes. The seminar groups of first year students and
advanced students may convene separately as necessary.
Taken as: Seminars. Regular attendance, timely and satisfactory completion of assignments, and
willingness to participate actively in class discussions are essential. The course codes for 1st year
student seminars are MPAS2002 and 2022; for advanced student seminars MPAS2032 and 2042.
Study groups: While research seminars are in recess, students can participate in study groups.
Students are assigned their own study groups at the beginning of study year, but can change
groups if needed.
Grading: Pass/fail.
Times: Autumn and spring terms 2014-2015. All students will convene on 10 September 2014 at
2 p.m. for their joint organizing meeting (obligatory for all students) and the How to Researchsession for first year Master's students will be held on September 17 from 2PM to 6PM First-year
students are encouraged to listen in on the seminars of the more advanced students.
MODULE 2: Histories of East Asian Countries
Learning outcomes: After completing module 2, students will be able to answer questions on the modern
histories and historiography of the East Asian region. They will also gain in-depth knowledge in selected
issues in regional and national histories.
MPAS2106 Modern Histories of East Asian Countries (Lauri Paltemaa) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: Upon completing the course, students will master general modern histories of
all major East Asian nations from the beginning of the modern era in the region to the present.
Contents: The literature package provides general history of the major events and developments
of the region since the 19th century until current times and should therefore be taken as early on in
studies as possible. The course is especially recommended for those new students who do not have
background in East Asian history.
Taken as: Literature exam.
Recommended time: First term
Literature:
Korea: Cumings, Bruce: Korea’s Place in the Sun: a Modern History (2005)
Japan: Gordon, Andrew: A Modern History of Japan – From Tokugawa Times to the Present
(2003)
China: Fenby, Jonathan: The Penguin History of Modern China – The Fall and Rise of a Great
Power 1850-2008 (2nd edition, 2013)
Note: Students who are required to complete MPAS2091 Contemporary Japanese History or
MPAS2092 Contemporary Chinese History as their obligatory studies can substitute one of these
courses with this course.
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MPAS2142 History politics in East Asia (Lauri Paltemaa and Annamari Konttinen) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: Upon completing the course, students will have mastered a number of central
themes in the contemporary histories of China and Japan.
Contents: The course examines the basic points of contention and co-operation in the modern and
contemporary Sino-Japanese relations. These include the wars, the inter-dependent pathways to
economic growth and issues of historiography.
Taken as: Workshop (16 h) and book exam. Workshop consists of classroom and online
discussions and writing assignments and ends with an exam.
Obligatory prerequisite: MPAS2106 should be completed before starting this course
Time: Spring 2015, XX January 2015.
Literature: Yahuda, Michael: Sino-Japanese Relations After the Cold War: Two Tigers Sharing a
Mountain (2013). A reader and a reading list will be provided for coursework
Moodle: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=4048, enrolment key: “MPAS2142”
Note: Students who are required to complete MPAS2091 Contemporary Japanese History,
MPAS2092 Contemporary Chinese History or MPAS2126 Contemporary Chinese and Japanese
History as their obligatory studies can substitute one of these courses with this course and a book
agreed with the University Lecturer.
MPAS2143 Contemporary Chinese History Readings Course (Lauri Paltemaa) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: After the completion of this course, students will have gained in-depth
understanding on the central contentious issues in contemporary Chinese history and
historiography and how they relate to present-day politics in China.
Contents: This course explores the history of China from the revolution to the present by making
students read and analyse primary and research sources on the contentious issues in contemporary
Chinese history such as the nature of the revolution and the war of resistance against Japan,
Korean War, Sino-Soviet relations, the Maoist Society, the Great Leap Forward and the Great
Famine, the Cultural Revolution, the beginning of the economic reforms and the road to the
Tian’anmen Incident 1989.
Taken as: Lectures and discussions 24 h. Writing assignment based on historical source materials
and research articles.
Recommended prerequisite: MPAS2106 or MEAS1024/1031 should be completed before starting
this course.
Time: Spring 2015
Literature: Reader in Moodle.
MPAS2026 Moulding Japanese Society 1945-1975 (Seija Jalagin, online course organized by
University of Oulu) 6 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will be able to describe and analyse the political, economic and
social transformation of Japan during the decades following World War II. In political and
economic issues the focus is both on national and international context .
Contents: Thematic modules consist of the following: national and international politics, Japan in
international economics, the national identity, educational policy, and social system of Japan.
Taken as: Online lectures (26 h) offered by Japanese and Finnish experts, examination, and an
essay.
Grading: On a scale of 1-5 (lecture and exam: 70%, essay: 30%)
Literature: Stronach, Bruce: Beyond the Rising Sun. Nationalism in Contemporary Japan (1995).
The book is accessible in Ebrary (see the UTU library website).
Times: Autumn 2014, 2 October – 17 November 2014
Application: Application 1-30 September 2014 through the website of the Finnish University
Network for Asian Studies http://www.asianet.fi. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to
the course in the order of application. The course is targeted at Master's level students.
Homepage: http://www.asianet.fi/
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MODULE 3: Contemporary Politics, Societies, and Economies of East Asia
Learning outcomes: After completing module 3, students will have gained in-depth knowledge on
contemporary politics, societies and economies of East Asian nations.
Literature exam:
MPAS2008 Advanced Country Studies (CEAS) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: Through this self-study unit students deepen their knowledge on the
contemporary social and political issues of a chosen East Asian nation.
Contents: Students must choose a total of ca. 1,000 pages of research literature on one country
from the three lists of course books below: China, Japan, and the two Koreas. It is recommended
that students take this exam after having taken MPAS2106 Modern Histories of East Asian
Countries. This exam can be substituted by writing a literature review based on several books of
the student's choice after consultation with the examiner.
Taken as: Literature exam
Times: Second year (suggested)
Teachers: Lauri Paltemaa (books on China), Annamari Konttinen (books on Japan), Antti
Leppänen (books on Korea).
Choose 3 books from one of the following lists
Literature on China:
o Shirk, Susan L.: China – Fragile Superpower (2007)
o Fewsmith, Joseph: Logic and Limits of Political Reform in China (2013)
o Zhao, Yuezhi: Communication in China (2008)
o Mattlin, Mikael: Politicized Society – the Long Shadow of Taiwan’s One-Party Legacy
(2010)
o Vogel, Ezra F.: Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China (2011)
o Perry, Elizabeth J. and Mark Selden (eds.): Chinese Society – Change, Conflict and
Resistance 3rd ed. (2010)
o Chen Jie: Transnational Civil Society in China – Intrusion and Impact (2012)
o Zhou, Kate: China's Long March to Freedom: Grassroots Modernization (2011)
Literature on Japan:
o Inoguchi, Takashi & Purnendra Jain (eds.): Japanese Politics Today: From Karaoke to
Kabuki Democracy (2011)
o Kingston, Jeff: Natural Disaster and Nuclear Crisis in Japan (2012)
o White, Merry Isaacs: Perfectly Japanese: Making Families in an Era of Upheaval (2002)
o Allison, Anne: Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination (2006)
o Schwartz, Frank J and Susan J. Pharr (eds.): The State of Civil Society in Japan (2003)
o Goodman, Roger, Yuki Imoto and Tuukka Toivonen (eds.): A Sociology of Japanese
Youth (2012)
Literature on Korea:
o Kihl, Young Whan and Hong Nack Kim (eds.): North Korea –The Politics of Regime
Survival (2005)
o Kihl, Young Whan: Transforming Korean Politics: Democracy, Reform, and Culture
(2004)
o Kim, Byung-Kook and Ezra F. Vogel (eds.): The Park Chung Hee Era : the
Transformation of South Korea (2011)
o Cumings, Bruce: The Korean War – a History (2010)
o Chang, Yunshik and Steven Lee (eds.): Transformations in Twentieth-Century Korea
(2006)
o Armstrong, Charles (ed.): Korean Society: Civil Society, Democracy, and the State (2nd
edition 2007)
o Kwon, Heonik and Byung-Ho Chung: North Korea: Beyond Charismatic Politics (2012)
o Kendall, Laurel (ed.): Under Construction: The Gendering of Modernity, Class, and
Consumption in the Republic of Korea (2002)
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China
MPAS2061 Chinese Politics (*) (Lauri Paltemaa) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: Upon the completion of the course, students will be familiar with the key
concepts used to analyse Chinese politics, the policy process and its outcomes.
Contents: The course deals with the contemporary Chinese political system, its formal and
informal structure as well as performance and various issues in it. Topics include political regime
and its change, state-society relations, minorities, ideology, media, social classes, contentious
politics, the question of social equity, nationalism, and the party-state’s role in the legal system.
Taken as: Lectures (24 h), lecture exam, writing assignments.
Times: Autumn 2014, Tuesdays 10-12, first session 2 September 2014.
MPAS2019 Chinese Economy (CEAS/Turku School of Economics) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: The course deepens students' knowledge on various topical issues of the
contemporary Chinese economy.
Contents: Issues covered during the course include macroeconomic issues in contemporary China.
The course is essential for students in social sciences and business studies for understanding
Chinese economic development and its challenges.
Times: spring term 2015
Taken as: TBA
Grading: on a scale of 1-5
Literature: TBA
Application: Application 1-30 September 2014 through the website of the Finnish University
Network for Asian Studies http://www.asianet.fi. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to
the course in the order of application. The course is targeted at Master's level students.
Homepage: http://www.asianet.fi/
MPAS2144 Civil Society and Grassroots Movements in East Asia (Hermann Aubié) 3 credits
Learning outcomes: This course aims to inform and stimulate students to explore and discuss the
current development of State-Civil Society relations in East Asian countries with an emphasis on
China. We will read texts and watch videos to examine how citizens mobilize new media and rule
of law to defend their human rights against the repressive discourse and practices of the
authorities.
Contents: The course addresses various topics and stories related to the protection of legal rights
such as Freedom of Expression and Association, Access to Information and Education, Land use
and Environmental Protection as well as Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Taken as: Lectures and a 2 000 word essay exam + active preparation and participation before and
during each session.
Grading: 1-5
Times: Autumn term 2014, Wednesdays 14-16, first session 24 September.
Homepage: Moodle.
MPAS2145 Rightful Resistance and Public Interest Litigation in China (Junxin Jiang) 3 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will be able to deepen their understanding of rightful resistance in
China in which Chinese citizens make use of legal instrument to assert their legitimate rights, push
for a responsible government and voice their concerns about social issues against the backdrop of
socio-economic transition.
Contents: The course focuses on rightful resistance to the state from civil society by examining
public interest litigation (PIL) that is a noteworthy social phenomenon over the past seventeen
years. The course covers the following themes: rightful resistance and conventional resistance,
preserving stability and rights defence; citizen action and public participation; the party/state’s
reaction to PIL; and the role of media in PIL.
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Taken as: Lectures (16 h), discussions and writing assignment.
Grading: On a scale of 1-5, active class discussion: 30%; essay: 70% (3 000 words).
Times: spring 2015, late March.
Literature: Eva Pils (2006). “Asking the tiger for his skin: rights activism in China,” Fordham
International Journal, Vol.30, Issue 4.
Feng Chongyi (2013). “Preservation social stability and rights protection: conflict or coherence?”
Journal of Current Chinese Affairs, Vol.42, No.2.
Fu Hualing (2011). “Challenging authoritarianism through law: potentials and limit,” National
Taiwan University Law Review, Vol.6, No.1.
Keith J. Hand (2007). “Using law for a righteous purpose: the Sun Zhigang incident and evolving
forms of citizen action in the People’s Republic of China,” Columbia Journal of Transnational
Law, Vol.45, No.1.
Helen Hershkoff (2009). “Public law litigation: lessons and questions,” Human Rights Review,
Vol.10, Issue 2.
Kevin J. O’Brien (1996). “Rightful resistance,” World Politics, 49.1.
Lai Yongshun (2008). “Local governments and the suppression of popular resistance in China,”
The China Quarterly, No.193.
Homepage: Moodle
MPAS2099 Introduction to Chinese Law (Yifeng Chen, online course organized by University of
Helsinki) 4 credits
Learning outcomes: The course offers the students a basic understanding of the contemporary
legal system in the Peoples' Republic of China.
Contents: The rule of law construction in China has achieved much progress since the adoption of
reform and open-up policy in 1978. The course adopts a normative approach and examines the
status quo of laws and legal institutions in China. The course shall be organized to address three
layers of Chinese law and practice. The first part of the course aims to understand socially and
contextually the conceptions of law and rule of law in China, or, the Chinese legal mentality. The
second part provides an overview of general structure of China’s legal system such as sources of
law, judicial system, dispute resolutions and legal profession. The third part shall focuses on
specific sections of Chinese law, for example, China’s constitutional law, administrative law,
contract, property law, commercial law, environmental law, labour law, etc.
Taken as: Online lectures, readings and a 4,000-word essay.
Times: Spring 2015, March
Application period: Apply 1–30 September 2014 through the website of the Finnish University
Network for Asian Studies http://www.asianet.fi. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to
the course in the order of application. The course is targeted at Master's level students.
Home page: http://www.asianet.fi/
MPAS2146 China’s Urbanization and Sustainability (Outi Luova) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: After the course, students will be able to analyse major trends and challenges
of sustainable development in urban China and the global effects of China’s urbanization.
Contents: The course examines the dynamics of China’s urbanization from the angle of
sustainability: what are the crucial environmental and social issues and what have the local
governments done in order to tackle the problems? How effective have the local actions been?
What is the role of NGOs, social movements and international cooperation in the attempts to
create livable cities? In addition to detailed case studies, these questions are discussed in a global
context – what are the specific features of China and in which ways are the problems and
solutions typical for rapidly urbanizing countries.
Taken as: contact teaching (12h), online teaching (4h), digital story, learning diary
Digital story: Students prepare in small groups (2-3 students) a digital story about one Chinese
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city and a specific urbanization-related problem that the city faces. The digital story can be done
by preparing a PPT presentation and then adding voice narration to the PPT.
Grading: Digital story (40%), learning diary (60%)
Literature: Xuefei Ren: Urban China (2013), course readings and articles.
Times: Spring 2015, biannually
MPAS2154 Literature and Life in China (University of Oulu, TBC) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: After this course the students will be able to analyse the major political and
social functions of literature in China, recognise the major literary motives and cultural icons from
the history to present day and to understand the current challenges between literature and life.
Contents: Literature and Life in Chinese civilization have formed a symbiosis different from the
one Europeans know and mostly expect without even reflecting on possible differences and their
implications. Life is global, but literature bound to contexts of language, culture and civilization.
The medium of Chinese literature is the only written language of the world that has survived for
more than 3 millenniums from the origins of what might be truly called "Chinese" civilization. In
the first section of this seminar we will investigate the political and social functions of literary
Chinese throughout its history up to the present. The second section will focus on contents literary motives, cultural icons - and discern their various expressions in erudite and vernacular
works which will help us to understand the mental diversity that was brought with the high degree
of stratification in traditional Chinese society. In the third and final part we will deal with major
changes in 20th and 21st centuries' literature, investigate the impact made by the difficult issue of
building China as a nation and create our own approach to the problem of how the rapidness in the
series of radical breaks that characterizes China's way into a world that still has to recognize
Chinese civilization as its part reflects and crystallizes in a contemporary symbiosis of literature
and life.
Taken as: Online lectures, readings, assignments
Times: early spring 2015
Application period: Apply 1–30 September 2014 through the website of the Finnish University
Network for Asian Studies http://www.asianet.fi. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to
the course in the order of application. The course is targeted at Master's level students.
Home page: http://www.asianet.fi
Japan:
MPAS2111 Contemporary Japanese Politics and Society (*) (Annamari Konttinen, online course) 5
credits
Learning outcomes: Students acquire tools for understanding and analysing important, topical,
and partly interrelated issues in contemporary Japanese society.
Contents: The course builds an understanding of the undercurrents behind the recent changes in
Japanese society by studying the ethos and practices of post-war economic growth, the recession
of the 1990s as well as the reforms, restructuring, and new openness of the past few years. Topics
include: democracy and media, the construction state and environmental problems, development
of civil society, changes in family structure, education, organized crime and nationalism. Students
are encouraged to find a topic of special interest to them.
Taken as: Online lectures (24h); written assignments based on the lectures and supplementary
materials; exam.
Obligatory prerequisite for students with no previous studies on modern Japan: For students with
little or no previous studies on modern Japan, MEAS1010 is essential preparation for this course.
Times: November-December 2014, starting on November 10 (only for CEAS Master's students,
enrollment instructions published in October on Taotao mailing list). For Network students: early
spring 2015 (see application instructions below).
Application period: 1-30 September 2014. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to the
course in the order of application through the website of the Finnish University Network for Asian
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Studies http://www.asianet.fi. The course is targeted at Master's level students.
Home page: http://www.asianet.fi/
Moodle: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=435, enrolment key: “Contemporary Japan”
MPAS2074 Issues in Japanese Politics: Gender Politics (Annamari Konttinen) 2/4 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will be able to analyse Japanese politics, its policy process and its
outcomes by looking at various current issues. The theme for Spring 2015 course is Gender
Politics.
Contents: The course deals with the contemporary Japanese political system, its formal and
informal structure as well as various issues in it. Visiting lecturers will give talks on specific
issues in Japanese politics.
Taken as: Lectures (8 h), readings and exam (2 credits), research paper (2 credits, optional).
Times: Intensive course, spring 2015, schedule TBA. Sign up in NettiOpsu.
Moodle: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=3004, enrolment key: “MPAS2074”
Korea
MPAS2147 Korea in Northeast Asian Politics and Culture (Antti Leppänen) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: Participants will become familiar with Korea in the Northeast Asian context
in terms historical and contemporary society, politics, and culture.
Contents: the course will first depict Korea in the historical context in the East Asian world order,
and continue with Korea’s entry into the world of first Japanese and then American hegemony.
The course finishes with a look at Korea as a modern Northeast Asian state, engaging USA as
newly developed ally, economic partner, and competitor, and China and Japan as a source of
modern Asian culture.
Taken as: Lectures (24 h), writing assignments
Literature: A reading list with compulsory and alternative readings will be provided.
Times: autumn 2014, Thursdays 16-18, first session 11 September 2014.
MPAS2137 Transformations of Korean Culture and Society(*) (Antti Leppänen) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will become familiar with the key developments and changes of the
Korean society and the main ideas, concepts, and categories of contemporary Korean culture.
Contents: The course begins with an overview of the preindustrial Chosôn-era society, and
approaches contemporary Korea through institutions and phenomena such as family and kinship,
religion, societal and economic change, modernization, and civil society.
Taken as: Lectures, reading and writing assignments and final essay.
Literature: List of readings will be provided before the course.
Times: Spring 2015. First session XX February 2015.
MODULE 4: East Asia in Regional and Global Context
Learning outcomes: After completing module 4, students are able to analyse the East Asian area as a
regional whole, know the major inter-dependencies in the region and its conflict points as well as cooperative and inter-governmental structures. Students will also learn about the region’s interaction with
the West and the rest of the world.
MPAS2001 Understanding East Asia (*) (Lauri Paltemaa) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: Upon the completion of the course, students will know the major historical
and contemporary Western scientific and popular debates concerning the East Asian region.
Contents: What has East Asia meant for Western people and how have they understood it in
history? The course analyses how and why the West has been interested in East Asia throughout
history and how this has influenced different scientific and popular conceptualizations of the
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region and its societies, peoples, polities and economies. Further, how have the East Asians
responded to Western discourses on them and their societies? The course will go through premodern conceptions on the Orient, Sinocentrism, colonialism, Civilization, the “Yellow Peril”,
Pan-Asianism, totalitarianism, the Domino Theory, East Asian Development Models, the “Asian
Values” debate and the Japan and China rising debates.
Taken as: Lectures (24 h), summaries, debates, and exam.
Literature: Course reader (in Moodle).
Times: Autumn 2014, Mondays 10-12. First session on 8 September 2014.
Home page: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=647
MPAS2112 Regional Issues in East Asia (Outi Luova) 4 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will be able to analyse the historical and current dynamics of Asian
integration, its main driving forces and impeding factors.
Contents: In 2005, the first East Asian Summit brought together 16 countries from Asia and
Oceania marking the birth of an extensive regional cooperation forum. The course deals with the
unique historical circumstances behind the remarkable rise of East and Southeast Asia and the
emerging regional forms of cooperation in various fields, such as economy, security and
environmental questions. Both state and grassroots level cooperation will be addressed.
Taken as: Option for a lecture course. Literature exam and essay taken during the same academic
year. The book by Calder and Ye can be used during the exam.
Contact the teacher to agree upon the topic of the essay. Length of the essay ca. 3 000 words. The
final grade is the average value of the literature exam and the essay.
Times: No fixed time. The book exam and the essay can be taken at any time during one academic
year. For the exam, please register in NettiOpsu for the faculty exam date.
Literature:
Calder, Kent and Min Ye: The Making of Northeast Asia (2010) AND
Cheema, G. Shabbir; McNally, Christopher A. and Popovski, Vesselin: Cross-Border
Governance in Asia: Regional Issues and Mechanisms (2011)
Home page: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=315, enrolment key “MPAS2112”
VALT6231/MPAS2155 China’s Economic Foreign Policy and Global Economic Governance
(Mikael Mattlin) 4 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course deepens students' knowledge on China’s economic foreign policy
and its impact on global economic governance.
Contents: Over the past decade, China has emerged as a global economic force. The old adage
about the USA sneezing and Europe catching a cold increasingly applies also to the relationship
between China’s economy and that of other economies, especially in Asia. China’s global
economic effects were first apparent in cross-border trade networks, attraction of inward direct
investment and commodity purchases. Now these effects cover most aspects of global trade,
investment and finance. It is therefore more pertinent than ever to pay close attention to the
economic aspects of China’s foreign policy and how it impacts on global economic governance
structures, processes and modes of operation. This lecture course highlights both the domestic
origins of China’s foreign economic policies and their multifaceted impacts on global economic
governance. Topics such as the political significance of China’s state-directed cross-border
investment, China’s emergence as a major player in development assistance, as well as the
internationalisation of the Chinese currency, will be tackled during the course.
Times: Autumn 2014 as classroom teaching (first lecture at Contemporary History, the rest at
Political science Wed 16-18, 10.9.-29.10.); autumn 2015 as online teaching
Taken as: Lectures (16 h), essay (ca 10 pages), lecture diary, small group assignment that is
presented in a concluding seminar.
Grading: on a scale of 1-5
Literature: TBA
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MPAS2132 East Asian Economies and Underworlds (Jukka Aukia) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will gain a better insight into the economic aspects of East Asian
societies and the ways in which social scientists conceptualize legal and illegal, licit and illicit
activities as well as to assess critically the literature on forms of economic activity that is not
authorized by states.
Contents: The course deals with the economic aspects of East Asian societies that are located on
the divide between legal and illegal. The aim is to go beyond conventional understandings that
place states and criminal organizations at two opposites - the course would look at various
theoretical approaches to underworlds and the political economy of unauthorized trade and
migration. Case studies include: organized crime, history and meaning of opium economy; the
trafficking of humans, small arms, body parts, and endangered species; illegal banking, piracy.
Taken as: Workshop series
o 6 meetings during the course of a semester
o For each meeting students read 2-3 journal articles / book chapters / other texts, and based
on those write an essay of max 500 words with an original research question
o Essays are handed in at the start of each session
o Meetings consist of short introductory lectures, (student presentations, documentary videos)
and active discussion based on the reading material and student essays
o At the end of each meeting students receive (oral, written) feedback on previous essays
o Regular attendance, timely and satisfactory completion of assignments, and willingness to
participate actively in class discussions are essential
Times: Spring 2015
Signing up: Sign up through NettiOpsu by XX.
MPAS2133 What Food Crisis? (Outi Luova, online course) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: After the course students will be able to critically analyse the food security
issue in the Northeast Asian context. At a more general level, students will learn to approach
complex contemporary issues in Northeast Asia from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Contents: The course seeks to shed light on the development of food consumption in East Asia.
Proceeding from the macro to the micro level, it will explore past and current trends in East Asian
eating habits, changes in attitudes towards food, the role of the agricultural sector and food
industry, retailers and the state, the power of marketing, socio-economic inequalities, and the
possible consequences for national governments, public health and quality of life.
Taken as: Online lectures (11), course readings, 3 small assignments, essay, online seminar.
Grading: small assignments (30%), essay (50%), online seminar (20%).
Times: Spring 2015
Application: Apply 1–30 September 2014 through the website of the Finnish University Network
for Asian Studies http://www.asianet.fi. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to the course
in the order of application. The course is targeted at Master's level students.
Home page: http://www.asianet.fi/
MPAS2034 Sino-Indian Issues (Eero Palmujoki, online course organized by University of Tampere)
6 credits
Learning outcomes: The aim of the course is to provide theoretical and conceptual tools for
analysing the prevalent issues in Asia, focusing on the perceived problems on the Sino-Indian
axis.
Contents: The course combines the lenses of Sino-Indian relations and various theoretical
approaches to security for viewing the contemporary structure of security issues in the Asian
context. Security is understood here as encompassing a variety of topics including economic,
trade, environmental, societal and military sectors.
Taken as: Online lectures (15 h) including the approaches to security (Juha Vuori), to geopolitical
issues (Sanjay Chaturvedi), and to subject matters on the security on the Sino-Indian axis (JingDong Yuan); supervised readings; lecture diary; essay.
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Times: Spring 2015
Application: Apply 1–30 September 2014 through the website of the Finnish University Network
for Asian Studies http://www.asianet.fi. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to the course
in the order of application. The course is targeted at Master's level students.
Home page: http://www.asianet.fi/
MPAS2035 Politics in East Asia (Pekka Korhonen, online course organized by University of
Jyväskylä) 5 credits
Learning outcomes: Provide students with an understanding of the developmental and conflictual
dynamics of East Asia within the world political structure.
Contents: The lectures deal with various conceptualizations of East Asia in history and in recent
politics, concentrating, however, on the traditional triangle of Korea, Japan, and Chinese polities.
Parts of the lectures analyse the region with traditional theoretical tools of international politics,
but the perspective is widened to economic cooperation, demographic changes, and rhetorical
politicking, which are useful perspectives for understanding the region as it is nowadays.
Taken as: Online lectures; readings; essay
Times: April 2015
Application: Apply 1–30 September 2014 through the website of the Finnish University Network
for Asian Studies http://www.asianet.fi. A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to the course
in the order of application. The course is targeted at Master’s level students.
Home page: http://polsineasia.wordpress.com/
MODULE 5: Master’s Thesis (Pro Gradu)
Learning outcomes: After completing module 5 (the Master’s thesis), the students will:
o Possess the adequate ability, knowledge and understanding that provide a basis for
developing original ideas within an academic context.
o Be able to integrate knowledge and processes complex information that link to the chosen
research topic.
o Be capable of independent reporting, source-finding, critical thinking and analysis,
problem formulation and solving, argumentation, and reasoning.
o Be able to clearly communicate research findings to specialists and non-specialists.
MPAS2009 Pro Gradu Thesis (*) (Designated thesis supervisors) 40 credits
Learning outcomes: The goal is to complete a master’s thesis of approximately 25,000 words on a
topic related to East Asia.
Contents: The thesis is an independent study. For details, refer to the CEAS Writing and Research
Guide: https://intranet.utu.fi/fi/yksikot/soc/yksikot/ceas/Documents/CEASWritingResearchGuide.pdf
Taken as: Thesis and maturity test.
Grading: On a scale from approbatur to laudatur
MODULE 6: Other Studies
Learning outcomes: Module 6 consists of various optional study units, which students may find
interesting for their academic and cultural development.
MPAS2038 Excursion / study tour (Antti Leppänen) 2 credits
Learning outcomes: Students familiarize themselves with a topical event / institute / company /
exhibition related to East Asia.
Contents: An excursion arranged by the Centre to an event / institute / company / exhibition.
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Details T.B.A.
Taken as: Learning diary.
Grading: pass/fail
MPAS2159 East Asian Film (Annamari Konttinen) 2 credits
Learning outcomes: Students will acquire skills in critically viewing and analysing interpretations
of Asia.
Contents: Students will screen a number of East Asian films that have won significant critical
acclaim and shaped the understanding of the societies and eras that they depict both among
domestic and international audiences. They will then use related background materials for writing
short analytical papers.
Taken as: Supervised movie screening, writing assignments.
Grading: 1-5
Times: autumn 2014, Mondays 18-20, starting 13 October.
MPAS2069/2086 Lecture Passport (Lauri Paltemaa, Annamari Konttinen) 2 credits
Learning outcomes: Students familiarize themselves with various issues related to East Asia based
on visiting lectures, attendance at seminar or conference sessions, Ph.D. defence sessions etc.
Contents: Six lectures/events arranged by the Centre or other institutions.
Taken as: A two-page learning diary on each of the six sessions.
Grading: pass/fail
Times: Lecture times announced on the Centre’s intranet page and the student email list.
MODULE 7: Language Studies
Learning outcomes: After completing Module 7 students master at least one major regional language on
intermediate level.
Language studies include the obligatory course on Advanced Academic Writing organized by the
Language Centre plus 10-20 credits of language studies. All Master’s students must take a minimum of
10 credits of East Asian languages. Students should have mastered at least one major language in the
region on an intermediate level by their graduation. Please note that completing the required intermediate
level courses may require more than 10 credits of studies.
Placement tests and waivers
Placement/waiver tests for Japanese and Chinese language studies are on 1 September 2014 at 10 a.m. in
the Centre’s lecture hall.
MPAS2012 Advanced academic writing (*) (Language Centre) 4 credits
Learning outcomes: The course covers many of the aspects to be taken into account in writing an
academic research paper in English.
Contents: Discourse approach. Anglo-American writing conventions; style and appropriateness;
handling references and avoiding plagiarism; organising text; constructing a research paper;
coherence and cohesion; sentence structure; academic vocabulary; grammar; use of articles;
punctuation.
Taken as: The university’s Language Centre organizes a course Advanced Academic Writing:
Social Sciences. Details on the Language Centre’s website. If you think you are eligible for a
waiver, please settle this with the Language Centre.
Students with little previous experience on academic writing in English are suggested to start with the
Introduction to Academic Writing course offered by the Language Centre.
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MPAS2056/2066 Intermediate Japanese I & II (Kanako Kuramitsu) 5 credits per term
Learning outcomes: The aim of this course is to make students’ understanding of basic (JLPT N3level) grammar solid and to further develop language skills so that they can advance to upper
intermediate level. Emphasis of this course is on enabling students to interact with a degree of
fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers on familiar matters
possible.
Contents: Conversational practices, exercises (grammar, listening, Kanji), reading comprehension
and short essays.
Taken as: Lectures (2*2h/week)
Grading: On a scale of 1-5. Written exam 70%, presentation 20%, class
participation/assignments/attendance 10%.
Times: Autumn and spring terms, Tuesdays and Thursdays 18-20. First session on 9 September.
A placement test for Japanese language studies is arranged on 1 September 2014 at 10 a.m.,
indicating which level is most appropriate.
Course materials: Textbook (An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese), authentic
materials (newspaper/magazine article, etc.), etc.
Home page: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=979.
MPAS2152/2153 Upper Intermediate Japanese I & II (Kanako Kuramitsu) 5 credits per term
Learning outcome: The aim of this course is to further develop students’ language skills, enabling
them to clearly and fluently express their viewpoint on topical issues. Students will also learn
JLPT N2-level grammar and vocabulary.
Contents: Conversational practices, discussions, exercises (grammar, listening and Kanji), reading
comprehension and short essays.
Takens as: Lectures (2*2h/week)
Grading: On a scale of 1-5. Written exam 70%, presentation 20%, class
participation/assignments/attendance 10%.
Times: Autumn and spring terms, Wednesdays 10-12 and Fridays 8:30-10. First session on 10
September. A placement test is arranged on 1 September 2014 at 10 a.m.
Course materials: Textbook (Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced),
authentic materials (newspaper/magazine article, TV news video clip, etc.), etc.
Homepage: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=980
MPAS2080/2081 Advanced Japanese I & II (Kanako Kuramitsu) (5 cr) credits per term
Learning outcomes: The aim of this course is to enable students to read long and complex factual
and literary texts, to listen and speak about specialized social and academic topics and to write
clear, well- structured texts. Students will also learn JLPT N1-level grammar and vocabulary.
Contents: Discussions/debates, exercises (grammar, listening and Kanji), reading comprehension,
short essays/summary of texts.
Taken as: Lectures (2*2h/week)
Grading: On a scale of 1-5. Written exam 70%, presentation 20%, class
participation/assignments/attendance 10%.
Times: Autumn and spring terms, Tuesdays and Thursdays 14-16. First session on 9 September.
A placement test for Japanese language studies is arranged on 1 September 2014 at 10 a.m.,
indicating which level is most appropriate.
Course materials: JLPT N1-level grammar books, authentic materials (newspaper/magazine
article, TV news video clip, radio program, etc.), etc.
Home page: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=981
MPAS2157/2158 Advanced Research Japanese I & II (Kanako Kuramitsu) 5 credits per term
Learning outcomes: The aim of this course is to enable students to read primary sources and
conduct their fieldwork projects in Japan using Japanese as their working language. It focuses
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media and academic text reading based on the students' field of research. It also trains the students
in writing conventions of different academic and formal genres of texts, as well as in skills
required by correspondence and application writing. In addition, pragmatic skills such as
conducting searches in different academic and media databases and assessing materials are
emphasized.
Contents: Reading comprehension, presentation, mock interview, writing outlines/ summaries/
research proposals/ interview questionnaires, etc.
Taken as: Lectures (1*2h/week) + private tutorials
Grading: On a scale of 1-5: Assignments 60%, written exam 30%, class participation/attendance
10%.
Times: Autumn and spring terms, Mondays 14-16. First session on 8 September. A placement
test for Japanese language studies is arranged on 1 September 2014 at 10 a.m., indicating which
level is most appropriate.
Course materials: Textbooks (Academic Japanese for International Students, Japanese for
International College/ Graduate Students, etc.), academic texts and primary sources
(newspaper/magazine articles, etc.) based on students’ topics of interest, etc.
Homepage: https://moodle2.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=5161
MPAS2083/2084 Intermediate Chinese I & II (Meng Qinglan) 5 credits per term
Learning outcomes: Students learn to understand the main points of clear standard input on
familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They should be able to deal
with most situations likely to arise, to produce simple connected text, to describe experiences and
events, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. After this course,
students can attend the advanced intermediate Chinese course.
Contents: Lessons in reading, writing and speaking Chinese for students who already have a good
command of the language.
Taken as: Language training, 4 h/week.
Course material:
3, and supplementary materials.
Times: Autumn and spring terms, Mondays 8:30-10:00 and Thursdays 8:30-10. First session on 8
September.
Note: A placement test for Chinese language studies is arranged on 1 September 2014 at 10 a.m.,
indicating which level is most appropriate.
MPAS2097/2098 Advanced Intermediate Chinese I & II (Meng Qinglan) 5 credits per term
Learning outcomes: Students learn to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete
and abstract topics, including discussions in their field of specialization. They should be able to
interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native
speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
Contents: Lessons in reading, writing and speaking Chinese for students who have already
reached the intermediate level.
Taken as: Language training, 4 h/week.
Course material:
4, and topical news articles
Times: Autumn 2014 Mondays 12-14 and Wednesdays 8:30-10:00. First session on 8 September.
Note: A placement test for Chinese language studies is arranged on 1 September 2014 at 10 a.m.,
indicating which level is most appropriate.
MPAS2134/2149 Advanced Research Chinese I & II (Meng Qinglan) 5 credits per term
Learning outcomes: Students learn to understand long and complex articles in the field of Chinese
research. They should be able to read with ease virtually all forms of written Chinese, including
abstracts, structurally complex articles such as specialized articles and simple literary works. They
should be able to use language flexibly and effectively for professional purposes. They can
formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate their contribution skilfully to those of other
speakers.
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Contents: Lessons in reading, speaking and writing Chinese for students who have already
reached the advanced intermediate level.
Taken as: Lectures (4h/week) and readings; classroom participation and lecture exam.
Course material: Articles about correlative study on Chinese research.
Times: Autumn 2014, Tuesdays 12-14 and Thursdays 10-12. First session on 9 September.
MPAS2102/2103 Elementary Korean I & II (Kwon) 5 credits per term
Learning outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to understand and speak
Korean in various situations of everyday life, such as introducing oneself, telling time, asking
directions etch. Students will also be able to read and write in Hangeul (
).
Contents: Lessons in basic grammar, listening and speaking in simple Korean as well as reading
and writing in simple Hangeul.
Taken as: Lectures 2*2h/week, exercises (grammar, conversation), final exam
Course material:
1A and 1B (Student’s book and Workbook)
Times: Autumn 2014 and spring 2015 Mondays 14-16 and Wednesdays 12-14. First session on 15
September.
Notes: Sign up to the course through NettiOpsu. Maximum number of students: 20.
MPAS2150/2151 Lower-intermediate Korean I & II (Kwon) 5 credits per term
Learning outcomes: This course aims to improve more Korean language competence for the
learners who have basic knowledge and communication skills in Korean. Students will be able to
communicate in varied real-life situations in Korea, and also be able to read easy stories and
articles, and write short writings relevant to their own interests.
Contents: This course offers the opportunity to learn more advanced grammar, to practice
listening and speaking dialogues in various situations, to practice reading articles and stories, and
to write short writings with some different topics.
Taken as: Lectures 2*2h/week, exercises (grammar, conversation), final exam
Course material:
2A and 2B (Student’s book and Workbook)
Times: Autumn 2014 and spring 2015 Tuesdays 8:30-10 and Thursdays 8:30-10:00. First session
on 16 September.
Notes: Sign up to the course through NettiOpsu. Maximum number of students: 20.
Courses also offered
Any late additions to the curriculum, visiting lecturers and additional courses will be announced on
the Centre’s website at http://www.utu.fi/ceas, on the student email list as well as the notice board outside
the student room.
Substituting studies: Students may substitute part of their studies with courses taken in other
departments, universities or scientific institutes. Students must obtain approval for substituting
beforehand from the responsible course teacher or the programme coordinators: Lauri Paltemaa for MA
students and Annamari Konttinen for students taking the Minor.
Asian Studies on the Doctoral Level
Admission into the doctoral program of the Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS) is in compliance with
the guidelines for postgraduate studies set out by the Department of Political Science and Contemporary
History, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
For details, please visit http://www.utu.fi/en/units/soc/research/postgraduate-studies/Pages/home.aspx,
and http://www.utu.fi/en/units/soc/units/ceas/research/doctoral/Pages/home.aspx. Prospective students
also need to make arrangements with the prospective thesis supervisor at CEAS.
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Contact person: Professor Lauri Paltemaa.
Doctoral candidates are required to present their research plan and findings to the Centre's
research seminar
Candidates are required to complete 240 credits (ECTS) of work for a Ph.D., consisting of a
dissertation (180 credits) and academic courses and other work worth 60 credits
The 60-credit courses and other work can be taken in the forms of various kinds of studies
indicated on the CEAS website (see the link above).
Candidates are required to keep personal records of the academic work and studies they have
completed and they are required to update their study attainment form yearly with their thesis
supervisor.
Studies need to be approved by the thesis supervisor.
PhD level courses offered in 2014–2015
CEAS offers the following courses this academic year. Master’s level students can apply to watch the
lecture videos for these PhD level courses, but they may not get credits for them.
There are also regular doctoral research seminars, which Master’s level students are encouraged to attend.
The doctoral research seminars can be used for entries in the lecture passport. A list of future doctoral
seminars can be found on the Centre’s website at
http://www.utu.fi/en/units/soc/units/ceas/research/doctoral/seminars/Pages/home.aspx.
CEAS1023 Fieldwork Methods in Asian Studies (China, Japan, Indonesia) (Luova) 4 credits
Learning outcomes: Improvement of the knowledge and skills for accessing information in Asian
countries. The course enables the doctoral candidate to make a fieldwork design which is
manageable and realistic and to choose a data collection method that is tightly linked to research
aims.
Contents: The course deals with approaches to the collection and analysis of different kinds of
data in one Asian country. Moreover, it examines the challenges and opportunities involved in
applying them. Topics include the use of historical archives; the collection and analysis of primary
sources; as well as interviewing and surveys.
Taken as: Based on the lectures and selected readings, the doctoral candidate writes a 3,000-4,000
word essay to present the chosen method of data collection and analysis, and to argue for its
relevance for the research topic. He/she should discuss relevant approaches for the acquisition and
analysis of the primary data and consider the eventual challenges. Furthermore, he/she should
propose a justified selection of primary data and a method of its acquisition. The essay is
evaluated by an expert in the topic of the essay.
Grading: pass/fail
Application: Application periods are 1-30 September 2014 and 10-21 November 2014 through the
website of the Finnish University Network for Asian Studies (http://www.asianet.fi).
Times: The course should be taken during one semester. The deadlines for submitting the essay
are May 31 and December 31.
Literature: Selected readings list on the course website
Home page: http://www.asianet.fi/
CEAS1024 Localising Theories (Luova) 4 credits
Learning outcomes: The course enables the doctoral candidate to pursue locally relevant
theoretical forms and concepts.
Contents: The course introduces the doctoral candidate to the academic discussion on the
relevance of area studies and the applicability of universal theories on localities.
Taken as: Based on the course materials, the doctoral candidate writes a 3,000-4,000 word essay
to present a locally relevant theoretical and/or conceptual framework for the thesis, with a
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justification for its applicability. Ideally, the essay can be incorporated into the theory section of
the PhD thesis. The essay is evaluated by an expert in the topic of the essay.
Grading: pass/fail
Application: Application periods are 1-30 September 2014 and 10-21 November 2014 through the
website of the Finnish University Network for Asian Studies (http://www.asianet.fi).
Times: The course should be taken during one semester. The deadlines for submitting the essay
are May 31 and December 31.
Literature: Selected readings list on the course website
Home page: http://www.asianet.fi/
CEAS1038 Seminar attendance
Summary of courses
Full-term contact teaching, autumn 2014
MEAS1008 Introduction to East Asian History
MEAS1010 Japanese Society
MEAS1025 The Intertwined Histories of North and South Korea
MPAS2061 Chinese Politics
MPAS2147 Korea in Northeast Asian Politics and Culture
MPAS2001 Understanding East Asia
MPAS2159 East Asian Film
Full-term contact teaching, spring 2015
MPAS2050 Methodology in East Asian Studies
MPAS2142 History Politics in East Asia
MPAS2143 Contemporary Chinese History Readings Course
MPAS2137 Transformations of Korean culture and society
Language studies (I in autumn 2014, II in spring 2015)
MPAS2056/2066 Intermediate Japanese I & II
MPAS2152/2153 Upper Intermediate Japanese I & II
MPAS2080/2081 Advanced Japanese I & II
MPAS2157/2158 Advanced Research Japanese I & II
MPAS2083/2084 Intermediate Chinese I & II
MPAS2097/2098 Advanced Intermediate Chinese I & II
MPAS2134/2149 Advanced Research Chinese I & II
MPAS2102/2103 Elementary Korean I & II
MPAS2150/2151 Lower-intermediate Korean I & II
Literature exams
MEAS1031 Introduction to Chinese Contemporary History Literature Exam
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MPAS2125 Methodology in East Asian Studies Literature Exam
MPAS2106 Modern Histories of East Asian Countries
MPAS2008 Advanced Country Studies
MPAS2112 Regional Issues in East Asia (includes essay)
Intensive courses
MPAS2038 Excursion / study tour (autumn 2014)
MPAS2074 Issues in Japanese Politics (spring 2015)
Online courses
MEAS1002 Introduction to Contemporary East Asia (autumn 2014)
MEAS1024 Introduction to Chinese Contemporary History (whole academic year 2014-2015)
MEAS1030 Regional Cooperation in Asia (March–May 2015)
MEAS1028 Media Reading Course (March–May 2015)
MPAS2026 Moulding Japanese Society 1945-1975 (autumn 2014)
MPAS2019 Chinese Economy (late autumn 2014)
MPAS2099 Introduction to Chinese Law (spring 2015)
MPAS2154 Literature and Life in China (spring 2015)
MPAS2111 Contemporary Japanese Politics and Society (spring 2015)
MPAS2133 What Food Crisis? (Spring 2015)
MPAS2034 Sino-Indian Issues (spring 2015)
MPAS2035 Politics in East Asia (spring 2015)
Apply to online courses on 1–30 September 2014 through the website of the Finnish University Network
for Asian Studies( http://www.asianet.fi). A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to each course in
the order of application from all member universities of the Network. The courses are targeted at Master’s
level students.
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Centre for East Asian Studies teaching timetable 2014-2015
Master’s Programme (MPAS) courses are on white background, Minor in East Asian (MEAS) courses on grey. All contact teaching takes place at the Centre
for East Asian Studies, Arwidssoninkatu 1, building 12. Some sessions are held in the larger lecture hall, some in the smaller seminar room beyond the
library, as indicated in italics.
Autumn 2014
TIME
8.30-10
Monday
10-12
MPAS2001 Understanding
East Asia
Lecture hall
12-14
MPAS2097 Advanced
Intermediate Chinese I
Lecture hall
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
MPAS2104 Lowerintermediate Korean I
Lecture hall
MPAS2083 Intermediate
Chinese I
Lecture hall
MPAS2061 Chinese Politics
Lecture hall
MPAS2097 Advanced
Intermediate Chinese I
Lecture hall
MPAS2152 Upper
Intermediate Japanese I
Lecture hall
MPAS2134 Advanced
Research Chinese
Lecture hall
Language Centre: Chinese
beginner
MPAS2080 Advanced
Japanese I
Lecture hall
Language Centre: Japanese
beginners
MPAS2102 Elementary
Korean I
Lecture hall
MPAS2104 Lowerintermediate Korean I
Lecture hall
MPAS2083 Intermediate
Chinese I
Seminar room
MEAS1008 Introduction to
East Asian History
Lecture hall
MPAS2134 Advanced
Research Chinese
Seminar room
Visiting lecturers
14-16
MPAS2102 Elementary
Korean I
Lecture hall
MPAS2157 Advanced
Research Japanese I
Seminar room
16-18
MEAS1010 Japanese
Society
Lecture hall
MEAS1025 The Intertwined
Histories of North and South
Korea
Lecture hall
Language Centre: Japanese
continuation
18-20
MPAS2159 East Asian Film
Lecture hall
MPAS2056 Intermediate
Japanese I
Lecture hall
MPAS2152 Upper
Intermediate Japanese I
Lecture hall
MPAS2002/2022 etc. MA
Research Seminars OR
MPAS2144 Civil Society
and Grassroots Movements
in East Asia (see desc. for
details)
Lecture hall
MPAS2032/2042 etc. MA
Research Seminars OR
MPAS2155 China’s
Economic Foreign Policy
and Global Economic
Governance
Political science LH
Literature exams
Publicum building, I&II
Language Centre: Chinese
beginner
MPAS2080 Advanced
Japanese I
Lecture hall
Language Centre: Japanese
beginners
MPAS2147 Korea in
Northeast Asian Politics and
Culture
Language Centre: Japanese
continuation
MPAS2056 Intermediate
Japanese I
Lecture hall
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Spring 2015
TIME
8.30-10
10-12
12-14
14-16
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Literature exams
Publicum building,
I&II
16-18
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