Lecture Notes: Introduction to East Asia - Culture and History (AEAS 177, AHIS 177)

Instructor: Michael Chan

• Semester: Fall 2024
• Course Registration Numbers (CRNs):
  • EAS section: 8547
  • HIS section: 8548

Course Overview

• Purpose: General survey course introducing the East Asian region, focusing on China, Japan, and Korea.
• Topics Covered:
  • National and transnational cultures and heritages.
  • Interactions and historical backgrounds.
  • Manifestations in art, literature.
  • Influence of Western powers in the 20th century.
  • Aspects like language, philosophy, religion, and art.
• Course Goals:
  • Attain basic understanding of East Asian cultures.
  • Engage in knowledge acquisition.

Course Format and Expectations

• Format: Primarily quiz-based, equivalent to rigorous in-person courses.
• Time Commitment: Approx. 6 hours of study per week.
• Engagement: Assessed through quizzes; student engagement is critical.
• Course Structure:
  • Video lectures, assigned readings, and quizzes.
  • Two quiz assignments per week.
  • Midterm and final exams based on course modules.
• Accessing Course Materials:
  • Course website via Brightspace (URL: brightspace.albany.edu).
  • Navigating Brightspace for content, calendar, announcements, grades.

Course Requirements and Policies

• Assignments:
  • Regular quizzes (55% of grade).
  • Map assignment (5% of grade).
  • Midterm and final exams (20% each).
• Late Policy: Strict no late assignments unless for documented emergencies.
• Professionalism: Students must maintain respectful communication.
• Grading Scale: Adjusted scale from A to E.
• Integrity: No unauthorized collaboration; academic honesty is enforced.

Brightspace and Technical Information

• Navigation Tips:
  • Use content browser, calendar, and announcements to keep track of assignments.
  • Utilize video subtitles and transcripts for better understanding.
  • Search PDFs and transcripts for efficient study.
• Technical Issues: Report immediately with screenshots as evidence.

Important Dates

• Midterm Exam: October 11, 2024
• Final Exam: December 13, 2024
• Quiz Deadlines: Generally Mondays and Thursdays at 11:59 PM.

Additional Notes

• Instructor Contact: Direct questions to Michael Chan, instructor of record.
• Extra Credit: Generally not available unless offered to the entire class.
• Course Completion: Engage fully with course materials; incompletes only for emergencies.
• Disability Accommodations: Request within first two weeks; confidential.

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Weekly Course Operations

• Friday Routine: Check announcements, review lecture videos, do readings, complete quizzes.
• Initial Tasks: Complete the Start Here section to unlock syllabus quiz.

Final Advice

• Engage: Regularly check Brightspace and emails.
• Reach Out: Contact instructor for any queries or issues.
• Be Prepared: Adhere to deadlines and course requirements for success.

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