HIST 109 - Becoming Taiwan

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as ASIA 109) This course provides a contextualized understanding of Taiwan’s past and present by exploring its history from around 1600 to the present. What makes Taiwan unique is not only its importance in the global semiconductor supply chain and its role in geopolitics, but also its rich history of cross-regional interactions and diverse cultures. Course themes include Dutch, Japanese, and Chinese colonialism, the wars of the 19^th and 20^th centuries that involved Taiwan, and how these events factor into discussions on Taiwan’s position in the world. The course also covers Taiwan during the Cold War, the Taiwanese people’s efforts in pursuing democracy, and the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. Students investigate the dynamics between empires, nation-states, settlers, and indigenous peoples, as well as how history, memory, politics, democracy, and social movements have shaped and continue to shape Taiwanese identity. Yu-chi Chang

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS