Trenches, Guerrillas, and Bombs: Modern Warfare in East Asian History

(295E is 5 units; 95E is 3 units.) This course is an introduction to the field of military history. But rather than centering on the typical Western perspectives, it focuses on studying the East Asian modern warfare during the early 20th century. Students will investigate, define, and historicize different kinds of wars, and draw historical lessons to better understand the contemporary military conflicts. From the trench warfare in the Russo-Japanese War, to the guerrilla warfare of the Chinese Communist Party, and to Americans' strategic bombing in the Korean War, students will identify modern warfare's historical characteristics in East Asia and reflect on how they continue to affect the politics in the region today.