The Pacific War Development and Interpretation

DESCRIPTION

This undergraduate seminar focuses on the Pacific War, the period from Japan's takeover of Manchuria in 1931 to its defeat and occupation in 1945. Internal social, economic, and intellectual developments are emphasized. Changing and contrasting Japanese and foreign interpretations of the war and its causes are examined.

READINGS

The items below should be purchased although copies will also be available on reserve (eventually).

Ienaga Saburô, The Pacific War, 1931-1945: A Critical Perspective on Japan's Role in the World War .

John Dower, War Without Mercy: Race and Power in the Pacific War .

Chalmers Johnson, MITI and the Japanese Miracle: The Growth of Industrial Policy .

Earl H. Kinmonth, Readings in Twentieth Century Japanese History .

Earl H. Kinmonth, "Militarism and the Middle Classes in Early Sh&ocircwa (1931-1941) Japan."

NOTE The two items above will be distributed in class.

Additional items may be distributed in class or placed on reserve.

PREREQUISITES

None. Those with no background in modern Japanese history should read one background text recommended by the instructor.

FORMAT

Small group discussion, some led by students. The seminar will meet weekly for the first six or seven weeks. The last weeks of the quarter will be for research on individual projects and meetings with the instructor.

TIME, PLACE

Tuesday evenings, 7:00 - 10:00 pm, 161 Voorhies.

INSTRUCTOR

Earl H. Kinmonth, 154 Voorhies, 752-1636

OFFICE HOURS

8:30 - 10:30 Monday and Friday or by appointment.

GRADING, REQUIRED WORK

Grading will be based on the following three elements, each with roughly equal weighting:

1 Discussion participation including the leading of one discussion.

2 An essay summarizing the discussion in the first portion of the course.

3 A research paper or review essay dealing with a well-defined topic or controversy within the purview of the course.

TOPICAL OUTLINE

The specific readings for each session will be decided on an ad hoc basis.

The first session will be organizational. In the second, the instructor will present an overview of the major controversies and interpretive approaches pertaining to the Pacific War.