AMERICAN IMPERIALISM IN THE PACIFIC

概要

This course explores the history of U.S. imperial expansion in the Pacific since the late 19th century. It helps students to learn how the United States colonized the Pacific Islands, how Pacific Islanders have survived and responded to U.S. colonial governance, and how some of these islands have remained as U.S. territories today. Students will also investigate key issues that Pacific Islanders have addressed, which include the issues of military bases, World War II, the Cold War, military pollution, tourism, race, gender, and sexuality.

目標

This course has the following objectives: - To gain a wide range of knowledge on the history of American imperialism in the Pacific - To analyze and evaluate authors’ arguments and a variety of primary sources - To clearly communicate your ideas on the historical relationships between the United States and Pacific Islands

授業外の学習

(1) Weekly reading comments (100-150 words): Every week, students are required to read the assigned text and submit their comments before the class. In the comments, students should 1) concisely state the reading’s main arguments in your own words, 2) identify one concrete example from the reading and explain why/how you found it important, surprising, or particularly interesting, and 3) elaborate your additional thoughts or list any questions you have from the reading. (2) Discussion leading: Each student takes at least one turn for leading the class discussion during the semester. Each week, discussion leaders work as a group and develop their reading comments into a short presentation. They should 1) explain the reading's arguments with concrete examples, 2) offer discussion questions, and 3) facilitate class discussions. (3) Final essay (500-600 words in English): As a final paper, students will write a short essay in response to a theme the instructor assigns during the semester. The essay will be evaluated based on 1) whether the student understands class contents, 2) whether the student communicates their ideas clearly, and 3) whether the student persuasively supports their ideas with deep analyses of concrete examples from class materials.

所要時間: 190 minutes per class