The best aspect of this course was the passionate and engaging professor. He incorporated lots of readings and lecture materials in an organized way that kept students interested. The worst aspects of the course were the excessive reading and writing due each class period. The course would be improved if the readings were trimmed down and more focused. The course deals a lot with Japanese history even though the course is meant to be tailored towards all of East Asia. Prospective students should know that this course requires a lot of reading, writing, and class participation in order to achieve maximum success.

Students praised this course saying the professor was enthusiastic and the course covered an interesting subject matter. However, some students found the amount of required reading excessive. Suggestions for improvement included a desire for more class discussions among students on topics covered in the class in addition to the instructor-led lectures. Prospective students should know that the class involves learning a good deal of history and is a “solid course to introduce students to the history of U.S.-East Asian interaction.”