Asian Studies pre-modern China, Japan, and Korea

Description

Develop each answer to the fullest extent possible, discussing the nuances of each topic and present your arguments logically. Answers should be robust and fully developed (at least one page), spell-checked and grammatically correct.(number your responses and make sure they correspond to the  correct question) (1) Compare and Contrast the Qin and Han Dynasties. Give examples of successes and failure of each. Where did the Qin fail and why did the Han succeed? Explain your answer. (2) Compare and Contrast Taoism and Confucianism in China. Give examples. (3) Trace the evolution of Buddhism from it’s founding through China and to Korea and Japan. What problems were encountered and what factors aided it in its spread throughout East Asia? (4) Explain the “Mandate from Heaven.” How did this concept affect Chinese rule? Provide specific examples from history. (5) Compare and contrast the Korean and Japanese creation myths. What if anything does this teach us about East Asian culture? (6) Explain the rise of the Samurai. How did the concept of Bushido and warrior culture influence the governing of Japan? How did it influence or change Japanese society? Explain your answer. (7) Explain the introduction of Chinese Kanji to Japan and Korea and the later development of Kana (Japanese) and Hangul (Korea). Who was responsible, how did these new systems benefit and why is Kanji still used? (8) Who were the Fujiwara, the Taira (Heike) and the Minamoto (Genji) clans of Japan? Why were they so influential in Japan? (9) Who was Sejong the Great of Joseon Korea? What were his contributions to Korean history and culture? (10) Who were Genghis and Kublai Khan? What effect did the Mongol invasions and rule have on China, on Korea and Japan? (11) Explain the rise and fall of the Kamakura and Ashikaga Shogunates. What effect did this military dictatorship have on Japanese society? What role did the Emperor play? (12) Many consider the Ming Dynasty of China the greatest “Golden Age” of all. What were some of the notable accomplishments during this period and why did they fall?