Course Introduction: ECONOMIC HISTORY OF ASIA
Specialized Subjects | Special Courses (Mita) - ECONOMIC HISTORY OF ASIA
Considering the Dynamism of the Asian Economy from a Historical Perspective
When you hear about the Asian economy, do you think of its recent rapid growth? Does this mean that before this period, the Asian economy was underdeveloped and thus forced to be absorbed and transformed by a global economy centered on developed nations? The answer is no. By studying history, we can see that the people of Asia proactively developed robust economies, both before the spread of imperialism and even during the imperialist era.
The economic history of Asia is a new and developing field of research. Until recently, it was believed that the global economy was led by Europe. The economies of various parts of Asia were considered local, and no attempt was made to position them within the global economy. However, as various numerical data have been unearthed and made available in recent years, it has become clear that Asia historically possessed an economy and systems comparable in scale to those of Europe.
While introducing the latest trends in this academic field, this course will also provide a foundational explanation for students who have not yet systematically studied the Asian economy. The lectures will cover how East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia built relationships with other regions like Europe from around the 15th century, how they demonstrated their own unique historical development, and what factors were at play. Through this, I hope you will develop a deep historical perspective on the complex dynamism of the contemporary Asian economy. The class will be conducted in English, but key terms and concepts will be presented on slides to aid understanding. In addition, we will make extensive use of not only charts and graphs but also photographs to help you visualize various periods and regions.
Studying history at the university level is not about memorization; it is about thinking. Why do the phenomena we see before us have their specific characteristics, and what is their historical significance? There are diverse ways to approach these questions, and there is no single answer. What is required in the field of economic history is a logical and rational explanation based on historical development. I hope you will cultivate such critical thinking skills in this course.
(Professor Jun Ota)