TRANSNATIONAL STUDIES FOR EAST ASIA: TOOLS, METHODS, RESEARCH OBJECTS

Theories serve as metaphors that shape how we understand the topics we study. Without knowledge of theory, you are condemned to believe what others tell you. This course involves reading excerpts from contemporary theoretical texts and discussing their relevance to regions like China, Japan, and Korea. We also examine worldviews, our positioning in relation to the topics we study, and learn how to make informed theoretical and methodological decisions. You will learn about key contemporary theories, what to study and why, as well as methodologies for how to study it. Additionally, you'll develop skills to notice and critically assess the theoretical and methodological choices in the academic texts you read.

When studying at the Master level, it is no longer sufficient to "study" in the simplest definition of the term, e.g., spend time thinking, reading and writing. You now need a plan. Theory, methods and methodology are the principle building blocks to come up with such a plan. By participating in this course, you will become able to design, plan and realize an academic project due to your knowledge in theory, methods and methodology.

You are required to read the assigned texts, discuss them in class, and endeavor to transfer the knowledge from these texts to study issues you are interested in. Learning is not passive in this course (memorize and repeat for an exam). You need to apply your knowledge in creative but constructive ways.
This course is best suited for students who already have an idea of what topic to focus on during their course of study, as it will help you outline and prepare your final thesis.

1. Introduction to the topic of the course
2. Thesis development
3. State of the art and research ethics
4. Defining your worldview
5. Area studies and communities
6. Area Studies and disciplines
7. Qualitative approaches87. Quantitative approaches
9. Critical studies: Purposes and benefits
10. Where does the knowledge come from? Looking north, looking south
11. Cool rules: Ethnicity as design
12-15: Student presentations

Connell, Raewyn (2007) Southern Theory. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Derichs, Claudia (2020) "Area Studies and Disciplines: What Disciplines and what Areas?" International Quarterly of Asian Studies 51(3/4): 35-49.
Maher, John C. (2005) "Metroethnicity, Language, and the Principle of Cool". International Journal of the Sociology of Language 175/176: 83-102.
Thomas, Jim (1993) Doing Critical Ethnography. Newbury Park: Sage.

There will be no written exam in this course. In its place, participants are required to develop a research project that includes research question, theory, method and work plan. Your project will be discussed and graded.

oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The maximum vote for this course is 30. The points are allocated as follows:
5 points for originality and the research question of the project
5 points for a brief state-of-the-art review of their field of study
5 points for theoretical and methodological considerations
5 points for the work plan and positionality
5 points for written style, coherence, and readability of the research proposal
5 points for the feasibility of the project

Regarding the grading scale, scores will be assigned according to the following schema:
A. Scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of: Sufficient knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
B. Scores in the 23-26 range will be awarded in the presence of: Fair knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
C. Scores in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of: Good or excellent knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
D. Honors will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and applied comprehension of the program.

Reading, discussion, and structured knowledge transfer are the principal activities in this course. Active participation and group work are required.

The principle language used in this course is English but we can switch to Italian whenever necessity requires it.