Spring 2018

The History and Memory of the Asia-Pacific War

Listed in: Asian Languages and Civilizations, as ASLC-477  |  History, as HIST-477

Formerly listed as: ASLC-62  |  HIST-90

Moodle site: Course


Trent E. Maxey (Section 01)


(Offered as HIST 477 [AS] and ASLC 462 [J].) The fifteen years of war initiated by Japan—variously referred to as the Pacific War, the Great East Asian War, the Fifteen-year War, World War II, and the Asian-Pacific War—continue to shape the politics and diplomacy of Asia. This seminar examines the historiographic challenges that arise from the war in the memory and history of Japan, East Asia, and the United States.  The principal questions guiding the seminar will be: What is the relationship between history and memory in our media-saturated world? How are the memory and history of war intertwined in both national and international politics?  What forms of memory have been included and excluded from dominant historical narratives and commemorative devices? What role can the academic discipline of history play in these controversies? The goal of the seminar will be to immerse ourselves in a critical conversation and to produce archival research projects.  To that end, scholarly monographs, edited volumes, oral history, literature, and film will guide our discussions.  Active class participation, ungraded writing exercises, and one research paper (20~25 pages) will be required. One class meeting per week.

Limited to 18 students. Not open to first-year students. Spring semester. Professor Maxey.

If Overenrolled: Preference given to HIST/ASLC majors.

Cost: 0 ?


Attention to Research, Attention to Writing, Transnational or World Cultures Taught in English


2019-20: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Fall 2010, Fall 2014, Spring 2018