Regards croisés : Chine et Japon dans le monde

Designed for undergraduate students studying Chinese and Japanese, this course traces the history of relations between China and Japan, from their earliest exchanges to the First World War. Following a chronological approach, it explores the movement of people, objects, and knowledge through trade, cultural contact, and diplomacy. It also examines the conflicts that shaped these relations and their effects on both societies.

By the end of the course, students will be able to place the events and exchanges studied in their historical context, analyse a text or work of art in relation to that context, and explain, using specific examples, the cultural transformations arising from relations between China and Japan.

Identify and explain major issues in East Asia over the long term (circulations, conflicts, interdependencies)
Illustrate these issues with concrete examples drawn from the region corresponding to their language of study

  

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

Bu, Ping, et Shin’ichi Kitaoka (dir.). 2023. The History of China–Japan Relations: From Ancient World to Modern International Order. Palgrave Macmillan.
Emplacement : disponible sur CIBLE+

Vogel, Ezra F. 2021. China and Japan: Facing History, Harvard University Press.
Emplacement : Bibliothèque des sciences humaines Simone Veil, Sciences sociales et politiques (4NIV-NB) ; 4NIV 327.51 VOGE

Handel, Zev. 2025. Chinese Characters across Asia: How the Chinese Script Came to Write Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. University of Washington Press.

Li, Yiwen. 2023. Networks of Faith and Profit: Monks, Merchants, and Exchanges between China and Japan, 839–1403 CE. Cambridge University Press.
Emplacement : Bibliothèque des sciences humaines Simone Veil, Economie et gestion (5NIV-NB) ; 5NIV 382.095.1 LI

Lurie, David B. 2011. Realms of Literacy: Early Japan and the History of Writing. Harvard East Asian Monographs, no 335. Harvard University Asia Center.

Course notes

• Université virtuelle

Contacts

Magali Bugne : magali.bugne@ulb.be

Campus

Solbosch

Method(s) of evaluation

• written examination

written examination

Language(s) of evaluation

• french