Course syllabus War and Geopolitics in East Asia in the 20th and 21st centuries
Swedish name: Krig och geopolitik i Östasien på 1900- och 2000-talet
Course code:
1MH088
Valid from semester:
Autumn Term 2026
Education cycle:
First cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
G1N
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
History with specialisation in Military History
Department:
Department of Military History
Subject:
History with Specialization in Military History
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Forsknings och utbildningsnämndens kursplaneutskott (KUS)
Decision date:
2026-01-20
Entry requirements
General entry requirements + History A. Or: History 1b alternatively History 1a1 + 1a2, English 6.
Course content and structure
The course focuses on East Asian military history and geopolitics in the 20th and 21st centuries. It aims to enable the student to understand how different political entities in East Asia have sought to preserve their political integrity and independence in the international system. Through the course the student gains knowledge of how states in the region were influenced by the political, economic, cultural and ideological pull of great powers, but also how the local and regional development influenced global security and geopolitics.
By studying the interplay between local, regional and global events, the course provides insights that makes it possible for the student to challenge a Western-centric world view. Moreover, the course investigates how the historical legacy and memory of war linger on and influence present-day relations.
The course combines lectures and seminars, where the lectures provide the thematic framework. During the seminars, the student develops analytical skills and trains oral communication. The course is examined through a written home exam in which the student analyses and presents chronological as well as thematic perspectives.
By studying the interplay between local, regional and global events, the course provides insights that makes it possible for the student to challenge a Western-centric world view. Moreover, the course investigates how the historical legacy and memory of war linger on and influence present-day relations.
The course combines lectures and seminars, where the lectures provide the thematic framework. During the seminars, the student develops analytical skills and trains oral communication. The course is examined through a written home exam in which the student analyses and presents chronological as well as thematic perspectives.
Type of instruction
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Independent literature studies
Objectives
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
Competence and skills
Judgement and approach
Knowledge and understanding
- understand and summarize the geopolitics and military history of East Asia based on global historical reasoning
- understand and explain how the political, economic, cultural and ideological development in East Asia relates to great powers and military development
Competence and skills
- analyse East Asia's military history and political development through global history
- explain the relationship between local, regional and global factors in the region's military historical development
Judgement and approach
- critically relate to the relationship between Western historiography and Asian history, as well as the historical foundations of today's development.
Examination formats
The course is assessed through active and constructive participation in mandatory seminars and through an individually written home exam.
The examiner may determine that supplementary work is required in order to achieve a passing grade. In such cases the student will have three working days to complete the supplementary work once agreed, unless previously accepted exceptional circumstances exist. Exams which are submitted after the due date will not be marked unless previously accepted exceptional circumstances exist.
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), Fail (U). For the grade Pass (G) on the course, the student must achieve the grade Pass (G) on the seminars, and the grade Pass (G) on the home exam. For the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the course, the student must achieve the grade Pass (G) on the seminars, and the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the home exam. Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
The examiner may determine that supplementary work is required in order to achieve a passing grade. In such cases the student will have three working days to complete the supplementary work once agreed, unless previously accepted exceptional circumstances exist. Exams which are submitted after the due date will not be marked unless previously accepted exceptional circumstances exist.
Grading
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), Fail (U). For the grade Pass (G) on the course, the student must achieve the grade Pass (G) on the seminars, and the grade Pass (G) on the home exam. For the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the course, the student must achieve the grade Pass (G) on the seminars, and the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the home exam. Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.
Restrictions in number of examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Transitional provisions
When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.
Other regulations
- The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.
- If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
- Upon completion of the course, the course director will conduct an evaluation, which informs any changes to the course.