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Cultural history of East Asia
Kulturgeschichte Ostasien
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:11
Abstract
Cultural History of East AsiaThe study of the cultural history of China and the Chinese writing system is interesting not only in its own right but also in illuminating factors of other countries in East Asia.
Objective
The purpose of the lecture is threefold. I will first attempt to describe different kinds of Chinese characters and their adaptation to languages from other types. I will then introduce a variety of historical and cultural facts connected to writing and society, education and arts. I will discuss literacy, language policy and computer standards in our modern world. Finally I will spell out the implications of the future development of the writing systems in China, Korea and Japan.
Content
The Chinese possessed written signs as early as 3400 years ago. They produced books and established schools more than 3000 years ago, invented paper 2000 years ago and wood-block printing 1300 years ago. Chinese characters are ideographs and logographs. They were later introduced to Korea and Japan. To run the centralised bureaucratic governments effectively, the states increasingly relied on written documents. The purpose of this lecture is threefold. I will first attempt to describe different kinds of Chinese characters and their adaptation to languages of other types. I will then introduce a variety of historical and cultural facts in relation to writing and society, education and the arts. I will discuss literacy, language policy and computer standards in our modern world. Finally I will spell out the implications of the future development of the writing systems in China, Korea and Japan.
Resources
Literature
Karlgren, Bernhard: Schrift und Sprache der Chinesen. Berlin: Springer 1975. Müller-Yokota, Wolfram: Abriss der geschichtlichen Entwicklung der Schrift in Japan. In: BJOAF 10, 1987. pp. 1-87.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Kulturgeschichte Ostasien |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (In order to be awarded credits, please register under "Pflichtwahlfach GESS"!. The language courses are offered by the ETH and University of Zurich Language Center.)
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Compulsory Electives GESS (Categorically all students at ETH Zurich are required to obtain 8 credit points (ECTS) within the frame of this elective course program throughout their studies; 6 credit points during the bachelor and 2 for the master. Some of the lectures are part of other departments’ curricula. Further information can be found in the course catalog or at the particular student offices.)
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