In this course, students challenge the portrayal of East Asian martial arts as an ancient, mystical practice by examining the history of martial arts. Students explore how military techniques once intended for war, policing, and control of banditry came to be practiced as methods of moral and physical self-cultivation. The course examines the historical origins of martial arts in China, Japan, and Korea, their evolution, and how they both subverted and served state agendas in the modern era. Lastly, it covers the role of martial arts in contemporary popular culture. This class is an online course requiring a high speed internet connection. Cross-listed: REL-2780 Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and REL-2780.
