SAN BEDA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HUMANITIES AND PHILOSOPHY

COURSE SYLLABUS
First Semester
Academic Year 2018-2019

COURSE CODE : ASCIV

COURSE TITLE : Asian Civilization
COURSE CREDIT : Three (3) Units
PREREQUISITE : None

FACULTY IN-CHARGE: DR. JAMES LORETO C. PISCOS

Full Professor 2, PhD in History and Cognate in Anthropology
Email: jamesloretopiscos@yahoo.com
OFFICE: CAS Faculty Room

OFFICE CONSULTATION HOURS:

4:30 -6:00 PM (by appointment) or via on-line

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a general survey course on the civilizations of Southwest Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and
Southeast Asia. It includes a general view of their geography, socio-cultural setting, and the
development of the civilizations, Western colonization and the various Asian responses. It also
gives attention to how the traditional elements of Asian civilizations cope with the incursions
brought about by modernization and westernization.

LEARNING OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES

At the end of course, students should be able to:

1. Analyze geo-political issues in Asian context;
2. Present a compact survey of Asian civilization from the past to the present
integrating socio-cultural and political economy;
3. Develop critical and analytical skills with exposures to major religious
traditions and philosophical thoughts;
4. Analyze the context, content and perspectives in the studies of Asian
Civilization;
5. Develop appreciation for Oriental arts and culture;
6. Demonstrate the ability to use sources to argue in favor or against a
particular issue;
7. Effectively communicate, using various techniques and genres, their
analysis of a particular event or issue that could help others
understand the chosen topic;
8. Propose recommendations/solutions to present-day problems in the
Asian context based on their understanding of the root causes and
their anticipation of future scenarios;
9. Display the ability to work in a team and contribute to a group
project; and
10. Manifest interest in Asian history and concern in promoting and
preserving the region’s cultural heritage; and
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11. Develop an Asian identity, proud of his/her own roots, culture and
tradition.
12. Integrate Benedictine values and spirituality.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week Topic
1-2 Course Orientation
Introduction to Asian Civilization
Geographical settings
 Physical features
 Geographic subdivisions

Asia’s natural and manmade wonders

Population

Contributions of Asia to
the world

3 Meaning of Culture, Elements of Culture, Society

Contrasting Asian and Western Cultures
4-5 Major Religious Traditions and Philosophical
Thoughts in Asia
 Hinduism
 Buddhism
 Confucianism
 Taoism
 Shintoism
 Islam
 Judaism
 Christianity
6-8 Contemporary Geo-Political Issues
 Israel-Palestinian Conflict
 North-South Korean War (including the
bigger context of the Cold War)
 China-Taiwan-Hongkong Issues
 West Philippine Sea and Its Claimant
Countries
 Arab Spring
 ISIS

9 Midterm Examinations
10-11 Political Economy and Modern Ideologies in Asia:
Communism, Democracy, Constitutional
Monarchy and Socialism, Free Market
Economy, Mixed Systems
12-14 Compact Presentation of the history and socio-
cultural development of the geographic divisions
of Asia
 West Asia (Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan,
Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain,
Qatar, Cyprus, Oman, United Arab
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Emirates, Yemen, Palestine)

 Egyptian Civilization and Its Influence to
Asia
 North and Central Asia (Russian Asia-
Siberia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmen Republic)
 South Asia ( India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Afghanistan, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Bhutan,
Sikkim, Nepal and the Maldives
 East Asia (China including Macau and
Hongkong, Taiwan, Japan, Mongolia, North
and South Korea)
 Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma),
Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos,
Brunei Darussalam and East Timor.

15-16 Critical Analysis to Selected Collaboration Practices

and Issues: APEC, ASEAN Integration, China’s
Economy, cultural and Academic Exchange
Programs
17 Course Synthesis
18 Final Examination

COURSE LEARNING PLAN

Learning Time Topics Teaching Assessment
Outcomes Allotment Strategies/ Tools/Tasks
Activities

Week 1-2 Course Orientation Examining the Graded

1 Introduction to Asian syllabus recitation
Civilization (AS)
Geographical settings Audio Video Team grade
 Physical features Presentation on group
 Geographic subdivisions (AVP) activity

Asia’s natural and manmade wonders AVP analysis, Performance

recitation, Task Activity
Population lecture, on AS
Contributions of Asia to discussion
the world Grade for
Required individual and
Readings on group
Anthropology projects or
and Civilization tasks

Asian artifact
analysis

Map Reading

Group Quiz Bee

Game Jump
Start Activity
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Meaning of Culture, Library Graded

4,5, 12 Week 3 Elements of Culture, Research recitation
Society (On-line
Contrasting Asian and Western Cultures included) Graded
Random
Article/Chapter Group
Review on Recitation
Culture
Ferrante, J. Long Quiz
Sociology,
Global Reflection
Thematic Papers
Approach, 2014
Ethnographic
Reflection
AVP Critical
Presentation Papers about
learner’s
AVP analysis cultural
immersion
Cultural
Immersion Comparative
Matrix Papers
Cross Cultural
Analysis
(Philippines and
Other Cultures
of Asia)

Week 4-5 Major Religious Traditions AVP Critique

3, 12 and Philosophical AVP analysis Papers
Thoughts in Asia and reflections
 Hinduism Pre-test
 Buddhism Lecture- activities
 Confucianism Discussion (checking
 Taoism biases and
 Shintoism Article in the prejudices)
 Islam Journal Review
 Judaism Weblink Graded
 Christianity (checking Performance
sources of the Task
given topics in
the internet) Comparative
Matrix
Minefield
Game
Long Quiz
Performance
Task on Critical Essay
selected and
situations Powerpoint
presentation
Family Feud
Game

Random Group
Graded
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Recitation

Contemporary Geo-
1, 4, 6, Week 6-8 Political Issues Corporate Group Paper
7,8, 9  Israel-Palestinian Formal Group
Conflict Report on Creative AVP
 North-South assigned topic and
Korean War powerpoint
(including the Panel presentation
bigger context of Discussion
the Cold War) Critique
 China-Taiwan- AVP papers
Hongkong Issues (original
 West Philippine creative work)
Sea and Its
Claimant Powerpoint
Countries presentation
 Arab Spring and
ISIS

Week 9 MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS

Library
1, 4, 6 Week 10- Political Economy and Modern Ideologies in Research Graded
11 Asia: (On-line Individual and
Communism, Democracy, Constitutional included) Group
Monarchy and Socialism, Free Market Recitation
Economy, Mixed Systems Article/Chapter
Review on Long Quiz
selected article
journals on Critique
political Papers
economy and
modern
ideologies Comparative
Matrix Paper
Lecture
Presentation

Group Activity
Quiz Bee

Random Group
Recitation

Group Debate

AVP
Presentation

AVP analysis

Compact Presentation of
2, 3, 4, 5, Week 12- the history and socio- Creative Group Group Paper
7, 9, 10,11 14 cultural development of Report on
the geographic divisions of assigned topic Creative AVP
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Asia and
 West Asia (Israel, powerpoint
Syria, Lebanon, presentation
Jordan, Iran, Iraq,
Saudi Arabia, AVP Critique
Kuwait, Bahrain, Presentation papers
Qatar, Cyprus, (original
Oman, United creative work)
Arab Emirates, Graded
Yemen, Palestine) Powerpoint Group
 South Asia ( India, Presentation Creative work
Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Theatrical
Afghanistan, Sri Play/Dance
Lanka (Ceylon),
Bhutan, Sikkim, Cultural Show
Nepal and the and Exhibit
Maldives
 East Asia (China
including Macau
and Hongkong,
Taiwan, Japan,
Mongolia, North
and South Korea)
 Southeast Asia (Indonesia,
Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand,
Myanmar (Burma), Singapore,
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei
Darussalam and East Timor)
 North and
Central Asia
(Russian Asia-
Siberia,
Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan,
Uzbekistan,
Tajikistan,
Turkmen
Republic)

8 Week 15- Critical Analysis to Selected Collaboration Library

16 Practices and Issues: APEC, ASEAN Research Graded
Integration, China’s Economy, cultural and (On-line Recitation
Academic Exchange Programs included)
Long Quiz
Course Synthesis Article/Chapter
Review on Critique
selected article Papers
journals on
selected
collaboration Comparative
and issues Matrix Paper
within Asia

Lecture
Presentation

Random
Individual
Recitation

Week 17 Course Synthesis

Week 18 FINAL EXAMINATIONS
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Scope and Limitation of the Course

The course is not designed to discuss in depth analysis per Asian country since this is
meant to make a general survey of Asian civilization vis-à-vis schools of thoughts, issues, and
concerns in a given context.

Technology Restrictions

Turn all devices off. Absolutely no cell phones, i-pods, electronic devices may be used
during the class lectures unless approved by the professor. The professor allows the use of
these gadgets if they have direct connections to lectures and class activities.
Tape and video recorders are also restricted unless you get the specific permission from
the professor to use them. If an electronic device creates a disturbance either to the professor
or to the class, you will be asked to leave and it will count as a non-excused absence.
All PowerPoint presentations and modules done by the professor will be available
through the yahoo group or class website facilitated by the student class/subject coordinators
appointed by the professor.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty will result in a failing final grade. Every student is expected to
review and abide the student manual handbook on academic honesty and intellectual property
rights. Please note that you are responsible to read the provisions on these policies stipulated
in the student handbook. Ignorance is not an excuse for any academic dishonesty.

Academic Probation

For those who are under academic probation, please take note of the attendance and
academic grade you need for the subject.

Group Reports

Guidelines:

1. The class shall be divided into team learning journey groups. There will be five teams
representing certain assigned topics about Asian Civilization.
2. There will be two rounds of report. The first round will be during the midterms where
teams shall do live corporate presentations about their topics including proper
corporate attire and set-up. They will render their presentation about an assigned topic
for a maximum of 40 minutes.
3. The group shall wait for the bell to ring to signal the start of their report. When they
hear the second bell it means there will be 5 minutes more to finalize their presentation.
The last bell means the time ends. The group will now be ready for interpolation and
questions from the professor and the class.
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4. The dates for the first round corporate report follow:

Group 1 Israel-Palestinian Conflict – September 4, 2018

Group 2 North-South Korean War (including
the bigger context of the Cold War)
September 6, 2018
Group 3 China-Taiwan-Hongkong Issues
September 11, 2018
Group 4 West Philippine Sea and Its Claimant
Countries September 13, 2018
Group 5 Arab Spring and ISIS – September 18, 2018

The scores/points for round 1 corporate reports will be the following:

form, presentation style, delivery (including the use of multi-media,
attire,
team work, synchronization) – 100
pts.
Content (use of credible source, hermeneutical applications
and critical analysis) - 100
pts.
Overall impact including the answers to
interpolations and questions - 100
pts.

Total = 300 pts.

Basic Requirements for the Round 1 Corporate Report”

1. Corporate Attire during the live presentation for 45 minutes
No corporate attire no report
2. Teaser for 3-4 minutes
3. Executive summary report containing the report outline and the task for each
member, key concepts, major findings, pros and cons of the debate, list of
references
4. Powerpoint presentation
5. Posting these materials (teaser, powerpoint and executive summary report in
the FB group)

5. Round 2 team performances will return to the topics they have presented in round one
but in the genre of auditory and performing arts. Each group will be given 40 minutes to
present and perform their given topics. The procedures in the use of the bell shall apply
as done in round one.

Schedule:

Group 1 Cultures of West Asia November 8, 2018

Group 2 South Asia – November 13, 2018
Group 3 East Asia – November 15, 2018
Group 4 Southeast Asia – November 20, 2018
Group 5 North and Central Asia – November 22, 2018
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Fundamental Requirements In Round 2 report:

1. Cultural Immersion related to the topic

(no cultural immersion no report)
2. Presentation of the Cultural Immersion in the Video or powerpoint
3. Presentation of cultural practices of the assigned topic including the material
and non-material cultural, mannerisms, behavior, dances, rituals, songs

6. The criteria points for Round 2:

Creativity, Innovativeness, Style, Form, – 100 pts.

Content – 100 pts.
Overall Impression (production design, costumes, lights, props, team work) – 100
pts.

Total = 300 pts.

7. Each group will be responsible for their equipment, materials, costumes and other
needed paraphernalia and gadgets. There should be no buying of expensive materials. It
is preferred to borrow or use recycled costumes and sets.

8. No member of the group shall be absent during any of the live group presentations be
it in any round. A zero- score shall be given to a member who cannot report on their
scheduled presentation, and automatically forfeit all the benefits the group may receive.

9. Tips for a Good Content on the Team Live Presentation:

-Provide key figures at the time
-Briefly describe the period
-It is appreciated if the group can provide leaflets or brochures about the
report for the class to follow the outline and framework of the topic
- Food and drinks can also be served provided it is done in context such as if the
group talks about any Asian Art then Asian food is appropriate; this could add
value to the presentation of the group
- Reporters should see to it that the room should be clean, and all the
props used should be removed accordingly in order to avail the merits
and incentives of a good report
-technology check is advised as not to cause delay and destroy the presentation
-reporters are allowed to change the venue of the class provided they have to
inform the professor and the class a week before their scheduled report

10. The best reporting team will be exempted to participate in the final exams, and will
get an automatic 100% in the final examinations of the course. A team member who
failed to report will not be included in the list for exemptions.
In case there are teams will also be exempted based on merit, their average score from
round 1 to round 2 will be their grade in the final examinations.
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Class Rules

1. Per Commission on Higher Education memo, the semester should have 18 weeks
divided into 9 weeks for the midterms and 9 weeks for the finals. This will include the
midterm and final exams week.
Thus, attendance in class is required and shall be strictly monitored. Students are
expected to attend their classes regularly and on time. In accordance with rules on the
Student Handbook, regular students are only allowed up to 10 hours of absence for a
three-unit course, while students on probation are allowed up to six hours. Absences
incurred beyond the maximum shall result to a grade of DF (Dropped Failed), or DV
(Dropped Voluntarily) if the student accomplishes the official dropping form. Tardiness
within the first 20 minutes of the class is equivalent to half an absence, beyond this is
already considered a full absence.

2. Absences incurred due to valid reasons shall not be counted provided the student
produces document/s supporting the validity of the said absences. Please refer to the
Student Handbook for the types of absences considered valid and the necessary
supporting documents required. Regardless of the type of absence, it is the student’s
responsibility to catch up on missed lessons.
3. Using mobile phones and other electronic gadgets during class is not allowed unless
permitted by the professor in certain circumstances having direct relationship to the
topics being discussed. To avoid disturbance, mobile phones should be turned off or set
in silent mode. Important calls should be taken or made outside the classroom with the
teacher’s consent.
4. Participate actively in class discussions and activities. Sleeping in class is prohibited. If a
student is caught sleeping, he/she will be marked absent for the session.
5. Submission of papers, assignments, and projects should always be made on time. Any
submission after the set deadline will not be accepted. Students who miss exams,
quizzes, and other class activities due to valid reasons (e.g. illness, family emergency,
and inclement weather) shall be given makeup test/s and/or alternate activities upon
presentation of necessary documents.
6. Academic dishonesty in the form of but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, copying each
other’s work, will not be tolerated. Please see Student Handbook regarding rules.
7. Respect each other’s views and perspectives during class discussions and activities.
8. Practice Benedictine core values in all class activities.

Asian Civilization Enhancement Activities:

1. A Tour to the Museum/Cultural Heritage Study Tour
2. Watching Performing Arts Show (Cultural Center of the Philippines, Concert at the Part
etc.)

August 24, 2018--- Watching Bayanihan Folkloric National Dance Company at Cultural
Center of the Philippines
Gala attire

Guidelines in Watching Dance, Music Repertoire Concerts Preferably at the Cultural Center
of the Philippines;
1. The professor shall inform the parents of the activity through a formal letter
approved by the Chairperson (Social Sciences) and the Vice Dean.
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2. Secure Waiver Forms at the OPSA, and submit approved waiver forms from
guardian/parents to the professor.
3. Students may choose ticket price but since they are ask to wear gala attire, it is
preferable to take orchestra seats to have a better appreciation of the show.
4. A critique paper about the show should be submitted a week after the event.

Grading System and Grade Procedure

(Zero-based and the passing score is 60 percent of the total score)

Midterm Grade Final Grade

Class Standing …………. 60% Class Standing ……………………………………50%
Quizzes
Individual Reports
Group Reports
Graded Recitations
Assignments
Workshop Outputs
Attendance in
prescribed
activities
Midterm Examination… 40% Midterm Examination ……………………… 20%

Final Examinations …………………………… 30%

Grade System:

Grade Equivalence Description

Point
1.00 97-100 Excellent
1.25 92-96 Superior
1.50 87-91 Very Good
1.75 82-86 Above Average
2.00 77-81 Good
2.25 72-76 Very Satisfactory
2.50 68-71 Satisfactory
2.75 64-67 Fair
3.00 60-63 Passed
5.00 Below 60 Failed

GRADING SYSTEM

Midterm Grade Computation: Final Grade Computation:

Class Standing : 60% Class Standing : 50%

Midterm Exam : 40% Midterm Exam : 20%
_____ Final Exam : 30%
100% _____
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==== 100%
====
Passing Percentage : 60% and zero based

REFERENCES
Please check the San Beda On-Line Resources preferably go to EBSCOHOST, GALE DATABASES,
NEWSWEEK/MACWORLD AND PROQUEST for journal article review

To log in if you are outside San Beda:

EBSCOHOST
Username: sanbeda
Password: mendiola

GALA DATABASES
Passowrd:sanbeda

NEWSWEEK/MACWORLD
Username: sbcm_ncr@yahoo.com
Passowrd:Newsweek2014

PROQUEST
College of Arts and Sciences for students
Username: casstudent
Password: sanbeda02

Primary Sources is highly recommended

Most Recent and to be used for discussion on culture:

Ferrante, Joan. Sociology A Global Perspective. Wadsworth, Eengage Learning, Macmillan

Company 2013.
Required reading chapters 3,4,5,7,11,12,14

Complementary material to Sociology A Global Perspective

Schaefer, Richard. Sociology Matters. New Tork: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2014.
Read Chapter 2, 3,4, 6,7,8
 13

Bacus, Elizabeth, Ian C. Glover and Vincent C. Pigott (eds.) Uncovering Southeast Asia’s Past.
Singapore: NUS Publishing, 2004.

Cayron, Jun E. Stringing the Past: An Archaeological Understanding of Early Southeast Asia
Glass Bead Trade. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 2006.

Church, Peter (ed.) A Short History of South-East Asia, 4th edition. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley &
Sons, 2006.

Irapta, Angelina C. Introduction to Asia: History, Culture and Civilization. Manila: Rex Book
Store, 2005.

Kalaw-Tirol, Lorna (ed.) Great Men and Women of Asia: Ramon Magsaysay Awardees from
South Asia, 1958-1988. Pasig City: Anvil, 2005.

Murphy, Rhoads. A History of Asia, 4th edition. New York: Longman, 2003.

Payne, Ricard J. and Jamal R. Nassar. Politics and Culture in the Developing World: The Impact of
Globalization (Chapter 3).USA: Pearson Longman, 2008.

OTHER REFERENCES (OLD BUT IMPORTANT MATERIALS)

Anderson, Benedict. Imagined Communities. New York: Verso, 1991

Clive, Christie J. ed. Southeast Asia in the Twentieth Century: A Reader. New York: J.B. Tauris &
Co., Ltd., 1998.

Clive, Christie JA. Modern History of Southeast Asia: Decolonization, Nationalism and
Separatism. London: Tauris Academic Studies, 1996.

Dobbs-Higginson, Michael S. Asia Pacific: Its Role in the New World Disorder. Australia:
Longman Group, 1993.

Encyclopedia of Asian History. NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1988.

Fairbank, John. et. al. East Asia: Tradition and Transformation. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1978.

Goscha, Christopher. Thailand and the Southeast Asian Networks of the Vietnamese Revolution,
1885-1954. Richmond: Curzon Press, 1999.

Hossain, Moazzem, et. al. South Asian Economic Development: Transformation, Opportunities
and Challenges. London: Routledge, 1999.

Moiso, Edwin E. Modern China: A History. New York: Longman Group Ltd., 1986.

Nairn, Robb. What is Meditation? Buddhism for Everyone. Boston: Shambhala, 1999.

Perry, Marvin. Unfinished Journey: A World History. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1983.

Rohwer, Jim. Asia Rising. Singapore: Butterworth-Heinemann Asia, 1996.

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Ross, Robert S. ed. East Asia in Transition: Toward a New Regional Order. New York: M.E.
Sharpe, 1995.

Steinberg, David Joel. et. al. In Search of Southeast Asia: A Modern History. New York: Oxford
University Press, 1985.

Snelling, John. The Buddhist Handbook. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions, 1991.

Wimola, Bhante Y. Lessons of the Lotus: Practical Spiritual Teachings of A Traveling Buddhist
Monk. New York: Bantam Books, 1997.

Recommended Websites

www.aboutbuddhism.org
http://www.fordham.edu/halsal/eastasia/easiabook.htm
http://www.asiasource.org/thisday/ah_mp01.cfm
http://members.tripod.com/~INDIA_SOURCE/sahistory.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/asiahistory1.htm
http://grifterrec.com/coins/coins.htm
www.sacredsites.com
www.myanmars.net.travel
www.history-asia.com
www.religioustolerance.org
http://www/sacredscripts.org
www.tibettrip.com

((these materials are just initial compilation)

Prepared by:

Dr. James Loreto C. Piscos

Endorsed by:

Prof. Kerwin Martinez

Chair, Social Sciences

Noted by:

Dr. Moses Angeles

Vice Dean

Approved by:

Dr. Christian Bryan S. Bustamante

Dean