Approaching Other Cultures: Understanding East Asia

This lecture introduces the course by exploring the history of contacts in Asia and how to define other cultures. It delves into the complexities of societies and cultures in East Asia, focusing on territories, structures, and peculiarities. The instructor discusses the importance of deconstructing stereotypes and promoting critical thinking in understanding different cultures, emphasizing the need to identify common ground while respecting diversity. The lecture also covers topics such as cultural diversity, geographic proximity, and the unity and diversity in Eastern Asia. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own perspectives and biases when approaching unfamiliar cultures, with a particular focus on East Asia.