ASIA 7NSeven Things That Changed the World

3 credits · Asian Studies · Penn State

New ideas and inventions are produced on a daily basis, but every once in a while, a thing comes along that noticeably changes the world. This course considers seven world-changing things that originated in or are closely linked to Asia, tracing their impact and histories around the world. With an expansive time frame ranging from ancient times to the present day, we will examine the uses, adaptations, ideas, and events surrounding each object. The course will consider not only how each of these world-changing things shaped societies, cultures, governments, and states, but also the factors that combined to give these things such power. It provides an alternative to Western-centric narratives of dominance, helping us better understand how the peoples of Asia have helped to shape our networked histories and global cultures.