87 Overview of Module 6
With a population of 1.58 billion and 22 percent of the world population, the countries of East Asia comprise the second most populated world region. China , Taiwan , Japan , and South Korea , together comprise the world’s most powerful and dynamic economic region. A wide range of natural habitats, distinctive societies that are transforming those environments, and stark contrasts between cultural continuity and rapid economic and social changes characterize the region. Long histories of separate, isolated development, mixed with occasional bursts of economic, political, or cultural contact among the countries in the region result in a distinctive web of regional diversity, combined with deeply rooted cultural and political systems. A brief overview of these historical processes and population dynamics is followed by details of distinctive patterns in China , Japan , the Koreas , Taiwan , and Mongolia .
China ’s cultural and economic evolution, natural environment, and current status as an emerging global economy powerhouse dominate the chapter. Emphasis is placed on development consequences of the transition from pre- to post-economic reforms of the late 1970s. Those consequences include not only China ’s economic progress, but also the environmental challenges caused by economic development. Other China topics examined in relative detail include the major urban-economic regions, rural-to-urban migration, and looming population decline.
Japan receives a relatively large part of Chapter 10 that is not devoted to China . The evolution and consequences of the Japan Model that transformed the country from afeudal state to a leading economy not only in the region but also globally is a major topic as are Japan ’s current economic malaise and aging population structure.
Chapter 11 is the reading here. In this Module, you are asked to:
- Do questions from Chapter 10 in a Written Assignment
- Do a Web Assignment by visiting a famous newspaper in China.
- Do a Web Assignment concerning China’s economic growth.
- Take Exam 6
- There is no discussion this time.
Original document by Peter Turner licensed CC BY
