This course aims to provide a fundamental and comprehensive introduction to major cultural aspects and heritage of East Asia, with a thematic focus either on (a) Chinese culture and cultural heritage (including that of Hong Kong and Taiwan), or (b) Korean culture and cultural heritage (including that of Ancient Korean kingdoms and North Korea whenever necessary), or (c) Japanese culture and cultural heritage, depending on the availability of instructor. The culture and cultural heritage shall be examined and analysed in terms of historical, aesthetic, archaeological, scientific, ethnological and/or anthropological values. Tangible cultural heritage sites including those recognized as UNESCO World Heritage as well as intangible heritage such as traditions, rituals, art forms, and the relation between traditional and contemporary culture will be examined. The course incorporates the important values of cultural heritage with a cross-cultural view that allows students to identify and describe culture and heritage of East Asia, to develop analytical skills to compare similarities and differences among East Asian countries , and to understand the early cultural exchanges between the East and the West.