About
| Course number | HIST 72.04 / ASCL 64.16 |
| Distributives | INT or SOC + NW |
| Time | MWF 11:30-12:35, Tu 12:15-1:05 |
| Classroom | Life Sciences Center 105 |
| Instructor | Yi Lu |
| Office | Carson 205 |
| Office Hour | Monday, 3:30-5:30 |
| Phone | 603-646-0156 |
Course Description
China today is a new nation built on the bedrock of an ancient civilization. In this introductory course, you will explore the vast history and cultural traditions of China, spanning from its ancient origins to the end of the 18th century. Over the semester, we’ll examine the profound economic, social, and cultural transformations that have shaped Chinese history over the long term. From the influence of geography to the rise and fall of dynasties, from the relationships with Inner Asian steppe and nomadic societies to cycles of rebellions and wars, we’ll explore the key turning points as well as broader patterns that have shaped over two millennia of Chinese history. Between these historical episodes, you will explore a variety of topics like traditional political philosophy (such as Confucianism), the civil examination system, literati elites, Buddhism and Daoism, gender and family structures, ethnic and frontier relations, as well as China’s enduring interactions with the world through trade and diplomacy. Finally, we will also pay attention to the presence of the past in China today and its complex legacies: How has China’s pre-modern history been used in contemporary Chinese politics and popular culture?
This course will give you foundational knowledge of Chinese history and politics, but an equally important goal is to interrogate how we know what we know about China. To help you develop skills in historical analysis and argumentation, you will read a wide range of primary sources —ancient classics, poems, films, paintings, novels, and memoirs — and our lectures and discussions will be further enriched by museum field trips and digital activities.
This course is open to all students and assumes no prior knowledge of Chinese culture, history, or language; it is essential for anyone interested in this increasingly powerful and globally influential country.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the class, you will be able to:
- discuss key issues and broad trends shaping Chinese history since 1800 and their present-day relevance;
- evaluate scholarly arguments, policy decisions, and public debates concerning China and its relations with the world;
- analyze a diverse set of primary sources – texts, images, material objects, films, etc. – and explain how we know what we know about China;
- communicate your arguments in a variety of media and formats, ranging from critical essay to op-ed to oral presentation.