Topics in Asian History

SAME AS V57.0095

This survey introduces the history of imperial China, from the first emperor of a unified China (200 BCE) to the collapse of the last dynasty in 1912. In addition to stories about great men and political changes, this course guides students to understand social changes and cultural identities through the experience of people from different classes. This course will introduce entry-level theories about the history of technology, gender, material culture, and basic debates about modernity. It aims to show how cultural interactions, trade, and exchanges of technologies with surrounding cultures contributed to the configuration of Chinese culture. Primary and secondary sources are supplemented by visual materials and film screenings.