A Comprehensive Syllabus for a Course on Chinese Cultural History168

This syllabus outlines the structure and content of a semester-long course on Chinese cultural history. The course aims to provide students with a nuanced understanding of the evolution of Chinese culture, exploring its key themes, significant periods, and lasting legacies. We will move chronologically through major epochs, analyzing the interplay of philosophical, religious, political, social, and artistic developments. The course emphasizes critical thinking and encourages students to engage with primary and secondary sources to formulate their own interpretations of China’s rich and complex past.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a chronological understanding of major historical periods in China, from antiquity to the present day.
Analyze the development of key cultural themes, including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and their interactions.
Critically evaluate diverse perspectives on major historical events and cultural trends.
Engage with primary source materials, such as historical texts, art, and literature, to understand the past on its own terms.
Develop effective research and writing skills, including the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and construct well-supported arguments.
Appreciate the complexities and nuances of Chinese culture and its global impact.

Required Readings: A comprehensive reading list will be provided at the beginning of the semester. This list will include a combination of scholarly monographs, edited collections, and primary source translations. Specific texts will be announced and assigned on a weekly basis.

Course Schedule (Subject to Change):

Part I: Ancient China (Pre-Qin to Han Dynasty):
Week 1-2: Introduction: Myth, Legend, and the Archaeological Record; The Shang and Zhou Dynasties; The emergence of Chinese civilization; early writing systems and bronze technology.
Week 3-4: The Hundred Schools of Thought: Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism; their core tenets and lasting influences; philosophical debates and their social impact.
Week 5-6: The Qin Dynasty: Unification and the Imperial System; Legalist policies and their consequences; the construction of the Great Wall.
Week 7-8: The Han Dynasty: Imperial expansion and consolidation; the Silk Road; cultural flourishing; the rise of Buddhism.

Part II: Imperial China (Sui-Tang to Qing Dynasty):
Week 9-10: The Sui and Tang Dynasties: Political and economic developments; the flourishing of art, literature, and technology; the cosmopolitan nature of Tang society.
Week 11-12: The Song Dynasty: Neo-Confucianism; technological innovations; economic growth; social changes.
Week 13-14: The Yuan Dynasty: Mongol rule and its impact on China; cultural exchange; administrative structures.
Week 15-16: The Ming and Qing Dynasties: Imperial power and social structures; maritime expansion; the impact of European contact.

Part III: Modern and Contemporary China:
Week 17-18: The Opium Wars and the Century of Humiliation; the Taiping Rebellion; the rise of nationalism and revolutionary movements.
Week 19-20: The Republican Era: Warlordism, nationalism, and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party; the Sino-Japanese War.
Week 21-22: The People’s Republic of China: The Mao Zedong era; the Great Leap Forward; the Cultural Revolution; economic reforms and opening up.
Week 23-24: Contemporary China: Economic growth and globalization; social and political changes; China's role in the world; Conclusion and looking forward.

Assessment:
Participation (20%): Active engagement in class discussions and thoughtful contributions.
Midterm Exam (30%): A comprehensive exam covering the first half of the course material.
Research Paper (30%): A research paper (approximately 1500-2000 words) on a topic of the student's choice, focusing on a specific aspect of Chinese cultural history. Detailed guidelines will be provided.
Final Exam (20%): A comprehensive exam covering the entire course material.

Academic Integrity: All work submitted for this course must be original and adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students are expected to be familiar with and abide by the university’s policies on academic integrity.

Disability Services: Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Services office at the beginning of the semester to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion. Any changes will be announced in class and/or via email.

2025-06-02

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