The history of China from its beginnings to the destruction of the Song Dynasty by the Mongols in the 13th century. Topics to be covered include the emergence of Chinese civilization, the Chinese language, early rhetoric and philosophy, the creation of the first empire, law, Buddhism and religious Taoism, the socioeconomic revolution of the 10th to 12th centuries, identities (male and female, Chinese and "barbarian"), lyric poetry, and painting and calligraphy.

In today's world of identity politics, we encounter outlandish and essentializing assertions about "Chineseness" or "Chinese identity." This course uses archaeology and history to move beyond those, demonstrating connections between the terrain we call "China" today, the rest of the Sinosphere (Taiwan, Hong Kong, parts of Korea and SE Asia), and the entire antique world (e.g., Rome, India, Central Asia). This course explores the formative period from Anyang (1300 BC) to the Mongols invasion in 1279, seeking to reexamine many of the defining features of the pre-modern East that have shaped the modern identity of China, inside and outside the PRC. How did the empires in China differ from others?

A number of topics will be addressed, including the following: How did the Chinese empires differ from those of Rome or the Near East? What were its notions of the cultural Other and the common good? What understanding of environmental issues did it have? How was knowledge produced and learning transmitted? As students will discover, multiple strands of vibrant traditions from a huge range of places came together and cross-fertilized, producing by turns a surprisingly cohesive culture and also strong outbreaks of resistance, uprisings, and contrary stances.

No Chinese language or familiarity with Chinese history is required or expected.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for History 6A after taking History 6.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills