A Comprehensive Syllabus for the History of Chinese Culture16

This syllabus outlines a semester-long course exploring the rich and multifaceted history of Chinese culture. The course aims to provide students with a chronological overview of key cultural developments, examining their interconnections and influences across various periods. We will move beyond a purely narrative approach, engaging critically with primary and secondary sources to analyze the complexities and contradictions within Chinese culture's long trajectory. The course will emphasize interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing upon archaeology, literature, art history, philosophy, and religious studies to illuminate the subject matter. Active participation, critical thinking, and insightful engagement with course materials are highly encouraged.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the major periods and themes in Chinese cultural history.
Analyze the development and interaction of various cultural elements, including religion, philosophy, art, literature, and social structures.
Critically evaluate primary and secondary sources related to Chinese culture.
Articulate the complex relationship between culture and power throughout Chinese history.
Understand the ongoing relevance and global impact of Chinese culture.
Develop effective research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Course Structure and Readings: The course will be structured chronologically, beginning with pre-historic China and concluding with contemporary cultural trends. Readings will consist of a combination of primary sources (translated excerpts from classical texts, historical documents, and literary works) and secondary scholarship offering diverse interpretations and perspectives. A detailed reading list will be provided separately, including recommended further reading.

Course Schedule (Subject to Change):

Week 1-3: Prehistoric and Early Dynastic China (Neolithic to Shang Dynasty)
Archaeological evidence and the emergence of Chinese civilization.
The development of early writing systems and bronze technology.
The rise of the Shang dynasty and its impact on social and political structures.
Early religious beliefs and rituals.

Week 4-6: The Zhou Dynasty and the Classical Period
The Mandate of Heaven and the transition from Shang to Zhou rule.
The development of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.
The Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods: intellectual ferment and social upheaval.
The Hundred Schools of Thought.

Week 7-9: The Qin and Han Dynasties: Unification and Expansion
The unification of China under Qin Shi Huangdi and the legacy of Legalism.
The flourishing of culture and the arts under the Han Dynasty.
The development of Confucianism as a state ideology.
The Silk Road and cross-cultural exchange.

Week 10-12: The Sui and Tang Dynasties: Cosmopolitanism and Cultural Synthesis
The reunification of China under the Sui and the golden age of the Tang.
Buddhism's influence on Chinese art, literature, and society.
The cosmopolitan nature of Tang society and its cultural exchanges.
Tang poetry and its enduring legacy.

Week 13-15: The Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties: Neo-Confucianism and Maritime Expansion
The rise of Neo-Confucianism and its impact on intellectual and social life.
The Yuan Dynasty and the Mongol conquest.
The Ming Dynasty and its maritime expeditions under Zheng He.
The development of Chinese drama and vernacular literature.

Week 16-18: The Qing Dynasty and the Modern Era: Dynastic Change and Western Impact
The Manchu conquest and the Qing Dynasty.
The Opium Wars and the unequal treaties.
The Taiping Rebellion and other social upheavals.
The beginnings of modernization and cultural change.

Week 19-20: 20th and 21st Century China: Revolution, Reform, and Global Influence
The May Fourth Movement and the rise of nationalism.
The Chinese Communist Revolution and the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
The Cultural Revolution and its impact on Chinese society.
China's economic reforms and its rise as a global power.
Contemporary Chinese culture and its global reach.

Assessment:
Class Participation (20%): Active and thoughtful engagement in class discussions.
Midterm Exam (30%): Covering materials from the first half of the course.
Final Exam (30%): Comprehensive exam covering all course materials.
Research Paper (20%): A 10-15 page research paper on a chosen topic related to Chinese cultural history.

Academic Honesty: All work submitted for this course must be the student's original work. Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences.

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.

2025-04-29

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