How to Become Emperor

Catalog description

Chinese history is divided up into famous dynasties like the Han, Tang and Qing, but how did these dynasties become established and how did they end? This course looks at how emperors have risen to power throughout history and how they have been depicted in Chinese literature and film. Sources depict the great revolutions and usurpations in Chinese history, from the First Emperor of Qin up through the fall of China's last dynasty in 1911. Also compares how the sole woman ruler of China, Empress Wu, gained the throne and was later represented.