The Silk Road: Ancient and Modern Globalizations

Catalog description

To what extent has the Silk Road been one of the most pivotal networks in human history, and can we reassess its global impact? This course explores the Silk Road's historical significance by examining its social, cultural, and economic roles across more than three thousand years, extending to contemporary initiatives like China's Belt and Road. We will analyze primary sources such as period maps and travelogues to understand the experiences of Silk Road travelers and the geographical, cultural, religious, and/or social contexts they traversed. The course includes a study trip to Uzbekistan to explore key Silk Road sites and critically engage with prevalent views on Central Asia. Students will produce a research paper and presentation as part of this seminar. This course includes a regional academic seminar to Uzbekistan. This course will be offered in June-Term 2025.