Empires in Early Modern Global Asia

Catalog description

This course aims to survey the geographically extensive; ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse; and politically dynamic empires of early modern Asia from a global perspective. We will look at this period through the eyes of Asian peoples, rather than from the isolated and Eurocentric point of view that created artificial boundaries and dominated the historical narratives for centuries. The course connects the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the intruding maritime empires of the Indian Ocean, and China. While there will be some emphasis on chronological developments and major historical, socio-political, and cultural events, the course is primarily organized on a thematic basis. Topics include: state and identity formation; military expansion and navigation technologies; environment and natural resources; urban and rural populations and their daily life routines; religious and ethnic minorities; and developments in science, art, and architecture.