Imperial China.

Catalog description

For much of its history, China was the most powerful empire in the world. It had the grandest cities, the most formidable armies, the best technology and the biggest economy. Today China is poised to retake its position as the world's superpower. What lessons does history teach us about China today? This course surveys the history of China as a great power in traditional times and ends with consideration of China in the world today. Topics include foreign policy, law and order, political leadership, patriarchy, political reformism, the rise of a merit-based elite class and the dynastic cycle. ( GE1C , GESO )