Introduction to East Asia: China

Catalog description

This course introduces Chinese history and culture from ancient to modern times. In addition to addressing political, social, economic, and intellectual developments, this course will draw on important literary and artistic works to understand how various writers and thinkers have participated in the making of what is now called China. The course challenges the notion of “civilization” and the imagination of history as singular and monolithic. The lectures and readings will include some of the most up-to-date scholarship on China and East Asia. The recitations and short paper assignments are designed for students to practice analysis of primary sources.