China's Ethnic Frontiers: Tibet, Xinjiang, Mongolia, and beyond

Catalog description

This course offers a unique exploration of China’s ethnic frontiers, with a special focus on the North and the Western regions. We will delve into major works in the field that delve into topics such as the politics and discourse of ethnicity, nationality, religion, minority status and indigeneity, patriotism/loyalty, historiography, geography, cultural expression, modernization, settler colonialism, imperialism, natural resources, and other related subjects within the context of modern China. Our journey will span the historical periods from the 17th century to the present. The readings for this course are eclectic, drawing from various disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach provides in-depth insights into the history and forms of expression of pluralism and the tensions it creates in China. We will engage with the works of historians, anthropologists, political scientists, and social theorists, fostering a broad perspective on some of the most relevant issues of our time.