Course Description
A cultural history of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), focusing on the structures of everyday life. Topics will include the culture of commerce, conspicuous consumption, artistic production, urban spaces, technologies of gender, and literary masterpieces.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In order to achieve mastery of the major theoretical and
interpretive issues in the field, graduate students will be
challenged to read additional books and articles. Their papers
and other written assignments will be graded with more rigorous
academic standards and higher intellectual expectations than
those submitted by undergraduate students. As a capstone
project, graduate students will write a 25-page historical
research paper, on a course-related topic to be devised in
conjunction with the instructor. Intended to introduce them to
and familiarize them with the writing and practice of history,
the research paper will require graduate students to read
primary sources (in translation, when necessary) and synthesize
them into an interpretation of an event in Ming history.
Athena Title
LIFE MING CHINA
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Writing-intensive and discussion-driven, this course will emphasize the development of critical thinking skills. In a series of weekly papers and analytical essays, students will test historiographic models against the empirical evidence. In a final paper, students will have the opportunity to offer an interpretation of Ming literature and history. Course requirements will emphasize active participation in discussions.
Topical Outline
I. The Structures of Everyday Life: Methodological Questions II. The Culture of Commerce: An Overview of Ming History III. World Trade and Ritual Diplomacy: Ming China and the World IV. Conspicuous Consumption: The Embarrassment of Riches V. Urban Spaces, Public Spheres, and Civil Society VI. Fabrics of Power: Technology and Gender VI. A Literary Mirror: Ming Fiction
Syllabus