A survey of early, classical, and medieval Chinese history, from
the Shang to the Tang dynasty (2000 B.C.E.-800 C.E.). Central
themes include state formation, state-society relations, economic
foundations, cultural transformations, and intellectual
innovations. Emphasis on interpreting primary sources in translation.
Athena Title
China's Imperial Age
Prerequisite
Any HIST course or ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S or ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1102S or POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about China's imperial age by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of China's Imperial Age shaped diverse social and cultural attitudes toward religion, identity, and morality, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
Topical Outline
I. Geography and Language: Diversity and Divergence
II. The Shang and Zhou Dynasties: Ritual and Politics
III. Intellectual Foundations of Early China
IV. The Qin and Han Dynasties: Creation of the Imperial Order
V. Buddhism and Religious Daoism: Salvationist Religions
VI. The Sui and Tang Dynasties: The Golden Age of Chinese Civilization
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
