A survey of Chinese history from the late Tang through the early
Qing dynasties (800-1600). Topics include the involution of the
imperial state, transformations of society and economy, the
invention of the "Confucian" tradition, and shifting conceptions
of Chinese identity.
Athena Title
The Chinese Renaissance
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 spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the history of the Chinese Renaissance 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 Renaissance shaped diverse social and cultural attitudes toward religion, identity, and politics, 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. The Tang-Song Transition: Early Modernity?
II. The Northern Song Dynasty: Reforming Idealism
III. Inner Asia in Chinese History: The Liao and Jin Dynasties
IV. The Southern Song Dynasty: Reimagining State and Society
V. The Yuan Dynasty: China under Mongol Rule
VI. The Ming Dynasty: The Last Long Wave
VII. The Qing Conquest: Survival of the Imperial Order
Institutional Competencies
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.
