HSTAS 452: Chinese History from Earliest Times to 1276
This course offers an accessible and engaging introduction to Chinese history up to 1276, exploring key themes such as empire, governance, social life, religion, and cultural exchange, etc. It explores how one of the world's oldest civilizations took shape, from Neolithic settlements and Bronze Age kingdoms to the cosmopolitan cities of the Tang and Song dynasties.
Each class combines lecture and discussion: about an hour of lecture followed by interactive small-group and whole-class conversations. You will work with both historical texts and archaeological discoveries, gaining firsthand insight into how historians interpret the past.
Assignments are designed to build critical reading, writing, and analytical skills without overwhelming workload: three one-page reading responses, a map quiz, midterm and final exams, and a final AI history project or an oral interview (your choice). The AI project offers a creative opportunity to explore how emerging technologies can and cannot help us understand the past.
No prior background in Chinese history or language is required. Bring your curiosity, think comparatively, and approach the past with an open mind.