Course syllabus

222 322 Course Outline 2017-2-28.docx

Trailer from "Reacting to the Past" segment of the course

Overview:

When people think of “imperial China” or “traditional China” or “premodern China”, the images and tropes that come to mind are usually from the Ming-Qing periods. The history of this late imperial period is of critical importance because it encompasses a time when China was the most advanced civilization in the world, sets the stage for the tumultuous events of China’s “century of humiliation”, and establishes numerous precedents for the relationship between Chinese state and society and the formal and informal structures of everyday Chinese life.  

Learning outcomes:

This course is a broad survey of key political, social, and cultural patterns that shaped the history of China from 1368 to 1800. Students who successfully complete this course will understand the basic structures of state and society during the Ming and Qing dynasties, including the imperial bureaucracy, key local institutions such as lineage and temple organizations, family and village relationships, and the Confucian tradition. They will be acquainted with case studies that help them to understand daily life and local communities during the Ming and Qing periods. They will be able to identify points of continuity or historical resonance between Ming, Qing, and 21^st century China. Finally—last but certainly not least—students will develop their skills in reading, writing, presenting their ideas in public, and thinking critically.

Communication Policy: All emails to the lecturer are to adhere to the following format if they wish to receive a reply:

Subject Line: “Respectful Memorial on the Matter of _____[insert subject here]________”

Salutation: “Begging Your Sagely Perusal:”

Body of the email: [Whatever the matter is. You may use a normal 21^st century professional tone.]

Closing: “Bowing deeply, _____[name]_____”

This is the actual format for upward bureaucratic communications during the Qing dynasty. Written communications that do not adhere to this format will not receive a reply other than a directive to please consult the course communication policy. If it cramps your style to put your questions about the course into Qing memorial format, you can always pose them to Dr Inouye directly before or after class, or during Directed Reading, tutorial, or office hours.