Time Schedule:
R Kent Guy
HSTAS 453
Seattle Campus
Political, social, economic, and intellectual history form the time of the Mongol conquest of China to the Sino-Japanese war. Focus on the evolution of the late imperial Chinese state and the "early modern" era in China.
Class description
This is a course in the political, economic, and social history of late imperial China, 1300-1900. The course will begin with the reassertion of Chinese power in East Asia, and conclude with the decisive defeat of the Chinese Empire by the Japanese. Topics to be discussed will include the development of authority and bureaucracy in the late imperial Chinese government; 16th century social, economic, and intellectual developments in China and how the Chinese responded to them; the conquest of China by the Manchus in the 17th century; and the challenges to the Chinese order posed by Western commerce and military might in the 19th century. Whereever possible Chinese developments will be treated in a comparative world-historical context. Readings will include translated primary sources and monographic materials.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The course will include three lectures per week, with discussion.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites.
Class assignments and grading
There will be two take home exams and a final exam given at the time prescribed in the time schedule. Students must do all three items to complete the course.
Normally, the final grade will be the aerage of the three exams (2 take-homes and 1 final) with participation in class discussion rewarded as appropriate.
