The course examines social, political, economic and cultural developments in China to the end of the Han Dynasty in AD 220. This was the period that saw the emergence of the schools of thought, institutions, technological and artistic traditions that were to shape subsequent Chinese history and strongly influence the other societies and cultures of East Asia.

Topics covered include the roles of agriculture and technology in the rise of ‘advanced’ civilization during the Shang and Zhou periods; innovation and competition among the states of the period of political division; the unification of China under the First Emperor; and the continuing influence of political, intellectual an artistic achievements of the 400 year-long Han Dynasty.

Particular attention will be paid to the rise of the various schools of philosophy during the pre-Han period, including Confucianism, Moism, Daoism, and Legalism. The outstanding thinkers of this period dealt with fundamental social, moral and political issues as relevant and important now as they were 2500 years ago. The introduction of Buddhism into China, and it’s domestication there, will also be considered.

To be agreed at opening lecture. Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work, tailored to the graduate student’s interests.

32 contact hours per Semester

*Watson, Burton, Early Chinese Literature, Columbia UP, 1962.
*Leys, Simon, trans., The Analects of Confucius, W.W. Norton, 1997.