The course examines the archaeological evidence for broad scale cultural and social developments in China from the earliest evidence for the arrival of modern humans through to the Han Dynasty. Topics covered include the nature of early hunting and gathering societies, the emergence of agriculture, the development of metallurgy and the roles of agriculture, technology, trade and warfare in the rise of ‘advanced’ civilization during the Shang and Zhou periods; innovation and competition among the states; the significance of recent archaeologically-recovered texts; the unification of China under the First Emperor; and the continuing influence of political, intellectual and artistic achievements of the 400 year-long Han Dynasty.

Understand key concepts in Asian Studies and Chinese Archaelogy, Prehistory and History

· Acquire a different cultural perspective from which to view oneself, one’s culture and one’s society

· Integrate theoretical knowledge with empirical example

· Learn to engage with the ideas and perspectives of other learners

· Learn to think critically

· Learn analytic skills for developing and defending an argument

· Develop skills in synthesising and contextualizing new information

· Develop skills to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources, both Western and Chinese

· Develop an ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Asian Studies and communicate findings to other course members

One or two essays (4000 words), a learning journal (1000 words) or a final examination, and tutorial participation.

32 contact hours per semester.

Two ASIA coded courses amongst prerequisites.

6 university courses (36 units)

Incompatible with: Early China ASHI2203 and Origins of East Asian Civilizations ASHI2203

Watson, Burton, Early Chinese Literature, Columbia UP, 1962;

Mote, F.W., Intellectual Foundations of China, 2nd ed., Princeton UP, 1989.