Introduction to Chinese History (5cr)

Objectives (course unit)

Students will learn the general course of Chinese history from the beginning of the Chinese civilization to the present, its major phases, events, personages and developments. As transferable skills students will learn how to assimilate and understand large amounts of new information through following lectures and reading research literature, as well as academic English listening and writing skills.

Content (course unit)

The course introduces students to Chinese history from the Stone Age to the present. The focus is on the political development and change of the Chinese state and society, classical Chinese political philosophy and statecraft, dynastic political system and its cycles of rise and fall, the dynamics of the interaction between ‘barbarians’ and the Chinese civilization as well as Western influence in China. Also the modern and contemporary histories of China are introduced and the historical roots of the modern Chinese society discussed during the course.

Assessment scale

0-5

Learning materials

Select either one of the following two books: Paltemaa, Lauri: Lyhyt johdatus Kiinan historiaan (2018), OR Linda Jaivin: The Shortest History of China (2021). One exam question will be based on this literature.

Further information

For EAST students it is possible to take this course as part of their optional studies.