History HSTAS 211E, Spring 2003
History of Chinese Civilization

Syllabus

Course description

HSTAS 211 – Chinese Civilization
Discussion Section AE
Spring Quarter 2003

“Most people, when they examine history, simply look at periods of order and realize that they are ordered, periods of disorder and recognize their disorder, observe one fact and know no more than that one fact. But is this the real observation of history? You should picture yourself actually in the situation…shut the book and think for yourself.”
                  How to Study History
                  Lu ZuQian (1137-1181)
                  Imperial Historian

Teaching Assistant:
Pam Samson
Smith 8, Office hours, Tuesdays and
Thursdays1:00 – 2:30 pm or by appointment

Email: anthgirl@u.washington.edu

Course website:                       
http://courses.washington.edu/china211/

What will we do in course sections?
Discussion sections are different from lecture sections in that this is an opportunity for you to engage in discussions regarding the reading materials and lectures with your classmates. This may involve points you notice relating to lecture material, themes of the readings, questions you may have, or just passages you think are interesting!

Grading Policy

Attendance:
More than 3 unexcused absences will result in a reduction in your participation grade by half. If you miss a section it is your responsibility to email me regarding information/announcements you have missed. Also, attendance alone does not equate to section participation, this involves engagement in class discussions, participation in small groups, etc.


Major Assignments:


1) Three Short Papers (3-4 pages each) 10 %
These will be due at the end of the third week of class (April 19), end of the sixth week (May 10), and the end of the ninth week (May 31). You will be given the paper assignment one week in advance.
2) Participation (including attendance) 10%
*If you miss 3 or more section classes, you will lose half of this participation grade.
3) Informal writing online (See course syllabus for the dates) 10%
*There are five topics for the website discussion for this course.
For instance, the first topic is “Ancient Tombs” on April 10. Instead of going to the lecture, you have to be on line from 10:30-11:30 and discuss the topic with your classmates on the web.

a) Visit your section website
b) Click “message board”
c) Click the topic of the week
d) Send at least two messages (questions,
comments, answers to the questions)
e) You can reply to your classmates’ messages.

For example, the first topic, Ancient Tombs, has 5 tombs on the web and questions relating to the tombs. You can start your discussions answering, commenting on these questions.

4) Two one-hour tests 40% (20% each)
5) Final exam 30 %

Required Readings

You will be expected to have the week's readings completed by Tuesday's section. For example, if it is Week 3, you should have the readings for Week 3 completed by the Tuesday of the third week. This will greatly assist you in not only being prepared for section, but also the lecture for that week. Of course, coming prepared to class by completing the readings is vital to having good discussions. But also, try not to read just to get the assignment done. While you are reading, think about the different aspects of class lectures or your own thoughts – what do these readings tell us about society? hierarchies? everyday life? gender relations? power?, etc. You will be expected to discuss the material and engage your each other every section, this is invaluable in helping you understand the material, become comfortable with it, and think about the material critically which is excellent in helping you in writing your papers and studying for exams. From time to time, in order to ensure that you are keeping up with your reading, short homework assignments may be given that will count towards your participation grade.