HSTAS 211, Spring 2003
History of Chinese Civilization

Syllabus

Course description

Goals of the course: To gain a broad understanding of the development of Chinese civilization.
The organization of this course is premised on the idea that a civilization is a complex entity that can best be grasped through diverse types of sources. We therefore mix lectures, videos, classroom discussions of primary sources, and on-line discussion of visual sources, all in an effort to help you comprehend both basic features of Chinese culture and how China has changed over time.

Grading Policy

Two one-hour tests, 40% (20% each)
Informal writing online 10%
Section grade, based on participation and short writing assignments 20%
Final exam 30%

To receive a passing grade, students must take all exams and submit something for each writing assignment. Makeup examinations will be arranged only in the case of documented emergencies.

Required Readings

Ebrey, ed. Chinese Civilization: A Sourcebook. New York: Free Press, 1993. (CCS, cited by selection number)
Ebrey, Cambridge Illustrated History of China. Cambridge University Press, 1996. (IH)
A Visual Sourcebook for Chinese Civilization (Available on the web at http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/. (VSB)
Do note that there are not enough lectures for you to get a full grounding of the basic history from the lectures alone: careful and attentive reading of the textbook is essential to do well in the tests and final exam.
To help you check whether you are getting what you need to from the textbook and lectures, study guides with questions and terms for identification will be distributed on a regular basis by the TAs.

Other Items

Our schedule is as follows: Monday and Wednesday are regular lectures. It is best to read the IH assignment before attending those classes. Tuesday and Friday are days for section meetings. It is best to read the CSS assignments before those days, as directed by your TA. Thursday is variable. When a lecture or a test are scheduled, you should come to the regular room. By contrast, on the five days devoted to discussion of visual material on the web, you should instead go to a computer lab (any one will do) and join the discussion with your section on-line.