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Academic Year 2003/2004

Chinese Historiography in a Comparative Perspective
HIST 390 SP

The goal of this seminar is to familiarize upper level students with the core concepts of traditional Chinese culture and its appreciation of the historian's craft. Students who already have a background in Chinese history, philosophy or literature will find this an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the reasons why past became so important to the definition of self and society in imperial China. For students with less background in Chinese culture, this seminar will raise new questions about the writing of history. All participants will be expected to read carefully both Chinese and Western sources about the process through which the scattered remains of the past are fashioned into historical consciousness by one of the oldest civilizations on earth.

Traditional Confucian Chinese practice will be the main focus of our inquiry. At the same time, students will be exposed to readings that challenge the assumptions of traditional Chinese historiography from a contemporary Western perspective. Since the past was such an important part of the self-identity of Chinese intellectuals, we will invariably explore the more personal dimensions of the historian's craft as well.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Schwarcz,Vera   

Times: ...W... 01:10PM-04:00PM;     Location: PAC411

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 15)

SR. major: 5   Jr. major: 3

SR. non-major: 4   Jr. non-major: 2   SO: 1   FR: 0

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal:    Speaking, Writing

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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