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Academic Year 2004/2005

Chinese and Comparative Historiography : The Quest for Historical Truth
HIST 390 SP

This seminar will explore key concepts such as "li shi" (history) and "zhen li" (truth) through the works of Chinese historians ranging from Si Ma Qian (145-86 BCE), Si Ma Guang (1019-1086 CE), Zhang Xuecheng (1738-1801) to Gu Jiegang (1983-1981)and other 20th century historians wrestling with meanings of veracity. Primary sources (in translation) will be combined with secondary sources to develop a comparative framework for the understanding of "historical truth." How evidence is used and weighed for its veracity is one of the concerns as well as the moral integrity of historians who shape the records of the past. Throughout the seminar, students will be expected to do individual research on key events in Chinese history and world history and to explore how multiple interpretations have affected what becomes codified as the "genuine record of past events."

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

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: PAC413;

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 15)

SR. major: 5   Jr. major: 3

SR. non-major: 5   Jr. non-major: 2   SO: 0   FR: 0

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal:    Speaking, Writing

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005

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