Aims and Fit of Module

The aim of this module is to give students a deeper understanding of Chinese history from its early stages to 1911 and make them aware of the main scholarly debates about Chinese history. The module will be an opportunity to discuss the major social, political and economic changes that over the centuries influenced China’s development and its relation with the outside world, placing these changes in the broader framework of world history.

Learning outcomes

A	Understand and evaluate the key events and features of Chinese history from its early stages to 1911

B	Apply a body of theory to evaluate the major social, political and economic changes that influenced China’s development over the centuries

C	Apply a body of theory to analyse the relationship between the Chinese and the outside world

D	Synthetise the Chinese experience in the broader framework of world history

E	Create a map of the key academic sources on Chinese history

F	Synthetise the main scholarly debates about Chinese history

Method of teaching and learning

In the seminars students will able to have an in-depth discussion of weekly topics, and also to present their analysis of a specific topic from the syllabus. The essay plan and the essay will hone students’ analytical and writing abilities.