72403 - History of China (1)

Academic Year 2022/2023

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Anthropology, Religions, Oriental Civilizations (cod. 8493)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will have a basic knowledge of the main cultural and historical issues concerning China and its area of influence. They will apply the main techniques for interpreting complex cultural phenomena whether in the specific geo-historical context or through interaction with other cultural worlds. They will be able to place political, religious and cultural phenomena in historical context, critically examining the interconnections (including comparison with other cultural areas), and use specific cases to illustrate the multicultural dimension. They will know how to listen, understand and debate respectfully with different cultures and viewpoints, spotting tie-ups among the different disciplines involved in interpreting cultural and historical phenomena. They will be able to speak and write effectively, referring to the relative bibliography.

Course contents

The course will provide an excellent, basic knowledge of Chinese History, origins up to Opium Wars.

Recurring aspects, dynamics and problems, as well as cultural characteristics, will be stressed.

At the end of the course the students will be able to approach later Chinese History, and also today's China, in a culturally sound and updated way.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliography for students attending the lectures:

The exam will be substantially based on the notes taken during the course. The reference book is:

Mario Sabattini, Paolo Santangelo, Storia della Cina, Roma-Bari, Laterza, any edition.

During the course specific reading tips will be constantly provided. The essays in The Cambridge History of China constitute classic bibliographic references for specific deepenings.

Bibliography for students not attending the lectures:

The reference book for students not attending the lectures is:

Mario Sabattini, Paolo Santangelo, Storia della Cina, Roma-Bari, Laterza, any edition - until the Opium Wars.

Students not attending the lectures are invited to get in touch with the lecturer, for recommendations on the reference book's use.

Teaching methods

Lectures; students' active participation will be encouraged.

Assessment methods

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

The exam will be viva voce, aiming at appraising students'capacity of critical synthesis - as well as their knowledge of contents and method, with regard first of all to the reference text, or to further bibliographical hints provided during the lectures.

Students who have attended the lectures will start the exam with a topic  at their own's choice, prepeared on the reference text, or on one of the readings suggested during the course.

Students' ability in elaborating an organic, bright and methodologically sound critical synthesis, together with their use of a technical and University-level language, will be highly valued and rewarded with top marks.

A more mnemonic or scholastic knowledge of History of Eastern Asia's topics will bring to lower marks.

  Lack of critical synthesis and deficient knowledge, unsuited speech and missed consultation of the recommended literature will make necessary the repetition of the exam.

Students not  attending the lectures are invited to get in touch with Prof. Solieri.

Teaching tools

Digital tools; maps, slides, movies.

Office hours

See the website of Flavia Solieri