72403 - History of China (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has acquired a basic knowledge of History and Culture of China and of Chinese area of influence. He is able to expound them properly  in writing and in  oral form, with reference to related 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.

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

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