Chinese Culture and History (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to - describe the birth and evolution of endogenous Chinese schools of thought: Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism, School of Military - explain the key concepts in Confucian, Legalist and Daoist thinking - depict the role and impact of Buddhism in Chinese thinking and society - outline dynastic cycles - explicate the impact of imperialist Western powers had on the last Chinese Qing-dynasty.

Methods of completion

Teaching profile: HYBRID 1.

Methods of completion

It is required to attend and pass all online quiz-exams and written paper.

Content

This course is designed to introduce a critical and pluralist view on history and culture (idea history) of China. Students will gain an understanding of various forces of continuity and discontinuity of ideas and institutions, religious values and culture in China, role of trade and warfare in Chinese dynastic history, and eventual radicalization of late Imperial and early Republican Chinese society. The course provides a good understanding of forces that have shaped Chinese history and culture over two millennia and the eventual collapse and continuous struggle for modernizing China.

Materials

Study material of the course will be delivered to registered students through Moodle. The material constists of book chapters, academic articles and video documentaries.

Teaching methods

Teaching will be contact teaching

Exam schedules

Exam date (incl second exam) will be decided together with students during the first lecture.