Much of the world's history has been shaped by experiences of empires. Even after the collapse of the major historic imperial powers during the second half of the twentieth century, the legacies of those empires continue to shape contemporary life. Historians and political analysts still talk in terms of—and seek to redefine—imperialism in reference to present polities.
China is central to such discourses on imperial power: it offers a particularly rich body of historical evidence for the practice of empire. This course will assess that evidence and survey the great drama of Chinese attempts to bring under single control and preserve the unity of its vast territories, so varied ethnically, culturally, and geographically. It will take in the full sweep of China’s imperial past. It will start in the third century BC, when the foundations of the imperial system were consolidated. It will extend to the end of the eighteenth century, when both internal social changes and encounters with Western powers urged a reappraisal of the imperial system. Dividing this broad chronological scope into three periods—early, medieval, and late imperial—the course will explore larger changes and continuities over time. In each period, it will bring into sharp focus the social, cultural, and political arenas in which Chinese empire was developed and maintained.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify and discuss major themes and issues in imperial Chinese history.
- Apply a broad theoretical knowledge of Chinese history and historiography to a range of specific empirical examples.
- Demonstrate the critical skills necessary to locate, synthesise, and analyse information on imperial Chinese history found in a variety of primary and secondary sources.
- Produce and defend arguments on the key concepts and bodies of learning in imperial Chinese history, in relation both to their original historical contexts and to their present-day uses.
- Show skills of communication, through both oral and written assignments, that present research findings and arguments to an audience of contemporaries.
Other Information
This is a co-taught course. Any cap on enrolments in one course applies to both courses combined.
Indicative Assessment
- Weekly quizzes (10 on-line quizzes x 1.5% each) (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- In-class debates (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Source-critical essays (1500 words total) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Oral examination (inc. 500-word preparatory essay) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
There are four contact hours per week: two hours of recorded lectures; and one two-hour in-person tutorial. The total workload for the course is 130 hours, including independent study.
Inherent Requirements
n/a
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Hansen, Valerie, The Open Empire: A History of China to 1600, New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2000.
Strunk, William Jr. and White, E.B., The Elements of Style, New York: Macmillan, 3rd edn., 1979 (or later editions)
Supplementary materials will appear on Wattle.
Assumed Knowledge
n/a
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4080 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $5280 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8687 | 22 Jul 2024 | 29 Jul 2024 | 31 Aug 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | In Person | N/A |
