Course Description

Following the prosperous Silk Road of the Northwest and the thriving spice trade of the South China Sea regions, imperial Chinese courts remained engaged in international exchanges of goods and ideas since ancient times. This course will examine the intersection of trade and tribute in patterns of foreign relations China conducted with its neighbors through the arrival of European powers in the 16th century. Material trade, and the socio-cultural exchanges accompanying it, will serve as the central theme in this course. Through a critical reading of recent scholarship on related topics, we will determine for ourselves the impact that global trade patterns had on the historical development of this very important region of the world.

Students taking this course should reach the following goals by the end of the semester:

q Construct persuasive written arguments regarding issues of historical interpretation.

q Utilize the latest methods of Web-based technology to communicate with fellow students.

q Understand better the effect the ancient past has had on the modern world.

q Exhibit self-motivation and self-expression by exploring and asking questions regarding historical topics beyond personal life experiences.