Instructor: Dr. Zhinchun Jing
Term 2
Mondays & Wednesdays
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Description:
This course invites you to embark on an enthralling exploration of ancient China, from its earliest beginnings to the emergence of its first civilizations through quintessential archaeological excavations and recent ground-breaking discoveries, spanning from the primal Peking Man to the awe-inspiring Terra-Cotta Warriors, from the invention of pottery to ceremonial drinking rituals, and from the timeless beauty of jades to the intriguing world of ancient bronzes. This course seeks to illuminate how archaeology has profoundly rewritten historical narratives and transformed our understanding of the making of Chinese culture and society.
Upon completing this course, students will be expected to learn and understand the essence of major archaeological discoveries and their importance in shaping and transforming our perception of ancient China. Furthermore, the course aims to foster an understanding of the modern-day relevance of these discoveries within the contexts of both contemporary China and the global stage. The course will help students develop analytical skills for assessing and interpreting archaeological data. It further aspires to learn how to appraise a myriad of research themes and inquiries, facilitated by the detailed examination of compelling case studies in the investigation of early China.