The course aims to provide students with the foundations to comprehensively understand China and integrate historical knowledge with Chinese language skills. Initially, the course will provide students with a historical intuition of China and the internal world, as well as the ability to develop their critical judgment on current events. To achieve this, the course offers students a general knowledge of Chinese history, from the mythical era (before the use of Chinese characters/ideograms, i.e., the time of the Yellow Emperor) to contemporary China, using a synchronous and diachronic approach. Through this journey, students can develop their personal academic interests in Chinese history and synthesize key themes, such as the concept of the "Chinese people" and "Chinese civilization".

China is one of the world's earliest civilizations, with almost 4,000 years of documented history. The course covers vital themes week by week, using methods of presentation, discussion, and aesthetic contemplation. 

1. Ancient Times and Slave Societies (from 1.7 million years ago to 476 B.C.)

Ancient China witnessed significant developments from the discovery of fossilized remains of early humans like the Yuanmou Ape-Man, dating back 1.7 million years, and the Homo erectus pekinensis, around 600,000 years ago, demonstrating primitive tool usage. Approximately 10,000 years ago, Neolithic sites emerged throughout China.

The Xia dynasty, originating in 2070 B.C., marked the beginning of Chinese history as a slave society. It was situated in present-day Henan and Shanxi provinces, with power extending along the Yellow River. Subsequent dynasties, such as the Shang and Western Zhou, strengthened the slave system. The Spring-Autumn and Warring States periods that followed saw the decline of royal authority and the rise of warlords, marking a transition from a slave society to a feudal one.

2  Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259-210 B.C.) and His Empire in China In 221 B.C.,

Qin Shi Huang ended the Warring States period, a phase that lasted for over 250 years, marked by conflicts among warlords. He established the first unified, centralized, and multi-ethnic feudal state in Chinese history: the State of Qin. This unification entailed standardizing writing, weights and measures, currency, and the administrative system. The feudal structure he established served as a model for the next 2,000 years.

The discovery of the Terracotta Army in 1974, guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, astonished the world with its 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures, horses, and chariots. It has been described as the eighth wonder of the world.

3. The Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) and the Famous "Silk Road"

In 206 B.C., Liu Bang established the influential Han Dynasty in China. During the Han Dynasty, there was substantial growth in agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade, resulting in a population of around 50 million. In its zenith, under the rule of Emperor Liu Che (140-87 B.C.), the dynasty expanded its governance from the central plains to the western regions, including modern-day Xinjiang and Central Asia.

To facilitate trade, Liu Che dispatched the envoy Zhang Qian on two missions to the west, opening up the Silk Road. This ancient route connected Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an in Shaanxi) to the eastern shores of the Mediterranean via Xinjiang and Central Asia, enabling the transport of China's prized silk products to the West. In the 1st century A.D., Buddhism was introduced to China, and interactions between the Eastern and Western worlds increased. In 105 A.D., the official Cai Lun revolutionized writing materials by inventing the papermaking process.

4. The Tang Dynasty at its height (618-907)

After the Han period, which encompasses the eras of the Three Kingdoms, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties, and Sui, Li Yuan founded the Tang Dynasty in 618 A.D. Li Yuan's son, Li Shimin, known as Emperor Taizong of Tang during his reign from 626 to 649, implemented a series of enlightened policies that propelled feudal China to the height of prosperity. During this period, agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade experienced significant development. Moreover, there were notable technological advancements in textile production, dyeing, ceramics, metallurgy, and shipbuilding, and the country benefited from an advanced land and water transportation system.

5. The Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties (960-1911) in China

China after the fall of the Tang Dynasty: a period of conflicts and dynasties. In 960 A.D., the Song Dynasty marked an era of southward shift, bringing economic development, technological innovation, and advanced culture. 1206 Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Khanate, and his nephew, Kublai, established the Yuan Dynasty in 1271, unifying the country. The "Four Great Inventions" of ancient China - paper, printing, the compass, and gunpowder - had a global impact during the Song and Yuan Dynasties. In 1368, the Ming Dynasty ushered in an era of maritime explorations led by Zheng He, reaching the eastern coast of Africa. The Qing Dynasty was formed in 1644, with Emperor Kangxi consolidating control over vast territories, including Tibet, and repelling the Russian invasion. The Qing Empire covered an area of over 11 million square kilometers.

6. The modern history of China (1840-1949)

The modern history of China, from the Opium War in 1840 to the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, represents a period of profound transformations. During this time, China evolved from a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society to a nation engaged in the struggle for national independence and the rejuvenation of the Chinese people. This history can be divided into two main phases: the first one from the Opium War to the May Fourth Movement of 1919, known as the phase of the Old Democratic Revolution; the second one from the May Fourth Movement of 1919 to the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, representing the phase of the New Democratic Revolution. These phases reflect the crucial moments of change and progress in modern Chinese history.

7. The contemporary history of China (1949-)

China's modern history follows the founding of the People's Republic of China in October 1949. This chapter in history is characterized by the consolidation of power, exploration, and development of the country, to lead China towards prosperity, well-being, and self-sufficiency.

Cultivate a passion and an open heart to approach the history of others that differs from one's own. In this course, we specifically refer to Chinese history.

Develop the ability to both receive and provide nourishment through studying other histories.

Promote an integrated ecology.

Acquire the knowledge and skills to "Bring China Home": effectively introduce Chinese history to family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, clients, and others.

Enhance communication skills, enabling scientific expression through both oral and written means.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

The teaching approach will involve discussing central themes, categories, and paradigms used to comprehend Chinese history as a whole and specific aspects of philosophy, politics, and economics within Chinese history. From history, students will enhance their wisdom to read the contemporary world. 

Attendance

The student is obligated:

• To participate in discussions and dialogues during class with authenticity.
• To communicate with the professor via email when absent.
• To watch the assigned films as homework before the following lectures.
• To read the texts/manuals selected by the professor.
• To write the reflection paper requested by the professor.

Course books

Necessary books:

Roberts J.A.G. - "Storia della Cina," Il Mulino, Bologna, 2013.

Samarani G. - "La Cina contemporanea. Dalla fine dell'impero a oggi," Nuova edizione aggiornata e ampliata, Einaudi, Torino, 2017.

Optional books:

De Giorgi L., Samarani G. - "La Cina e la storia," Carocci, Roma, 2005.

Wills J.E. - "Mountain of Fame. Portraits in Chinese History," Princeton University Press, 1994/2012.

M. Wood - "La Storia della Cina: Le origini di una civiltà millenaria," Mondadori, 2022.

Assessment

Examinees will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the overarching narrative of Chinese history and fundamental concepts such as 'ink is divided into five colors' and 'void,' among others. Furthermore, they must showcase their genuine interest and passion for specific topics through a comprehensive summary.

The exam will consist of a written section with the Prof and an oral presentation regarding their personally created work of art.

Grades will be awarded based on the student's dedication throughout the course, including personal reflections on specific topics, authenticity,  and the ability to engage with the chosen topic, either selected by them or the teacher. Additionally, their capacity to synthesize Chinese history and philosophy of history will be considered.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

You can study the exam and two texts of your choosing; before the semester begins, please email the professor that you will not attend class but you will do exam.

Attendance

Study by oneself the necessary books and an additional two other books. 

Course books

Necessary books:

Roberts J.A.G. - "Storia della Cina," Il Mulino, Bologna, 2013.

Samarani G. - "La Cina contemporanea. Dalla fine dell'impero a oggi," Nuova edizione aggiornata e ampliata, Einaudi, Torino, 2017.

Optional books:

De Giorgi L., Samarani G. - "La Cina e la storia," Carocci, Roma, 2005.

Wills J.E. - "Mountain of Fame. Portraits in Chinese History," Princeton University Press, 1994/2012.

M. Wood - "La Storia della Cina: Le origini di una civiltà millenaria," Mondadori, 2022.

Assessment

Examinees will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the overarching narrative of Chinese history and fundamental concepts such as 'ink is divided into five colors' and 'void,' among others. Furthermore, they must showcase their genuine interest and passion for specific topics through a comprehensive summary.

The exam will consist of a written section with the Prof and an oral presentation regarding their personally created work of art.

Grades will be awarded based on the student's dedication throughout the course, including personal reflections on specific topics, authenticity,  and the ability to engage with the chosen topic, either selected by them or the teacher. Additionally, their capacity to synthesize Chinese history and philosophy of history will be considered.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.