A History of China: From the Ancient Times to the Present
This course will give you a detailed overview of Chinese history from the ancient dynasties to the 21st century.
Professor Zbysek Brezina, PhD
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(133)
What's included
15 live meetings
12 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
This introductory survey of Chinese history focuses on the study of the development of the world's oldest civilization still in existence. Emphasis is placed upon the political, military, and economic developments as well as the cultural development of China until present. It takes as its focus the changes and transformations in China over the past millennia, and how the Chinese people have faced the challenges of the world. Students will engage key issues in the formation of China’s historical and modern states and societies, including urbanization, agriculture, international relations, government structure, and new religious and intellectual developments. This will point towards an understanding of China’s history and contemporary situation in the world. We will focus our attention on the following questions during the course: 1. Why did large territorial states arise in ancient China? 2. How did agriculture influence the development of Chinese civilization? 3. What fundamental institutions and ideas form the basis of Chinese philosophy and religion? 4. How did the Qin unify China? 5. What was the dynastic cycle? 6. How did the Han empire collapse? 7. To what extent did China become Buddhist? 8. Why were the Sui and Tang dynasties able to recreate China's empire? 9. Why were the Mongols able to conquer such a vast empire? 10. Why did the Chinese accept Manchu rule? 11. What were the most serious threats to Manchu rule in the 19th century? 12. Who were the key figures in the revolution of 1911? 13. Why did the communists win the Chinese Civil War? 14. Why did Mao launch the Cultural Revolution? 15. How do Chinese, U.S., and the EU policies toward the world differ? Major topics in the course are: 1. The Origins and Geography of China 2. The First Historic Dynasty 3. The Zhou 4. The Han 5. The Great Disunity 6. The Tang 7. The Song 8. The Mongols 9. The Ming 10. The Manchu Qing 11. Republic of China 12. Civil War and Japanese Invasion 13. The Mao Years 14. The Reform Era 15. The Modern Era
Learning Goals
The class has two main goals. One is to provide students with a basic factual understanding of the development of China from its earliest beginnings until the 21st Century. Just as important, however, is the ability to use this information productively. Thus, this class will also stress the ability to integrate the mass of factual data into some basic understanding of how China arose, and of the issues which concern historians and policymakers today. In addition, the examinations are designed to develop the ability to think critically. Rote memorization is not as important as the ability to produce and evaluate arguments based on historical evidence. Please do not forget that the most effective learning occurs when you are actively involved.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The study of Chinese history deals with some sensitive topics in history such as wars and civil wars. Dr. Brezina takes great care to present the content in an age-appropriate manner.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
There are many sources that are used for teaching the history of China in this course. Dr. Brezina studied various primary and secondary sources (articles, book, dissertations, etc.) during his years as a teacher and professor of history that will allow him to interpret Chinese history objectively and address the full range of a variety of peoples' histories, including marginalized populations. For example, he will draw from these books: A History of Chinese Civilization by Jacques Gernet, China: From the Great Qing Empire through the People's Republic of China by Harold Miles Tanner, Sources in Chinese History: Diverse Perspectives from 1644 to the Present by David G. Atwill and Yurong Y. Atwill, China’s Last Empire: The Great Qing by William T. Rowe, and Modern China by Rana Mitter.
(However, Dr. Brezina does not require students to purchase or use these books.)
Joined March, 2020
5.0
133reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Doctoral Degree in History from Boston University
Dr. Brezina has taught the history of China at various university prep schools in Europe and the United States and as well as at several American colleges and universities.Reviews
Live Group Class
$375
for 15 classes1x per week, 15 weeks
50 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-10 learners per class
