| 1 |
Big Questions: World Systems and Civilizations
The Pivotal Role of Central Eurasia |
|
| 2 |
Corpses and Chariots: Mummies, Horses and the Rise of Nomadism |
|
| 3 |
The Rise of the Silk Route Trade
Han, Xiongnu, and Roman Empires |
|
| 4 |
Religions along the Silk Routes: Islam, Christianity, Manicheanism, Judaism, Buddhism |
|
| 5 |
Cave Paintings and Sculpture: Dunhuang and Others |
|
| 6 |
Caravans and Conquest: Marco Polo, Rabban Sauma, and Kublai Khan |
|
| 7 |
Ming China and the Rise of Muscovy |
|
| 8 |
Manchu Conquest of Central Asia, Russian and Mongolian Negotiations |
|
| 9 |
There will be a film shown in the first session of this week, during class time. It is NOT optional. You will have to write a 1-2 page commentary on it. |
Midterm Exam |
| 10 |
Tibet and Xinjiang's Role in Central Asian Politics |
|
| 11 |
Nineteenth Century Great Game: Britain, Russia, and China |
|
| 12 |
Twentieth Century Explorers and Looters: Aurel Stein, et. al |
|
| 13 |
Soviet Rule in Central Asia: From Revolution to Environmental Catastrophe |
|
| 14 |
Post-Soviet Developments in Central Asia and Xinjiang |
Final Paper Due |
| 15 |
Intercultural Contacts from Amsterdam to Japan: Yo-yo Ma and the Silk Road Project
The Dalai Lama in the Modern World
Richard Feynman "goes" to Tuva |
Papers Returned |