From the Silk Road to the Great Game: China, Russia, and Central Eurasia

Calendar

LEC #	TOPICS	KEY DATES
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