Week 6 Schedule

Week 6 Schedule: Exam # 1 is scheduled for Feb 26, the study-guide is posted at bottom of this week's module.



Due Date Activity

Feb 25

Read & Examine: Week # 6 Module

Textbook: Chapter 4

Documents

Watch: All Videos

Discussion: 

 

Assignment: Study for Exam

Quiz: 

Image: Han Horse

Topic:

Ancient China: 700 BCE -220 CE

Warfare and turmoil gave rise to enduring belief systems that favored harmony and stability, most notably Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Confucianism was an ethical philosophy that focused on human behavior. Its virtues were meant to help create a hierarchical society in which key relationships were the foundation of a stable and harmonious way of life. Daoism urged harmony with nature and the avoidance of ambition. Legalism favored strong rulers who could impose law and order and, therefore, stability.

Under the influence of the Legalist Li Si, the Qin emperor Shihuangdi conquered much of China and created a new dynasty. The First Emperor’s policies were meant to consolidate power in his hands and glorify the state. While the Qin succeeded in bringing the Chinese empire into existence, their brutality led to the dynasty’s overthrow and the advent of the long-lived Han dynasty.

On the basis of Qin achievements, the Han formed the first strong, effective service bureaucracy in China’s history. Wudi, the Han Martial Emperor, built the Chinese army into an expansive force. Wudi’s many wars, however, led to unrest. A pattern of decline and reform marked much of the Later Han period. Revolts and civil war eventually brought the dynasty’s rule to an end.

While the Han dynasty lasted, China enjoyed one of the world’s most stable and productive societies. Han society was based mainly on village farming and herding. Peasant life was centered on the family. Urban life was far more diverse and sophisticated than rural life. Han cities were the sites of considerable technological and commercial invention. As it extended its reach into Central Asia, China also increased commerce with other cultures along a network of trade routes that came to be called the Silk Road.

Goals:

Learning Objectives:

  1. Compare and contrast the Chinese systems of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.
  2. Describe and discuss the social structures, innovations, and connections developed in China during the Qin and Han eras.