COURSE DESCRIPTION

Examines traditional Chinese social, political, economic, and military institutions. Also examines major literary, artistic and intellectual achievements from pre-historic times to the present. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

History of Chinese Culture and Institutions was designed to provide a wide range of course experiences that will meet the needs of the student population served by Northern Virginia Community College. The primary purpose is investigation of the social, economic, political, and cultural institutions of man as he is, was, and could be in the environment of China. Broad concepts incorporated within units relate to understandings of change, collective behavior, conflict, culture, education, the family unit, regionalism, industrialization, interdependence, justice, political behavior, power, religion, social institutions, urbanization, and modernization.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCY

There are no prerequisites.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

HIS 255 deals with a people whom the Romans called Seres and modern man calls Chinese. Mutual understanding between Westerners and the peoples of East Asia is needed to form a basis for harmonious relations. But understanding must be based on a knowledge and appreciation of the peoples' different customs, attitudes, and ideals, and forms of self-expression. China can best be understood by analyzing the evolution of historical forces. Social and economic forces that shape Communist China are accumulative and originated during the early dynasties.

Revised 9/98