This site will document the fieldwork done in the course HIS 1977, China East to West-Past to Present during the 2016 Spring Term. This course is designed to immerse students in the history and culture of China through intense study and extensive travel. The theme of this year's course is Silk Road past and present.
After two weeks of intense on-campus study the class will set out for China to explore both the history of globalization and the modern powerhouse of globalization that is China. We will start in the modern political center of global trade, Beijing, traveling west to one of the great ancient capitals of Chinese history, Chang'an (modern Xi'an). Here again we will explore the juxtaposition of modern development with a very deep history. From Xi'an we will follow the historic Silk Road lingering in Dunhuang and Turpan. Finally, we will end our westward journey in Urumqi. In addition to focusing on the theme of globalization and history, students will work to build their Chinese language skills. I am Mark Pitner, Assistant Professor of Asian History and instructor for this field course . I will be adding a few comments here and there as we go along, but will leave much of the blogging to the students. Enjoy! |