China and the Silk Roads

     Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.,

     September 4, 11, 18, 25 and October 2, 9

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  

In China and the Silk Roads, we will examine the development of Asian civilizations and their relationships to other parts of Eurasia through the process of interaction broadly known as the Silk Roads.  Participants will have a basic introduction to the important hallmarks and philosophies of classical China, the “idea” of Chinese civilization, the arrival and adaptation of Buddhism to fit in with Asian traditions, trade and interactions with central and western Asia and the significance of steppe culture, the development of the Silk Road land and sea routes, and finally, how these affect China and Asia today through the new Belt and Road initiative.

INSTRUCTOR:  Dr. David Devereux, Associate Professor, Departments of History