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Table that Accompanies Periodization and Historical Patterns in Chinese History: Approaches to Historical Thinking Skills in AP World History

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Chart of Periodization of Chinese History
Chart and questions developed by Angela A. Lee

Discussion Questions:

  • What are the problems with the traditional dynastic approach? Suggests changes in Chinese life when change not evident (only political) Suggests degree of continuity that is not always there (other side of coin) Stresses history of political elite
  • Overlooks economic and agricultural life (which affected a much higher percent of population throughout Chinese history)
  • Does Gernet’s model have the same issues? What else does it offer?
  • Does Elvin’s model have the same issues? What else does it offer?
  • Does the Marxist model have the same issues? What else does it offer?

Synthesis Questions:

  • Should each Chinese dynasty be seen as a “separate” empire? Or should Chinese dynasties be considered ONE continuous empire?
  • Compare the traditional dynastic model with Mark Elvin, who asks the question “why did the Chinese Empire stay together when the Roman Empire, and every other empire of antiquity or the middle ages, ultimately collapse?”
  • How do these different models help deepen our understanding of Chinese history?
  • Can these different types of models be applied to other empires in world history?

 

Sources

Traditional Dynastic Model:

“Timeline of Chinese History and Dynasties.” Asia for Educators, last modified July 4, 2011, http://tinyurl.com/34lwuh2.

Halsall, Paul. “Chinese Cultural Studies: A Brief Chinese Chronology,” Brooklyn University, http://tinyurl.com/bo496tn.

Gernet, Jacques. A History of Chinese Civilization. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982.

Elvin, Mark. The Pattern of the Chinese Past. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1973.

Marxist Model:

Dirlik, Arif. Revolution and History: The Origins of Marxist Historiography in China, 1919–1937. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1989. UC Press E-books Collection, http://tinyurl.com/jqcllll.

Naito Model:

“Naito Torajiro.” Encyclopedia of Historians and Historical Writing. Edited by Kelly Boyd. Vol. 2. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers, 1999. 850–851; Google Books, http://tinyurl.com/jl9ewp5.

Tanigawa, Michio. Medieval Chinese Society and the Local “Community.” Trans. Joshua Vogel. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1985. UC Press E-books Collection, http://tinyurl.com/z376dyd.