Page 107 - SYU Prospectus

History

to their development and certain challenges they face in modern society. This course also
encourages critical and creative thinking about Chinese culture and what makes it distinctly
“Chinese” by delineating the basic assumptions underlying Chinese thought and behaviour. In
comparing China, where appropriate, with other civilizations this course also aims to highlight
the cultural heritage that we as human beings commonly share.

HIST 361 Historical Geography of China
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the historical development and changes
of different regions in China. Relevant materials extracted from historical works are studied.
Main topics include the following: 1) Introduction, 2) Ancient climatic changes in China, 3)
Development of the border areas, 4) Population history of ancient and medieval China, 5)
Changes in the course of flow of the Yellow River and Yangtze River, 6) Canal building in
ancient and medieval China, 7) The origin and development of cities in Chinese history.
The course aims to:
1) introduce the history of ancient China’s natural and human geography;
2) examine the relationship between these aspects and China’s history; and
3) introduce the scholarly achievements of Chinese historical geographers.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
a) understand the development and characteristics of China’s historical geography;
b) explicate the relationship between geography and social and political developments in
ancient China; and
c) evaluate the work of Chinese historical geographers.

HIST 362 History of Chinese Political Institutions
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to provide a forum for analytical discussion rather than factual
description. Its main emphasis is on why and how the development of the Chinese political
institutions came about, and how the latter affected or were affected by the Chinese system of
government, economy and social conditions. The course will go beyond the study of the
institutions concerned, into the correlations between individuals and social forces.

HIST 371 The Making of Contemporary Middle East
1 Term; 3 Credits
This third-year elective course attempts a concise overview of the historical process and
analysis of the main forces shaping contemporary Middle East ‒ an area of lasting ethnic,
political and religious conflicts, crises and mutual hatred which draws grave global concern.
The subject covers the disintegration of the Islamic Ottoman Empire, European trusteeship
during the two world wars, varied development paths and achievement, USA involvement and
the emergence of the Middle East today. Of central concern are the policies and acts of
Western powers which might have contributed to much of its present woes. In addition, the
course studies the Middle East with consideration to its place in world diplomacy, geopolitics

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