#002 Introduction, part 2: “Five Thousand Years of History”

Image: Chinese history infographic poster

Logistics

Before we delve into the question, I’d like to draw your attention to a couple of logistical details (we’ll tackle these as they’re relevant):

• Access the Discovering History website (discoveringhistory.org).
• Visit the In-Class page. Each day you’ll find our agenda.
• Next, navigate to the Course Information page (i.e. syllabus)
  • Today I want to look at the Digital Notebook. This is an important part of your participation grade in this class.
  • Note the grading breakdown and system for this course.
  • Take a moment to create a Digital Notebook, copy your homework in your journal (in black), and copy a “Share” link to Canvas. Please make sure I have edit access to the document.

5,000 Years?

Last class we delved into “What does it mean to be Chinese?” We discovered some of the challenges in approaching this question related to politics, culture, race/ethnicity, geography, and time.

• Quick one-word association from everyone.

​Today we’re going to examine one of those in greater depth: time.

How many years of history does China have?

• Start with a buddy: take turns sharing—ideally by not reading directly from your notes—your reaction to the discussion on the Quora page (feel free to have the page open for reference).
• Questions for full class discussion:
  • Your answers and justifications?
  • Is this question difficult? Why or why not? Is it more difficult when we talk about China than other places? Why or why not?
  • Is it important? Why or why not?

Dynasties

View YouTube clip (1 min)

• Practice singing together to tune of “Frère Jacques”:
  • Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han,
    Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han,
    Sui, Tang, Song,
    Sui, Tang, Song,
    Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic,
    Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic,
    Mao Zedong
    Mao Zedong.

Analyze the song.

• This is called the “dynasty song.” What is a “dynasty”? Are all the terms in the song considered dynasties?
• How is this method of organizing history similar to—and different from—the way you have organized historical chronology in other contexts?
• View this animation (GIF) and look back at the song. How does this animation compare to the song?
• What do you think about these alternatives (JPG)? What might be the advantages or disadvantages of these various models?

Wrap up (last five minutes of class)

• In your Digital Notebook: Using blue text, identify and credit one outstanding contribution made today by a classmate. Very briefly explain what stood out to you about this comment.