Calendar

LEC # TOPICS KEY DATES
1 Big Questions: World Systems and Civilizations

The Pivotal Role of Central Eurasia
2 Corpses and Chariots: Mummies, Horses and the Rise of Nomadism
3 The Rise of the Silk Route Trade

Han, Xiongnu, and Roman Empires
4 Religions along the Silk Routes: Islam, Christianity, Manicheanism, Judaism, Buddhism
5 Cave Paintings and Sculpture: Dunhuang and Others
6 Caravans and Conquest: Marco Polo, Rabban Sauma, and Kublai Khan
7 Ming China and the Rise of Muscovy
8 Manchu Conquest of Central Asia, Russian and Mongolian Negotiations
9 There will be a film shown in the first session of this week, during class time. It is NOT optional. You will have to write a 1-2 page commentary on it. Midterm Exam
10 Tibet and Xinjiang's Role in Central Asian Politics
11 Nineteenth Century Great Game: Britain, Russia, and China
12 Twentieth Century Explorers and Looters: Aurel Stein, et. al
13 Soviet Rule in Central Asia: From Revolution to Environmental Catastrophe
14 Post-Soviet Developments in Central Asia and Xinjiang Final Paper Due
15 Intercultural Contacts from Amsterdam to Japan: Yo-yo Ma and the Silk Road Project

The Dalai Lama in the Modern World

Richard Feynman "goes" to Tuva
Papers Returned