Economic History of China: From the Silver Age to Reform and Opening, 1500-1990

This seminar explores the economic history of China from the 16th to the 20th century; this time period is the half a millennium during which China became part of the world economy and defined its development in major ways. Over the course of the semester, students will be exposed to the main debates in the field of Chinese economic history while acquiring a strong grasp of the nuts and bolts of how economy functioned and changed from the imperial to the modern times. Situating China within a comparative perspective, we will examine a multitude of debates ranging from the global silver age of the 16th century to the birth of capitalism, the socialist economy, and the PRC's recent involvement in Africa. We will in particular discuss the contradictions that arose out of China's integration into the world economy and the different kinds of economic regimes that existed and continue to exist within China. While this course assumes a basic familiarity with Asian history, students with backgrounds in other world histories and/or social science disciplines should feel comfortable with the course material.
Course Attributes: BU Hum; BU IS; AS HUM; AS LCD; FA HUM; AR HUM; EN H

Economic History of China: From the Silver Age to Reform and Opening, 1500-1990

HISTORY 3167

Section 01