Digital Methods in Chinese Studies

Week 2 (Jan 23, 25):

Tuesday: From Chang’an to Kaifeng

• Learning Objectives:
  • Explore economic changes from Tang to Song times using historical records and paintings
• Read:
  • Daily Life in Traditional China: The Tang Dynasty, Chapter 3 (Cities and Urban Life) (an account of Tang-dynasty Chang’an)
    • Map of Tang dynasty capital Chang’an (this is the city portrayed in the above reading)
  • “The Attractions of the Capital” (an account of Song-dynasty Kaifeng)
    • Multimedia: Interactive Qingming Scroll (this painting depicts the Northern Song capital of Kaifeng in the early twelfth century, the city described in “The Attractions of the Capital)

Study Guide:

• Look at the interactive version of “The Qingming Scroll,” which depicts the Northern Song capital of Kaifeng in the early twelfth century, and compare it to “Map of Tang dynasty capital Chang’an.” What makes Kaifeng different? In the context of the assigned readings, which described the scenes of Tang dynasty Chang’an and Song-dynasty Kaifeng respectively, what do you interpret these differences? In other words, what historical change between the eighth and the twelfth century do these differences reveal? Take notes on your observations and prepare to discuss these differences and their significance (i.e., the historical change they reveal) in class by referring to specific sections of the assigned readings and specific items in the Qingming scroll,

Thursday: The Medieval Economic Revolution in China

• Learning Objectives:
  • Explain China’s medieval economic revolution
• Read:
  • Richard von Glahn, “Economic Transformation in the Tang-Song Transition“
• Further Readings:
  • Mark Elvin, The Pattern of the Chinese Past, pp.113-202

Study Guide:

• Read von Glahn’s “Economic Transformation in the Tang-Song Transition” and take notes on the following questions. Bring your notes to class for discussion.
  • How was China’s economy transformed between 755 and 1127? And, how did the relationship between state and economy change?
  • How does von Glahn account for the above changes?