Topics vary according to interests of students and instructor.
The seminar this term will concentrate on religious practice and belief as a topic for historical study. Chinese religious ideas and practices, then move on to later developments, including the social and political dimensions of Buddhism, the role of temples in local social and cultural life, and the involvement of both the state and various elites with religious activities. Students who wish to pursue other topics may make individual arrangements. Recommended preparation Prior coursework in Chinese history. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.