UNIT SIX

    EARLY ASIAN EMPIRES: INDIA AND CHINA


READING ASSIGNMENT

Read the textbook:  A History of World Societies, Vol 1 to 1715, McKay et al, 7th edition
pages: 52 – 57; 164 – 180; 304 - 305.

Look at key maps for this Unit:

Empire of Ashoka
Gupta Empire
Han Empire
Tang Dynasty


GUIDING QUESTIONS:

1.  Understand why Ashoka's rule in India was a unique and distinctive political period.

2.  Understand why the Gupta empire is considered a golden period in Indian history.

3.  Understand the important achievements and changes that took place during the Han Dynasty.

4.  Understand how the Tang and Song Dynasties represent the success of Chinese civilization in rebounding from a period of political collapse.


CLASS NOTES     -   (click on the chapter title)

CHAPTER ONE -  The Mauryan Empire

CHAPTER TWO -  The Gupta Empire

CHAPTER THREE - The Han Dynasty

CHAPTER FOUR -  The Golden Age of China


ASSIGNMENTS

WEEKLY QUESTIONS

Please answer the following questions and submit answers to me through email or regular mail. These should be submitted to me by Monday, October 6.  Each answer should be at least 2 - 3 paragraphs.  I will read over your answers and send them back with comments. This exercise is worth 10 points.

1.   Identify and describe two examples of how Ashoka's rule reflected policies that were examples of paternalism or tolerance.

2.    Identify and describe two important changes which occurred in China during the Han Dynasty.

3.    Describe two reasons the Tang or Song dynasties in China or the Gupta Empire in India are referred to as a golden age.    

Send your responses to:   smithcyn@hawaii.edu


CLASS DISCUSSION

After you have completed the reading, please enter the class discussion though the Laulima site for this course (https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal).  You should offer three comments responding to these questions, and/or to the comments of your fellow students. If you have questions, please review the Class Procedures.   You should have participated in the discussion by Wednesday, October 8.

Discussion Questions:

1.  What do you think of the goals and/or achievements of the rule Ashoka created in India?  What are examples of current issues in the U.S. that reflect debates about what should be the degree of govt. power and responsibilities of governments.

2.  What lessons do you think we learn about empire building and creating stable political systems by studying the success and significant influence of the Han Dynasty?

3.   Which of the inventions or achievements taking place during the ‘Golden Age’ of the Gupta Empire or Tang and Song Dynasties did you find intriguing and want to know more about?


ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

 

1.  INTERNET RESEARCH EXERCISE   DUE October 6    
Go to INTERNET EXERCISE


2.  ESSAY     DUE October 20    

Go to   ESSAY QUESTIONS


 

STUDY GUIDE  FOR MID-TERM

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING THE MID-TERM EXAM

To Be Taken During the Week : OCTOBER 20 - 27


SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS

Interesting Related Web Sites

Ancient India - Web Links
Asian Studies WWW Virtual Library
Chronology of Indian History
Internet Guide for Chinese Studies
Tales from Ancient India


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