Synopsis of Ancient China Lectures

Lecture one: Basic geography and landscape; analyzed the neolithic and paleolithic evidence; constructed an argument about the early formation of civilization in China based on surplus agriculture and ancestry worship.

Lecture two: The ancient Xia and Shang dynasties were discussed; the question of evidence was examined; looked at the religious formation of the Xia; looked at the royal ancestry cult as an indicator of political legitimacy in the Shang dynasties; looked at Family and Character as two pillars of Chinese culture.

Lecture Three: The conquest of the Zhou: examined the circumstances that led to the overthrow of the Shang by the Zhou, and the justification behind it; developed the idea of the Mandate of Heaven as an extension and exploitation of the Royal Ancestry cult of the Shang; Looked at the formation of the Zhou and the conditions leading to its downfall.

Lecture Four: Political fragmentation of the Zhou; examined the circumstances around the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period; Explained the nature of this fragmentation (interpretations and resolutions); showed how the two pillars of Chinese culture, Family and Character, were used against one another throughout ancient Chinese history.