The Chinese legal order is one of the great legal traditions that has not only exercised a tremendous influence on other legal systems in East Asia for centuries, but still exerts a considerable influence in China today. In recent years, new research methods and improved access to archival materials have shed new light on many aspects of Chinese legal history and forced scholars to revise many assumptions and ideas. Using selected readings of secondary and primary sources, as well as through audiovisual materials and fiction, this course will explore major topics in Chinese legal history. The course will be divided into three distinct segments:
- introduction to basic concepts and institutions in the Chinese legal order and how Chinese and foreigners have perceived Chinese law;
- how the Chinese legal order was implemented during the last imperial dynasty, the Qing (1644-1911); and
- how Chinese law and institutions were transformed from the mid-19th through the 20th centuries.
Students who have taken the course should have acquired a nuanced understanding of the Chinese legal order and its cultural and social context. They should also be familiar with major issues in the historiography of Chinese legal history.
Course Requirements:
Participation (30%) and three papers (total 70%) submitted at the end of each segment: a short essay; one of 5-7 pages; and one of 10-12 pages. Participation includes reading assigned texts, regular attendance in class, active participation in class discussions and prompt submission of assignments. Topics should be chosen in consultation with the instructor. Most of the readings will be available on Electronic Reserve.
Intended Audience:
- Undergraduates considering a postgraduate degree in history, social science or law;
- Graduate students in history
Class Format:
Three hours per week in seminar format where students will discuss readings and make presentations