Below are lecture outlines for each of the class sessions.
| LEC # | TOPICS |
|---|---|
| 1 | Big Questions: World Systems and Civilizations The Pivotal Role of Central Eurasia |
| 2 | Corpses and Chariots: Mummies, Horses and the Rise of Nomadism (PDF) |
| 3 | The Rise of the Silk Route Trade Han, Xiongnu, and Roman Empires |
| 4 | Religions along the Silk Routes: Islam, Christianity, Manicheanism, Judaism, Buddhism (PDF) |
| 5 | Cave Paintings and Sculpture: Dunhuang and Others (PDF) |
| 6 | Caravans and Conquest: Marco Polo, Rabban Sauma, and Kublai Khan (PDF) |
| 7 | Ming China and the Rise of Muscovy (PDF) |
| 8 | Manchu Conquest of Central Asia, Russian and Mongolian Negotiations (PDF) |
| 9 | There will be a film shown in the first session of this week, during class time. It is NOT optional. You will have to write a 1-2 page commentary on it. |
| 10 | Tibet and Xinjiang's Role in Central Asian Politics |
| 11 | Nineteenth Century Great Game: Britain, Russia, and China (PDF) |
| 12 | Twentieth Century Explorers and Looters: Aurel Stein, et. al (PDF) |
| 13 | Soviet Rule in Central Asia: From Revolution to Environmental Catastrophe (PDF) |
| 14 | Post-Soviet Developments in Central Asia and Xinjiang (PDF) |
| 15 | Intercultural Contacts from Amsterdam to Japan: Yo-yo Ma and the Silk Road Project The Dalai Lama in the Modern World Richard Feynman "goes" to Tuva (PDF) |