IDST 28: Topics in the Pacific Rim (3 Units)

In a historical context, contacts across the Pacific are a recent phenomenon. Human contacts across the vast Eurasian continent have a history that recedes far into the obscurity of prehistory. This course is an inquiry into the prehistoric and historic contacts between Asian and West, focusing on the caravan trade routes linking the Graeco-Roman world, ancient Persia and Indian, and China. We explore the economic, political, and religious contacts that brought silk to Rome, Greek art to India, and Buddhism to China. We examine the historical expansion of Han China into Central Asia and the historical movements of peoples across the Eurasian continent.

Lectures and informal discussions will be in English. These will take place at museums, monuments, rural villages, temples and other sites. A syllabus and course outlines will be distributed to participants at an orientation that will take place approximately one month before departure. Participants who successfully complete the course requirements will receive three units transferable to the UC and CSU systems. Students may request an option of Credit (CR) or No Credit (NCR).

Important Note: Course offered is subject to change.

PROGRAM FACULTY

Bob Jones is a professor at City College of San Francisco. He has taught a variety of classes in the art, anthropology and history of China. He conducted archaeological fieldwork in Taiwan, where he lived for nearly a decade. He has led over 100 groups abroad since 1986. This is his tenth year with the Summer in China program.

Check out Bob's web site: "Travel the Silk Road"