Cultural Anthropology and Ethnology

This course provides a foundation for understanding the history of China from a global perspective, focusing on the intellectual and scientific interactions between China and Europe. To this end, the textbook emphasises the importance of technological development in all areas of human endeavour, including agriculture, textiles, paper production, and weaponry. The main objective is to challenge ongoing prejudices about China's scientific development throughout history. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate the main trends in Chinese history from a multi-angled perspective, in relation to specific aspects of the medieval, modern, and contemporary history of Europe, both orally and in writing. They will demonstrate an awareness of China's place in world history and be able to challenge the biased and Eurocentric attitudes that are still present in contemporary historiography. They will also acquire the basic skills to continue studying China independently and contribute to the transfer of knowledge.