Preparation for Week 3 Discussion

I have summarized what I think the main themes are for Week 2 and have also included a reading guide which will help you to understand the Topic 1 Reading. Discussion will focus on the themes as well as give important background information to get us up to 1600 AD (when our class considers the modern period to be underway). I have also included the pages you might want to consider reading in the Murphey Textbook as background information.

Because Professor Harlow has posted extensive notes on the five themes will be examining I will not go over them directly in discussion. However, if you have questions I will be happy to answer them. It's best if you ask me in discussion so that other students can benefit from your questions. If you have trouble answering the questions from the reading guide or if there is something in lecture you don't understand, please bring your questions to discussion.

Important Themes
1) The role of religion in Indian history, especially the rise of Islam in India and the relationship between Islam and Hinduism
2) Spread of Islamic/Hindu/Buddhist religion and culture into Southeast Asia and its lasting effects.
3) China’s self image and how the Ming dynasty related to non-Chinese areas

Reading Guide for Topic 1

First Inscription (Temple of the Goddess of the Celestial Spouse)

1) What does this seem to say about the Chinese state’s self-understanding as the “middle kingdom” (center of civilization)
2) What is the importance of attributing good fortune to the Goddess of the Celestial Spouse? Why is this tied to the Chinese court?
3) What effects do the Chinese say they have on the regions they enter into? Why would they act in this way or make these claims?
4) What sorts of favors does the Goddess of the Celestial Spouse give?

Trilingual Inscription
1) Where was this inscription made?
2) Why are there three inscriptions?
3) How do the three inscriptions differ religiously?
4) Why are different religious ideals utilized in the different inscriptions?
5) Why are offerings given to the various religions?

Supplementary Textbook Readings
India 112-125
Southeast Asia 126-138
China 206-227