“Transnational history” as method explores interactions and potential influences between diverse societies and communities and analyzes external contributions to the dynamics of change in these groups. This course will take us on a journey from late imperial to modern China as a case study for us to critically examine its complex and shifting relationship with “others” from a transnational perspective. Using various written and visual source materials, we will focus on different manifestations of encounters as examples for “transnationalism” – such as humans and objects – which will help us identify and assess key aspects of international relations and their multifaceted impact on the “Chinese” and the “others”. Topics we will discuss in class: territorial expansion, identity formation, religion, education, language and communication, trade and circulation of goods, mapmaking and politics, mobility, travel writing (how the Chinese saw "others" and how "others" saw them), transnationalism through sensory experiences, media and visual culture, migration and diasporas (Chinese diaspora abroad and African diasporas in China).
Full details here.