Global encounters: the Silk Roads

What is the course about?

For thousands of years (ca. Bronze Age to the fall of Constantinople in 1453 CE), the overland trade routes running from China to the Mediterranean served not only to move goods, but also ideas, peoples, and religions.

What will we cover?

This course will cover a wide variety of topics ranging from trade and politics to religion and language to art and archaeology.

In addition to the Chinese, Romans, and Greeks, attention will be brought to the many intermediaries, including the Mongols, Arabs, and Persians.

Please note this course will not cover the Mongol Empire as this is a separate course.

Topics include: the geography of the Silk Roads; the spread of trade and intercontinental contact between Europe and Asia; the spread of technology and agriculture and disease!

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Be familiar with the geography of the silk roads and key trading centres
- Identify the most important philosophies and religions that travelled along the Silk Road, and major features of these religions.
- Explain how the development of the silk roads influenced trade, technological innovations, exchange of ideas, and interactions among social & political groups along the Silk Road, and how the Silk Road transformed cultures both east and west.
- Read documents (in English) that illuminate contemporary viewpoints of other cultures.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No prior knowledge required. However, a good standard of reading, writing and speaking English is essential. As with all of our courses curiosity, an open mind, and willingness to engage is more important than any particular skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

PowerPoint will be used to illustrate key points and then we will be reading and discussing contemporary sources (in translation). You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment. Occasionally reading outside the class will be encouraged with a worksheet to complete, but is not obligatory.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no other expenses other than note-taking materials. You are not expected to purchase any reading material. All essential reading will be supplied via Google Classroom for you to download. A course book listing weekly topics and ideas for reading will be provided at the beginning of the course.