Class Reflection

Today's class was low-key. We read an article on the syncretism of Chinese culture in central and southeastern Asia. It discussed the standard syncretic process of cultural diffusion by trade with which we are all so familiar at this point.

Class Reflection

A Song Era Bodhisattva Statue

We are moving back to China again, to study the Song, Tang, and Ming Dynasties. This should be interesting. China has always fascinated me. That one civilization could last in tact for so long is massively impressive. I wonder what new innovations I will learn the Chinese were responsible. If on thing has left an impression on me it is how much many things I had though of as western originated in China. Gunpowder in particular come to mind.

Mongols Using a Bomb


Ming Dynasty Flintlock Weapons

Class Reflection

Unfortunately, I missed out last class. It was only a shortened period, and I was able to get the documents for the essay from another student. I think this essay is much easier and straightforward than our previous DBQ on Merchants in Christianity and Islam. That one required us to compare and contrast within a DBQ. This is a much more straightforward analysis.