Take Home Exam Questions _ 2015
1. What were the most important features of political and military relations along the long Eurasian border between agrarian states and
pastoralists? You must illustrate your arguments with specific examples (for example, What kind of threats and opportunities did the nomadic pastoralists present for China?)
2. Which statement would you agree with: (1) The Yuan was a Mongol empire which colonized China; (2) The Yuan was just another Chinese dynasty. What implications does your choice of answer have for
understanding Chinese history?
3. How do you think about Chinese Communist Party’s persistent statement that ‘Xinjiang, Tibet and Mongolia have been integral parts of China since time immemorial’. Discuss your perception with historical evidence by focusing on ONE of these three territories.
4. Since the break of the Soviet Union and the establishment of the independent Central Asian states, China has been extremely active in its effort to rehabilitate the concept of ‘Silk Road’. Discuss the geo-political and economic viability of this endeavour, and look into what does the term ‘New Silk Road’ refer to in the 21st century.
5. How did ecological factors stimulate trade along the Silk Road? Look into this question by reading David Christian’s “Silk Road or Steppe Roads” and Robert Taafe’s “The geographic setting”.
1. For what reasons and by which means did nomads venture the formation of empires? Please base your answer by reading David Christian’s “State formation” and Nicola Di Cosmo’s “Those who draw the bow” in Ancient China and its Enemies .
2. How and why did Islam spread so rapidly in Central Asia? Would you agree with the statement Islam had a positive impact on cultural exchange and development across Eurasia? Demonstrate your contentions with specific examples.
3. What was the role of religious institutions and beliefs in advancing trade in Silk Road regions?
