Abstract
This paper studies four ancient dynasties in Chinese history, the Xia, Shang, Zhou and Qin and how they characterize the early beginnings of the culture of politics and society of China, as well as the literature, religion, philosophies and other intellectual and cultural developments that have become the foundations of the contemporary Chinese society. It analyzes the dynamics of these four dynasties and attempts to identify any trends of similarities and differences that emerged during the ancient Chinese civilization. It also develops the stance that the ancient Chinese dynasties have portrayed similarities in political systems and social norms in the society while there have been developments in the cultural system of the Chinese throughout history.

Outline
Xia Dynasty (2200 B.C.- 750 B.C.)
Shang Dynasty (1750 B.C.- 1066 B.C.)
Zhou Dynasty (1066 B.C.- 771 B.C.)
Qin Dynasty (771 B.C.- 206 B. C.)

From the Paper
"The political structure of the Zhou dynasty changed from being a feudal aristocracy into a bureaucratic government. Because of the division of political work in the governance of the dynasty, the Zhou tribe was able to develop different aspects that are significant to the improvement of human civilization. Although Zhou dynasty also subsisted to the ways and traditions of the Shang dynasty such as "Oracle bone divination, bronze casting for sacrificial purposes and burying rites," Zhou dynasty had developed a complex kind of culture, with the emergence of literature in the form of Confucianism's readings and teachings (Theobald 2000). Although Confucianism was already an established philosophical movement during the Shang dynasty, its teachings and philosophy became more popular during the Zhou dynasty."

Tags:xia, shang, zhou, qin, confucianism

Abstract
The paper looks at the importance of learning and education in the days of the Koryo and Choson dynasties. The paper discusses how in the case of the Koryo Dynasty, this epoch in Korean history is noteworthy for the introduction of the merit-based civil service test and for the establishment of the Higher Education Institution - the Kook Ja Kam. As well, the paper describes how the period saw an apparent engagement with educational issues by the King Sungjong - though it is not clear what specific measures he introduced beyond those cited above. The paper shows how the period was characterized by improvements in general education and by an effort to furnish the people with well-educated physicians who could represent the central government in a capable fashion. The paper discusses how in contrast, the literature seems to indicate that there was a precipitous decline in the attention and care devote to education within Korea during the Choson Dynasty - though this decline did not occur immediately.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at the importance of learning and education in the days of the Koryo and Choson dynasties. In the case of the Koryo Dynasty, this epoch in Korean history is noteworthy for the introduction of the merit-based civil service test and for the establishment of the Higher Education Institution - the Kook Ja Kam. As well, the period saw an apparent engagement with educational issues by the King Sungjong - though it is not clear what specific measures he introduced beyond those cited above. In any event, the period was characterized by improvements in..."

Tags:education, koryo, choson

Abstract
This paper discusses three or four major events that occurred during the Ming and Qing Dynasties that not only characterize the period but also had an impact on China overall. Issues like the influx of Christian missionaries to the Boxer and Taiping Rebellions are addressed.

From the Paper
"Both of these Chinese Dynasties ultimately fell because of weaknesses but during these centuries they both endured major events that not only shaped each dynasty but also all of China. The Ming Dynasty's ability to sustain order through government and the Qing Dynasty's development of ..."

Tags:emperors, commerce, opium wars, British, colonization, military, peasants, government, ancestor worship, writing, Great Wall, Manchus, Mongols

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the Sui and Han dynasties of ancient China. The paper notes their differences and similarities, placing particular emphasis on the differences in legalist thought.

From the Paper
"To even a casual observer, there is much in common between the Han and Sui Dynasties of ancient China. Both represent turning points in Chinese politics and culture. The creation (and to a degree the downfall) of each entails a fierce battle between old and new, the aristocratic and the peasant, and scattered power bases versus a unified state. Each was to leave a lasting impression on those that follow, indeed many of the elements of Sui success were merely a repackaging of Han innovation. So how then do we compare the two? With so much in common, the merits of each must be found in their differences rather than their commonalities. Perhaps one of the more telling contrasts is to compare the extent to which each Dynasty integrated its cosmology into its legalist structure."

Tags:confucianism, scholar, dong, zhongshu, emperor, wu, six, disciplines, wen-ti, buddhist, faith, military, leader

Abstract
This paper explains that the Choson dynasty is marked by the creation of the Korean alphabetic script, the establishment of the yangban, a new aristocracy, and a shift to Confucianism. The author points out that during the Choson Dynasty, many events happened in the West: Columbus discovered America, the Protestant Reformation divided Europe, and modern nationalism resulted in powerful states like Germany, Italy, and Russia and the Industrial Revolution. The author believes that the Japanese domination changed the unique culture of Korea in many ways, basically robbing the people of the Choson Dynasty of their own ways.

From the Paper
"In addition, the Korean people began to lose interest in the study of martial arts. The study of martial arts, including weapons, was banned to everyone but the military. The HwaRangDo, whose roots lay in the Buddhist teachings, eventually lost its importance among young people.
While Korea was under Japanese control, many things changed. All competitive sports and martial arts were forbidden. Only the military, which was now under Japanese control, could practice martial arts (Lancaster, 2002). SooBakGi was practiced secretly and soon changed its name again to SooBakDo. Japanese combat arts were first seen in Korea during this time. The people of Korea showed a great deal of interest in this type of fighting."

Tags:japan, alphabet, confucianism, martial, soobakgi

Abstract
The paper relates that while the Shang dynasty, lasting until the middle of the tenth century BC, is regarded as the basis of Chinese civilization, little remains to prove it. Yet, the paper notes that the dynasty that followed, the Zhou, not only produced Confucius but also distributed agriculture to peasants and created an orderly requirement for the use of land, as well as seeing the beginning of a useful communications system that unified vast territories.

From the Paper
"China's long history reveals a succession of dynasties. Some merely rose as others faded. Still others, such as the Shang, began by overthrowing previous rulers. Shang is often regarded as the basis for Chinese civilization. Yet, even this is a debatable fact. As Durant (1954) explains: "China has been called `the paradise of historians'" (p. 642). Actually, there was a historical precedent, the Hsia dynasty- "Hsia" being translated as "civilized." This was the dynasty inm which the ruling emperor, Yu, created the idea of hereditary rule. Durant (1954) looks askance at this decision of heredity: "so that idiots alternated with...""

Tags:confucius, agriculture, urbanization

Abstract
This essay will argue that her struggles to dominate the empire, first with her husband and later in her own right, not only became an example for later empresses who dominated dynasties but - perhaps more importantly - challenges any simplistic view of the subordinate position of women in Chinese history. Across the centuries she appears to us as a powerful and significant historical figure in her own right, whose actions played an important role in determining the history of the early Han empire.

Abstract
This paper examines the factors and events that led to the demise of the Qing Dynasty in China, the nation's last imperial dynasty. First, the paper describes the impact of modernization on China and how this weakened the Qing's grip on the country. This is followed by a discussion on how the Qing maintained its strength and authority despite being more open to outside influences. This very openness is what the paper cites as leading to the dynasty's downfall, along with China's interaction with the rest of the world.

From the Paper
"The Qing Dynasty would be a final occupation of the court that would last for three centuries, particularly due to its almost total authority over a theretofore splintered and factionalized landscape. The political unification of China under the auspices of its last dynasty would be based upon the powerful influence of the Manchu emperors in creating political stability. By courting elite representation in all parts of China, the northern-based throne would bring the intellectual and artistic core banished to the South during times of Mongolian rule back into political and cultural participation. The result would be a return to the values of traditionalist and orthodox intellectualist values."

Tags:imperialist dynasties, emperors, nobility, enlightenment

Abstract
The paper asserts that in considering the changes in the primary concerns of the literati of the Song Dynasty, it is essential to take into account the historical events that shaped these concerns. The paper mentions that it is of central importance to note that the Song dynasty experienced massive changes during the early 12th century. The paper relates that the Song dynasty consists of both the Northern and the Southern Song; prior to the year 1127, the Song dynasty is referred to as the Northern Song, but by the year 1127, the Jurchen armies had conquered all of northern China, causing the Song dynasty to flee south.

From the Paper
"In considering the changes in the primary concerns of the literati of the Song Dynasty, it is essential to take into account the historical events that shaped these concerns. Here, it is of central importance that the Song dynasty experienced massive changes during the early 12th century. The Song dynasty consists of both the Northern and the Southern Song. prior to the year 1127, the Song dynasty is referred to as the Northern Song. However, by the year 1127, the Jurchen armies had conquered all of northern China, causing the Song dynasty to flee south. Thereafter, the..."

Tags:song, dynasty, literati

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the establishment of the ruthless and coercive Qin Dynasty began in 246 BCE when the ambitious King of Qin began conquering neighboring kingdoms until he established control over a large area ranging from north of the Yangtze River to the Gobi Desert. The writer provides an overview of the Qin Shi Huang Dynasty.

From the Paper
"Once he had established control of these rival kingdoms and unified them under his rule in 221 BCE, he invalidated the laws of these conquered lands, enforced a standard set of laws throughout his new domains, and assumed the title, Shi Huang, as the first emperor of China."

Tags:dynasty, china