Chinese Legal History
A survey of Chinese legal history that focuses on late imperial law in the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Attention will also be given to the legal transformations in the twentieth century. The course examines the way in which a legal system creates and reflects a society's structures and values in a mutually interactive process that constructs a particular "legal sensibility". Readings are drawn from Chinese codes, cases, and "detective novels" as well as, for comparative purposes, from European and American legal theory. No previous background in Chinese history is required or expected. The seminar will emphasize Chinese legal thought, using institutional and case studies for illustrative purposes.
Please note that course organization and content may vary substantially from semester to semester and descriptions are not necessarily professor specific. Please contact the instructor directly if you have particular course-related questions.