Knowledge about the thinkers, their arguments and philosophems, of ancient China from the beginning up to the 2nd century AD is an important basis for enhancing our understanding also of modern and contemporary China. Lectures will deal with the various currents of thought in Confucianism, Mohism, Yangism, Sophism, Taoism, and Legalism.

This course deals with the social and economic history of pre-modern China. It comprises lectures on new research work and theories, agriculture, taxation, mining, salt industry, money, trade, social structures, elites, and the city. Eventually the role of China in the process of early globalisation will be highlighted.