HISTORY OF CHINA (24) SUNY ADK, 696 Route 9, Gansevoort, NY 12831, Second floor.

Tuesday, 9:30-11:00am, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11

China has emerged in the last hundred years as a superpower rivalling the United States, yet many Westerners have little knowledge of this venerable civilization that began over 4,000 years ago. Prehistoric peoples settled along several major river systems, forming unique cultures that persist today as nations under the rubric of The People’s Republic of China. Consequently, rather than being a homogenous country, its people use several different languages encompassing hundreds of dialects and dozens of different ethnic groups. China’s history begins with many warring states not unified until the 2nd century BCE. What followed was a series of several distinct dynasties that did not end until 1912, eventually succeeded by the Communist Party. China has a wonderful cultural and technological history which has significantly contributed to Western civilization but is often underappreciated. In this seven-week course, we’ll learn how China was settled, unified, and defined by its dynasties, leading to its recent transformation into a communist nation. At each stage, we’ll examine its culture, arts, and sciences. Please join me in this unique adventure.

Leader: Dr. Gerald Stulc is a retired physician and surgeon, Chair of the A.L.L. Board of Directors, long-time teacher at A.L.L. with extensive experience in the medical issues of health, history, and aging.