R. Kent Guy: Areas of Graduate Study

Division: Pre-Modern Asia

The field of late imperial history with Professor Guy includes the study of the Yuan (1280-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, with principle focus on the early modern period, particularly the Qing. The social, political, and intellectual histories of the early modern period receive special attention. Preparation for the field normally includes completion of a field course survey of the English language literature in the field, plus at least one quarter of additional reading. Specialists in the field are expected to have a reading knowledge of modern and classical Chinese, and some familiarity with Japanese. Normally students take a course in documents of the late imperial period in the course of preparing to specialize in late imperial Chinese history. Specialists in late imperial history are strongly encouraged to take secondary fields in modern Chinese history, and to complete one non-Asian field.