Maura Dykstra
Courses
HIST 315
State of War: Conflict, Conquest, and Consolidation in Late Imperial China
This course explores the many ways in which the functions of the state are intertwined with, determine, and develop with the making of war in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. Students explore the manifold concerns of the throne in not only conducting war, but also financing it, consolidating its gains, and handling its political consequences. The role of evolving frontier strategies, ruler-subject relations, administrative institutions, and resource dilemmas will be foregrounded in a history of warfare and its impact on the development of the late imperial state.
HIST 876
Empires of the Ming and Qing
This seminar is an introduction to the logistics, strategy, and rationale of the China’s late empires. Readings on the political economy, organization, and administration of the Ming Empire and former Ming territories later ruled by the Qing will introduce participants to the general considerations of the last two dynasties to rule over the territory now known as China.