HIST339E

History of information and media from ancient China to the early twentieth century. Topics include the origin of Chinese writing system, oracle-bones/bronze inscriptions, ancient manuscripts, the invention of woodblock printing, late imperial printing revolutions, newspapers, public notices, the courier system, and the rise of modern media. Through the lens of the circulation of information, news, rumors, intelligence, and propaganda in different media, this course explores the dissemination of information, the contestation between the state and society over the flow of information, the power and authority of knowledge, and the state control over the information and its impact on society.