Topics in Ancient Chinese History: Part 1

With the implementation of the National Curriculum and the draft syllabus of Stage 6 Ancient History, one society that occupies a prominent position is Ancient China. Any study of this topic will provide students with a wealth of engaging and challenging topics ranging from the role of archaeology in the construction of prehistoric China to Sima Qian's construction of Chinese self-identity. This article intends to provide teachers with a broad view of the period and identify key teaching areas within the various early dynasties, while also examining a number of historiographical trends that have emerged in the academic literature.