This syllabus is for a one semester course in the history of Imperial China, a study of the development of the world's oldest civilization still in existence. Emphasis is placed upon the cultural as well as the political and economic development of China until 1644. Major topics in the course outline are: 1) The Origins and Geography of China; 2) The Legendary Hsia and the First Historic Dynasty, The Shang; 3) The Chou-Period of the Spring and Autumn and the Period of the Warring States; 4) The Sages and Philosophies of China; 5) The Ch'in and the Foundation of the Empire; 6) The Han--Age of Imperialism; 7) The Period of Disunion; 8) The Sui and T'ang Dynasties--Reunited China; 9) Golden Age of Chinese Culture; 10) The Late Imperial Age--Disunion and the Sung Monarchy; 11) Nomad Invaders--The Mongols; and, 12) The Return of a Chinese House--The Ming. Historical events and rulers are discussed in each of these chronological periods as well as cultural developments in literature, philosophy, fine arts, and social classes. The basic objectives and teaching methodology of the course are stated; a list of curriculum materials is also given. Textbooks include: CHINA by H. Kublin; CHINA: SELECTED READINGS by H. Kublin; A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHINESE PEOPLE by L. C. Goodrich; and RISE AND SPLENDOUR OF THE CHINESE EMPIRE by R. Groussett. SO 001 200 describes a related course in Modern Chinese History. (Author/JSB)