—Understand why China went through several centuries of internal division after the decline of the Han dynasty, and the impact this had on Chinese society.

—Grasp the major changes in political structures and social and economic life that occurred during the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties.

—Appreciate how the Mongols were able to amass an empire.

—Recognize the main characteristics of Mongol rule in China.

—Understand the chief initiatives taken by the early rulers of the Ming dynasty to enhance the role of China in the world, including why the imperial court ordered the famous voyages of Zhenhe and why they were discontinued.

—Understand the roles that Buddhism, Daoism, and Neo-Confucianism played in Chinese intellectual life between the Sui and Ming dynasties.

—Appreciate the main achievements in Chinese literature and art between the Tang and Ming dynasties, and the technological innovations and intellectual developments that contributed to these achievements.