This course is designed to provide students an overview of Chinese history from pre-Qin periods to the Tang dynasty. It also attempts to capture, through readings, lectures, video tapes, and discussions, the essence of ancient China the country and its patterns of evolution. The length and complexity of Chinese history renders it necessary to lay more stress on major themes and issues in terms of political events and social structure, repeating the same pattern in the country from decades to centuries. This course aims to 1. introduce students to the major themes and issues in ancient Chinese history in the above period supported by the latest research; 2. analyse significant political and social development in Chinese history; and 3. introduce students to the use of primary historical sources (both documents and archaeological findings).