Chinese history TRUE and FALSE/ Multiple choice

CHIN 150 - Journey the Yangtze: Survey of Chinese Culture

Midterm Question Sheet

21 Spring

Due date: April 22 (Thursday) 11:59 pm (Submit on Blackboard as a WORD document.)

*Please write down your answers on the Answer Sheet provided only.

Section I. True or False: 14 points

1. The reason that Chinese culture has been able to survive through thousands of years of history is because all the emperors were Chinese and committed to pass down the culture from their Chinese ancestors.

2. Han-Chinese emperors throughout the Chinese history rarely appreciated or accepted any non- Chinese cultures.

3. Chinese written language was used as early as Shang dynasty to communicate with ancestors but not to pass down the wisdom of the saints and scholars.

4. Understanding the suffering of the common people, most of the Chinese empires after the Qin dynasty chose to abandon the centralized government system as well as harsh punishment.

5. It was abnormal and unnecessary for a non-Han Chinese emperor to adopt a Chinese last name in Chinese history.

6. The rice production in China was developed successfully only after the Han dynasty when a large amount of Chinese people migrated to the southern part of China.

7. Under the control of the Mongols in Yuan dynasty, Han Chinese people were encouraged by the government to change their careers into Chinese medicine and Yuan drama instead of taking a position in the government.

Section II. Multiple Choices: 14 points

1. Which of the following statements about Chinese religions and/or beliefs is true? A. Most of the Chinese philosophies such as Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism were developed at the

time the society was unstable and suffered from constant wars. B. Confucianism was the most popular philosophy because it was proven through most dynasties as

the best philosophy to establish a strong Chinese empire. C. To Chinese, ancestors were as powerful as Gods. They exist above the human world and hold the

upmost power to determine the human’s destiny. D. Strong evidence indicates that Han-Chinese people did not learn to worship ancestors until

Confucius promoted it as part of the practice of filial piety

2. According to the class readings, what can the excavation of the terra cotta army tell us about Chinese beliefs and/or culture? A. The chariots were displayed as one of the greatest Qin inventions.

B. The terra cotta army was built to make the emperor, in this case, Qin Shihuang (the first emperor of Qin), immortal.

C. The huge quantity of terra cotta army indicated that the Qin Shihuang held the power to commend a massive amount of labor force.

D. None of the terra cotta warriors were peasants, as Qin warriors were required to receive military trainings all year around.

3. What was NOT the common reason for the fall of a Chinese empire prior to the Yuan dynasty from Chinese historians’ perspectives? A. Constant invasion by powerful neighboring states B. Most of the Han-Chinese people being controlled by a non-Chinese emperor C. Severe interference of Buddhist missionaries in the imperial court D. Female influence from concubines, empresses, or empress dowagers

4. What was the change that occurred during the Song dynasty that was not seen in the Tang dynasty?

A. Buddhism recovered to become the most popular religion as it was in the Tang dynasty. B. Most court officials did not believe in strengthening military power to defend them against

neighboring tribal forces. C. Thanks to the Tang culture, women’s position was improved as they were allowed to receive

education and attend national service examinations as men. D. Economic activities started to decline as most people and wealthy families put much emphasis on

gaining a position in the court. 5. According to the class readings, what is NOT a distinctive trait of Chinese civilization?

A. Chinese civilization was built on an agricultural society. B. The universe has been a friendly place that allows human beings to co-exist with other beings. C. The success of a person relies mainly on diligent effort and improvement of oneself. D. The Han-Chinese culture was rarely influenced by non-Chinese cultures throughout the history.

6. Which of the following factors did NOT contribute to the success of Buddhism during the Tang dynasty? A. Chinese people could practice filial piety through being Buddhist monks or nuns. B. Many emperors publicly demonstrated their deepest belief in Buddhism by building thousands of

buddha statues. C. The wealth of Buddhist monasteries helped increasing the state revenue when the government

needed income. D. Buddhism received great support from Chinese people at the same time when Confucius was

promoting Confucianism to many states.

7. According to the reading “Confucius and the Analects”, what is NOT considered great demonstration of a gentleman/learned man? A. To know how to play music B. To refuse conducting ceremonies that require killing animals C. To spend all day and night learning but not just thinking D. To be unafraid to change one’s faults

Section III. Short Answer Questions

Please answer each of the following questions in 150-250 words.

1. List two major problems that the First Emperor of the Qin dynasty encountered when he just unified China and started to govern the nation. On which school of thought/philosophy did he depend to quickly solve the problems? Please describe what the school of thought/philosophy was and how it was used by the emperor.

2. Confucius’ teaching provides important foundations for Chinese social and political thoughts. In the class reading Confucius and the Analects, please choose one quote addressing “being gentlemen” and one addressing “government.” In your response, first state your understanding of the quotes, and then discuss if this quote should be promoted in the modern society and provide an example to support your argument.

3. Since the beginning of Chinese civilization (i.e. the Yellow Emperor) to the Yuan dynasty, the Chinese people had witnessed many changes in the governmental structure and philosophy, structures of society and population, traditional Chinese beliefs, and gender roles. Please address two such changes and provide examples.

4. How did Buddhism, a foreign religion from India, become popular in China since Han dynasty to Yuan dynasty? In order to preach Buddhism to the Chinese people, how did monks integrate Chinese traditional beliefs in Buddhist teaching?

*Please note that this midterm is to test your understanding and reflections on the assigned readings, class lectures and discussions. Your responses should address your clear understanding of the abovementioned materials and should be your own original writing. You should not work with other students or copy and paste verbatim from any sources. Suspected plagiarism will be reported directly to the college.