China is the oldest living civilisation on earth, but its history is still surprisingly little known in the west. For many it remains a mystery whose burgeoning size and power in the modern world offer more of a threat than an inspiration. But China's history is far richer and more diverse than modern polemicists allow, a home to remarkable creativity, culture and compassion. This class will cover the rich and dynamic 4000 year history of China taking us from the desolate Mongolian steppes to the ultra-modern world of China's communist regime and the burgeoning cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong exploring a country which will play a central role in shaping the 21st century. Lecture style with question and answer time.