The lessons begin!

Hi, folks. Welcome to Basic Lessons in Chinese History from someone who doesn't speak the language, doesn't come from the culture, and doesn't hold a degree in it. Consider this your disclaimer: this is what I"ve read, not what I've studied or written about. Do not use this as a substitute for anything that actually affects your future. I take no responsibility for your grades going blooey if you use this.

( Read more... )

Lesson #2: The Yellow Emperor, and writing.

Hey hey. Everyone ready for the next lesson? Cool. Let's just put y'all through the disclaimer first. . .

I am not a history teacher. I am not a historian of any kind. Nothing historical that I have written has ever been published. I have never even done a term paper on Chinese history. The closest I've ever been to China was that once I stood on the western coast of Vancouver Island and looked over the Pacific in China's direction. The closest I get to being any kind of pedagogical authority is that my grandmother was an American history teacher. Use of this information will probably not help you in school and may cause you to erupt in hives or something. I take no responsibility for that, although I'd like to suggest Aveeno if the hives happen to be itchy and you're not allergic to oats.

(  That being said, on with our story. )