These recurrent "Central Themes" may be referred to repeatedly in the study of Chinese history, suggesting distinctive patterns to students, until a portrait of cultural difference is accumulated. Of many possible themes, six are discussed here as illustrative of Chinese culture and its relation to the world:

Theme 1. National Identity and China's Cultural Tradition
Theme 2. Agriculture and Population: The Agrarian Dilemma in China's Modernization
Theme 3. Family and State: The Importance of Hierarchy and Paternalism in the Ordering of Society
Theme 4. The Perfectibility of Man and the Moral Role of Government
Theme 5. The Relationship Between the Individual and Society in China
Theme 6. Commercial Development in Place of Industrial Development

THE THEMES IN CONTEXT

I. The Physical/Historical Setting of China:
• Ancient Civilization and Dominant Cultural Center
• Agriculture and Population
• Family and State
• The Perfectibility of Man and the Moral Role of Government
• The Individual and Society
• Legalism and a Strong State
• Advanced Commercial Development in Place of Industrial Development

II. Modern China:
• China Before the Modern Era
• China in the 18th and 19th Centuries During the Period of European Economic Expansion
• The West in China
• China's Response to Imperialism
• Revolution and War

III. Contemporary China:
• China Since 1949
• Maoist Policies
• Policy Changes Since Mao
• Agrarian Policy and Economic Development
• The Family and State in China Today
• State and Society: Democracy and Centralism
• China's Cultural Identity: Defining What It Means to be Chinese

IV. China Today in Global Context

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Appendix
• Timeline of Chinese History — Includes a short timeline spanning 1200 BCE to 1949 CE and a more detailed chronological outline of China's dynasties/ruling powers.