معرفی
Michael G. Chang is an Associate Professor in the Department of History and Art History at George Mason University. He specializes in the history of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), with particular expertise in imperial touring, court studies, and the political, social, cultural and economic histories of late imperial/early modern China (1500-1800).
Chang received his A.B. in sociology and East Asian Studies from Princeton University and his Ph.D. in Chinese history from the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on the political and material cultures through which High Qing rule (1680-1820) was constituted, especially as revealed in practices of material exchange and network formation at the Qing court.
His scholarly work examines the intersection of ethnic identity, imperial spectacle, and political authority in Qing China. Chang's research particularly explores how the Manchu rulers used imperial tours, court encampments, and martial displays to assert their authority while simultaneously engaging with Han Chinese political traditions. His publications reveal how seemingly mundane practices like imperial touring, feasting, and encampment construction were central to Qing political legitimacy and state formation.
Chang's publications reveal a consistent focus on how the Qing court navigated the complex relationship between Manchu ethnic identity and Chinese imperial traditions. His work demonstrates how the Qianlong emperor transformed the spectacle of 'ruling from horseback' from a stigmatized sign of illegitimate military rule into a specific badge of ethno-dynastic (Manchu) discipline and diligence as well as benevolent civilian rule.
- Public Intellectuals Program (PIP) sponsored by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR), 2011-2013
Chang regularly teaches courses on early ('ancient'), later imperial ('traditional'), modern, and contemporary (PRC) Chinese history as well as global history, East Asian history, Chinese nationalism(s), and general historiography. His teaching reflects his research interests in connecting political, cultural, and social dimensions of Chinese history across different periods. His courses include HIST 125: Introduction to Global History, HIST 252: History of East Asia, Part 2, HIST 387: Early (Ancient) China, HIST 353: Later Imperial (Traditional) China, HIST 354: Modern China, HIST 358: Contemporary (Post-1949) China, and HIST 610: The Study and Writing of History.
His scholarly presentations at major academic conferences including the Association of Asian Studies demonstrate his active engagement with the field and his research on patrimonialism, material culture at the Qing court, and the political significance of imperial tours.
