中國古代軍事和國防相關發展及其特色常被置於政治史的脈絡中來處理，然而軍事和國防仍涵蓋了相對特殊的課題而無法在政治史的框架中來呈現，有必要在以政治史為中心的斷代史之外，以專題形式來認識此一專門領域。就時代斷限言，本課程是以漢魏六朝為主，上溯戰國，下延隋唐初，藉此凸顯漢制之影響以及漢唐間的轉折。就主題規劃言，本課程包含「士卒徵集方式的多元結構」、「中央常備軍的組織結構」、「地方治安、邊防軍政與編訓征討」等三大單元，每個單元進行二至六週，除了相關課題的具體史實之外，當中也涉及軍制與官制、軍隊與社會、治安與戰爭、後勤與作戰等相關主題的互動關係。就進行方式言，主要是透過對和主題相關的研究成果的梳理與研討，以及重要文獻和出土資料的分析，探究相關課題在發展上的因革損益關係及其時代意義，並輔以論文自主選讀、課堂不定期問答和期末筆試，以檢驗同學的學習成果。
Background
The study of military and defense developments in ancient China is often contextualized within political history. However, military and defense encompass distinct themes that cannot be fully captured within a political-historical framework. Thus, this course adopts a thematic approach to explore this specialized field beyond periodic history centered on politics.
Chronological Scope
The course focuses on the Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties periods, tracing origins to the Warring States period and extending to the early Sui and Tang periods. This delineation highlights the influence of Han institutions and critical transitions between the Han and Tang eras.
Thematic Units
The course is structured into three core units:
Diverse Structures of Conscription Methods
Examines recruitment systems, social stratification of soldiers, and state-society dynamics.
Organizational Structures of the Central Standing Army
Analyzes military bureaucracy, chain of command, and integration with civil administration.
Local Public Security, Border Military Administration, and Military Organization/Training/Expeditions
Covers regional policing, frontier defense logistics, and the interplay between training, mobilization, and warfare.
Each unit spans 2–6 weeks and addresses intersections with:
Administrative systems
Military-society relations
Security-conflict dynamics
Campaign logistics and operations.
Pedagogical Approach
Critical Analysis: Engages with scholarly research, primary texts, and excavated materials to explore institutional evolution and historical significance.
Active Learning: Includes self-selected readings, in-class Q&A, and an final exam to assess learning outcomes.