帝制中國前期的軍事史當中以中古軍制史研究成果最豐，由於當今學界多以魏晉隋唐為中古，然為凸顯漢制之影響以及漢唐間的轉折，本課程是以漢魏六朝為主，上溯戰國，下延隋唐初，故課程名稱不繫以中古，而逕以漢魏六朝名之。就主題規劃而言，扣除研究導論，本課程規劃了與兵員徵集、軍事體系、軍隊組織、兵科訓練和後勤管理等諸面向相關的十二個主題，當中也涉及軍制與官制、權力、空間、民族、社會等不同領域的互動關係，透過對和主題相關的研究成果的研討，以及重要文獻和出土資料的分析，探究相關課題的具體面貌與時代意義。
Scholarly Context
Within military history studies of early imperial China, research on medieval military institutions stands as the most richly developed field. While contemporary academia predominantly defines the medieval period as spanning the Wei-Jin to Sui-Tang eras, this course deliberately adopts "Han-Wei-Six Dynasties" as its temporal designation to:
• Highlight the enduring influence of Han institutions
• Emphasize pivotal transitions between the Han and Tang dynasties
Chronological Scope
The course traces institutional evolution across three key phases:
1. Origins: Warring States period (5th–3rd century BCE)
2. Core Focus: Han-Wei-Six Dynasties (206 BCE–589 CE)
3. Extended Analysis: Early Sui-Tang period (589–755 CE)
Thematic Structure
Beyond an introductory research module, the curriculum examines twelve specialized themes across military dimensions:
Category Specific Themes Interdisciplinary Links
Conscription Recruitment methods, demographic sources Social stratification, ethnicity
Military Systems Command structures, garrison networks Spatial organization, power dynamics
Army Organization Unit composition, rank hierarchies Bureaucratic institutions
Combat Training Branch-specific drills, tactical exercises Operational readiness
Logistics Management Supply chains, resource allocation Economic systems, infrastructure
Methodological Approach
• Critical Engagement: Analysis of scholarly debates, primary texts, and excavated materials.
• Holistic Examination: Investigation of institutional manifestationsand their epochal significance within frameworks of state-society relations, ethnic integration, and territorial control.