Dr. Michael Nylan

Professor

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Biography

Michael Nylan is the Jane K. Sather History Chair at the University of California, Berkeley's Department of History. He specializes in early empires in China, with a strong emphasis on philosophy, art, and archaeology. His current projects include reconstructing Han-era documents and a general-interest study of influential historians. Nylan has published several significant works, including 'Chang'an 26 BCE: Augustan Age China,' which offers substantive comparisons to the Roman Empire. He has contributed numerous translations and edited volumes surrounding classic Chinese thought and texts. Nylan's research interests extend into the dynamics of political culture during early China and contemporary interpretations of historical contexts. Additionally, he explores aesthetics, gender history, and emotional histories within Chinese historical narratives, further developing the discourse around the political good in early Chinese societies.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1981-01-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaching and conducting research in early Chinese history, philosophy, and archaeology.

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.