131-062 Making China Modern

Formerly available as 131-275/375. Students who have completed 131-275 or 131-375 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 25 points of first year history or Asian studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject explores the history of 20th century China through a study of the issues of modernity and modernisation, which lay close to the heart of various nation-building projects embarked on in the course of the century. Changes in political organisation, material culture and understandings of self and community are traced from the end of the Chinese empire through the sequence of 20th century revolutions to China's entry into the WTO in the era of globalisation. At the end of the subject students should have an understanding of recent Chinese history in light of theories of modernity.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A 1000 word paper based on course reading 25% (due 10am Thursday 17 February), a class test equivalent to 1000 words 25% (on Wednesday 23 February) and a 2000 word essay 50% (due 4pm Friday 11 March).

A subject reader will be available.

• R K Schoppa, Revolution and its Past: Identities and Change in Modern Chinese. Upper Saddle River, Prentice Hall 2002.