131-062 Making China Modern

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 research essay 2500 words 60% (due mid semester) and a review essay 1500 words 40% (due end of semester)

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