| History
of Modern China
(HIST 3630-001) TTh 9:30-10:45 Brewster D-103
Spring 2004 John A. Tucker, Ph.D. Brewster A-304 Office Hours 12:30-1:30 or by appointment Office: 328-1028 Home: 756-4126 Email: Tuckerjo@mail.ecu.edu |
 |
| History
of Modern China
(HIST 3630-001) TTh 9:30-10:45 Brewster D-103
Spring 2004 John A. Tucker, Ph.D. Brewster A-304 Office Hours 12:30-1:30 or by appointment Office: 328-1028 Home: 756-4126 Email: Tuckerjo@mail.ecu.edu |
|
| A. Course Description:
This
course explores the historical transformations that have led to the development
of modern China. The course opens with an examination of the Qing dynasty,
the last major dynasty in Chinese history, and then explores the forces,
internal and external, driving China toward a major revolution in the twentieth
century. After surveying the rivalry between the Chinese Communist Party
(CCP) and the Nationalist Guomindang (GMD) Party, the course focuses on
the emergence of the People's Republic of China, from the Mao years through
the Deng Xiaoping-Jiang Zemin era. While the course focuses primarily on
the mainland, i.e., traditional China geo-culturally speaking, attention
is devoted to exploring "Chinas" at other levels, such as the Republic
of China (Taiwan), Singapore, and overseas communities where Chinese history
and culture remain strong forces.
B. Grading: Grading will be based on three exams (25% each). The first exam will be given on Thursday February 5; the second, on Thursday, March 11; the last exam, on April 22. Exams will include objective (true/false, multiple choice). However, at least 60% of the exam will consist of essay questions. Perfect attendance is expected. Repeated unexcused absences may result in a reduction of the final grade. While the instructor will lecture regularly, class participation in the form of insightful questions and comments, are welcomed. Readings will be discussed weekly. Student contributions to class discussions will count for 25% of the final grade. C. Required Readings: Spence, Jonathan D. The Search for Modern China. New York: Norton, 2001.East Carolina University seeks to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations based on a covered disability must go to the Department for Disability Support Services, located in Brewster A-117, to verify the disability before any accommodations can occur. The telephone number is 252-328-6799. |
WEEKLY LECTURE AND DISCUSSION TOPICS |
|
January 13/15: Late-Ming, Early Qing China |
Spence, chs. 1-3 |
January 20/22: Kangxi and Qianlong |
Spence, chs. 4-5; Emperor |
January 27/29: The Opium War |
Spence, chs. 6-7; Mud |
February 3/5: Review and FIRST EXAM |
|
February 10/12: Taiping Rebellion & Qing Restoration |
Spence, chs. 8-9 |
February 17/19: Late-Qing Reform and Revolution |
Spence, chs. 10-11 |
February 24/26: The Republic and Its Collapse |
Spence, chs. 12-13 |
March 2/4 Guomindang Consolidation |
Spence, chs. 14-16 |
March 9/11: Review and SECOND EXAM |
|
March 16/18: Spring Break |
|
March 23/25: WWII |
Spence, chs. 17-18 |
March 30/April 1: The PRC and the Korean War |
Spence, chs. 19-20 |
April 6/8: Great Leap Forward and Beyond |
Spence, chs. 21-22
Hungry Ghosts |
April 13/15: Deng Xiaoping's Revolution |
Spence, chs. 23-24; Deng |
April 20/22: Review and LAST EXAM |
Spence, ch. 25, Handouts |
