Contemporary China (1949 to today)

Course description
In 1949, Mao Zedong established the People’s Republic of China (PRC), initiating three decades of Communist rule that was to take China through dramatic social and economic upheavals, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Today, more than 30 years after the death of Mao in 1976, China is experimenting with new forms of social and economic organization under the banner of “Communism with Chinese characteristics.” As the economic interests increasingly outweigh ideological differences in the global marketplace, the PRC is in the process of creating a "China" and a "Chinese" identity that is as much about capitalism, flashy karaoke discos, and flaunting its international muscle as it is about the revival of traditional social and religious rituals.

Schedule of Classes and Readings Access to this page requires user ID and password. I will pass them out on the first day of class. If you are registered for this class, you can also obtain them from this class' page on Moodle.

Requirements
Four quizzes: 10% each (total of 40%)
Midterm: 30%
Final: 30%
-- Make up quizzes and tests are allowed only if you notify me in advance (an e-mail or call right before the test will do). You will then have a week to make arrangements to take the missed test/quiz during my office hours.
(more detailed explanation of requirements)

Class Management
Class communications will take place through e-mail. Students are expected to check their e-mail regularly. Please make sure that the e-mail address you have registered with the university is right and it is the one you check regularly.

Scholastic dishonesty
See the LSU Code of Student Conduct.

Textbooks
-- Craig Dietrich, People's China: A Brief History.
-- Yuan-tsung Chen, The Dragon Village: An Autobiographical Novel of Revolutionary China
-- Rae Yang, Spider Eaters: A Memoir.
Various articles (available as pdf files through Moodle).