China Since 1600 (Modern China)

Course description

This course is a survey of Chinese history from 1600 to the present. We will start with an examination of Chinese society and civilization under the last imperial dynasty, the Qing. We will then examine China's attempt to transform itself into a republic in 1911 spurred by deep internal social and cultural changes and by pressure from Western imperialism. The 1911 revolution, however, did not end China's search for a new political and cultural identity. China, in fact, emerged from a bloody war with Japan (1937-1945) and a devastating civil war (1945-1949), in a new Communist mode. In October 1949, Mao Zedong, leader of the Chinese Communist Party, announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China, addressing the crowd from the front balcony of the old imperial palace. Today, after the failure of the Maoist experiment, China is once again attempting a new transformation. The post-Mao era has been characterized by extensive economic liberalization and rapid economic development. However, among the new Shanghai billionaires, the mushrooming private enterprises, color TV, flashy Karaoke and discos, there remain many who languish in jail for having openly criticized the Communist leadership. The June 1989 Tian'anmen demonstration and its bloody repression by the central authorities have exposed the contradictions and problems that still afflict China under its current Communist regime.

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
Harold Tanner. China: A History. Hackett Pub Co.
Tsao Hsueh-Chin. Dream of the Red Chamber. Anchor; Abridged edition
Pa Chin (or Ba Jin), Family, Waveland Press.
Liang Heng, Son of the Revolution, Vintage Books.
Various articles (available as pdf files through Moodle).