HS1203: A Great Leap Forward: China Transformed, 1840-1949
School | History |
Department Code | SHARE |
Module Code | HS1203 |
External Subject Code | V100 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L5 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Federica Ferlanti |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
Today’s China is widely perceived as an economic powerhouse and a crucial player in Asia and the international arena. However, China’s path to both economic and political prominence has been long and tortuous. The history of modern China provides an exciting and challenging platform for discussing key themes in modern history such as empire and imperialism, nationalism, revolution and state building. This module will discuss the pivotal events in Chinese modern history by laying emphasis on China’s quest for modernity, the interaction/confrontation with the outside world and the centrality of ideology. The module will explore topics such as the transition from imperial to Republican China, the impact of western imperialism on Chinese state and society, the ideological roots and the implementation of the Communist revolution, the impact and consequences of the War against Japan, and the Civil War.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
How the module will be delivered
Skills that will be practised and developed
- identify the nature and scope of the issues raised about modern Chinese history.
- summarise and appraise the relative merits and demerits of alternative views and interpretations about the collapse of the empire, the Nationalist regime, Communist revolution, and evaluate their significance.
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses, and problems of alternative historiographical interpretations of the topics presented.
- identify problems, assess evidence, and reach conclusions about issues raised through the module.
- formulate and justify their own arguments and conclusions.
- present accurately, succinctly and lucidly, and in written or oral form their arguments in accordance with appropriate scholarly conventions their opinions on matters relating to modern Chinese history.
- express their ideas and assessments on topics on modern Chinese history
- discuss in an informed manner modern topics on Chinese history in a comparative perspective.
- evaluate a range of arguments of alternative historical/historiographical interpretations.
- demonstrate an understanding of some of the primary sources and an appreciation of how historians have approached them.
- Communicate ideas and arguments effectively, whether in speech or in writing in an accurate, succinct and lucid manner.
- Formulate and justify their own arguments and conclusions about a range of issues.
- Demonstrate an ability to modify as well as to defend their own positions.
- Possess a range of information technology resources to assist with information retrieval.
- Organise their own study methods and workload.
- Work is part of the team in seminar and tutorial discussions.
How the module will be assessed
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 100 | A Great Leap Forward: China Transformed, 1840-1949 | N/A |
Syllabus content
Essential Reading and Resource List
Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.
Background Reading and Resource List
Lucien Bianco, Origins of the Chinese Revolution, (Stanford, 1971)
Jack Gray, Rebellions and Revolutions, (Oxford, 1990)
Cambridge History of China (1800-1979)