The course is structured in two parts. The first part is dedicated to the reconstruction of contemporary Chinese history: with an introduction aiming to provide a general overview of ancient China, lessons 1-16 will cover the period from the opium wars to current issues, with a specific focus on China's position at the within the international context. The second part (17-24) will be dedicated to specific thematic insights (eg: Chinese migrations in the world, soft power strategies)
A) Meisner M. (2007). Mao Zedong. A political and intellectual portrait, Polity Press
B) Zheng Y. (2014). Contemporary China: a story since 1978, Wiley Blackwell
C) Chi-kwan Mark (2012). China and the world since 1945, Routledge
Attending Students: A) chapters 4 and 5; B) chapters 1,2, 3 and 4; C) chapters 4 and 6; materials and topics discussed in class.
Non-attending students: A) all; B) chapters 1,2, 3, 4 and 5; C) chapters 4, 5 and 6.
Learning Objectives
The course provides the tools to explore the basic traits of Chinese contemporary history, with particular reference to the connection between domestic and foreign policy. Furthermore, it aims to highlight continuities and discontinuities in the evolution of Chinese society.
At the end of the course the student will be able to critically connect historical components and current issues of contemporary China.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of modern and contemporary history and international relations.
Teaching Methods
Lessons and seminars. Depending on the number of attending students, other activities may be planned.
Further information
Documents and texts related to the course are uploaded on Moodle platform.
Type of Assessment
Oral exam. Each candidate will be assessed on the basis of the following parameters: the overall orientation capacity with respect to the evolution of contemporary Chinese history, the capacity for critical elaboration on the topics covered by the course; quality and clarity of exposure; appropriateness of the lexicon.
Course program
PART I. HISTORY
- Introduction: basics on geography, periodisations, philosophical thought, imperial China
- Opium Wars and the national humiliation. The fall of the Qing's empire
- The first years of the Republic of China
- The Japanese invasion; China and the World War II; the second civil war
- Foundation and first years of the PRC, The Cultural Revolution - The Sino-Soviet Split
- The rapprochement with US and the transition to the Reform and Opening Up Policy
- Socio-Economic Modernization and Socialism with Chinese Characteristics
- China in the Global Context
PART II. THEMATIC INSIGHTS ON CONTEMPORARY CHINA
- Demography and Social Policies
- Urban and Rural China
- Chinese Migrations in the world
- Soft Power
- China in Perspective