HIST 482-01, Modern China, Fall 2006

Abstract

This course examines China’s transformation from the traditional society of the late imperial period to the revolutionary society of the modern era to the post-revolutionary society of today. Beginning with an overview of Chinese traditional society prior to the nineteenth century, we will then explore the intrusion of Western powers and the collapse of China’s imperial system. This will lead us to the study of China’s attempts at integration and stabilization in the face of regional warlordism and foreign invasion. Finally, an important focus will be China’s civil war and the history of the People’s Republic to the present day. Throughout the course we will consider significant patterns of tradition and change that have shaped events in the history of the world’s most populous nation.