THE HISTORY OF MODERN CHINA (Class Full)

As China begins to play a major role in the international arena, it is important to understand the history and culture that has shaped its unique civilization.  The Chinese people are proud of their heritage but concerned that the ties of modernization may sweep aside their traditional values.  The population explosion and the expansion of business and employment opportunities today has led to a replay of the experiences of Europe's 19th century industrial revolution with huge numbers relocating from farming to factory work in the cities.  Nonetheless 70% of the population still live a rural life, creating huge disparities in wealth between country and city, as well as between the old and the young.
This course will cover 600 years of modern China history beginning at the 14th century (Ming Dynasty) when there was an increased presence of Westerners, first as missionaries and traders, then as imperialists, accelerated a process of change that overthrew the last imperial kingdom (Qing Dynasty) in 1911.  In the first half of the 20th century, the new republic had survived 2 world wars as well as 2 civil wars, which transformed China from capitalism to socialism in 1949.

In the last 60 years the success of China's economy takes the country to the brink of becoming a world superpower.  This course will conclude with prospects for the future of China in the world-wide economy and globalization.

Preference will be given to those who took Part I of the course on Chinese history but it is not a prerequisite.

Required book:  "CHINA, People/Place/Culture/History"  DK publisher  2007  ISBN-13  978-0-7566-3159-8-- can be purchased at Labyrinth in Princeton or through Amazon online

Week 1. 1368—1560, Early Ming Dynasty (p.104--105), 100 Schools of Thought (p. 82)

Week 2. 1560—1644, Late Ming Dynasty (p. 106--109), Philosophy (p. 240--245)

Week 3. 1644—1800, Early Qing Dynasty (p. 110--111), Religion (p. 246--249)

Week 4. 1800—1911, Late Qing Dynasty (p. 112--115), Language (p. 252--255)

Week 5. 1911—1949, Wars (p. 116-119), Science/Technology (p. 300--307)

Week 6. 1949—1980, A New Republic (p. 120--123), Gov't/People (p. 132--139/162--169)

Week 7. 1980—2010, Modern China (p. 124--127), Economy (p. 128--129)
 
Week 8.  Present, S-E Asia (Handouts), Globalization (Handouts)