Hist 3070-01
Topics in World History–Revolution in China
Spring 2005
TR 2:40-4:05 p.m.
Dr. Yüan-ling Chao
Office: PH 266 (898-2629)
E-mail: ychao@mtsu.edu
Office hours: TR 1:00-2:30 p.m., W 1:30-3:30 p.m. & by appointment
Revolution in China
Course Description:
The goal of the course is to understand modern China by examining a critical period in
her history. We will evaluate this period in Chinese history not only as a time of
tremendous political upheaval, but also as a time of intellectual turmoil. The term
“revolution” thus refers not only to political revolutions—such as the 1911 Revolution
and the 1949 Communist Revolution—but also to the wrenching intellectual struggles to
reconcile tradition with modernity, and the search for China’s identity in the world.
Books Required:
Pa Chin
Family
Edwin E. Moise
Vera Schwarcz
Modern China: A History 2nd edition
Chinese Enlightenment
Edgar Snow
Red Star Over China
Jonathan D. Spence
The Gate of Heavenly Peace
Course Requirements:
1. 5% Attendance ((grades for attendance will be calculated as follows:0-1 absence: A;
2-3 absences: B; 4-5 absences: C; 6-7 absences: D; 8 & over: F. Students who arrive
more than 10 minutes late or leave early will be counted as absent)
2. 10% Participation (Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the
readings, participate in group discussions, and serve as discussion leaders)
3. 15% Midterm
4. 45% Three Essays
5. 25% Final Examination
(+/- will be used for this course)
Grade Computation
A+
100
B+
86-89
C+
76-79
A
A-
92-99
90-91
B
B-
83-85
80-82
C
C-
73-75
70-72
D+
0-59
D
D-
66-69
F
63-65
60-62
Make-up Policy
There will be NO make-ups and missed tests and examinations will count as Fs.
Exceptions will only be made in cases of emergency and illness substantiated with a note
from a doctor.
Statement on Cheating
Any form of cheating (including plagiarism) on any assignment or examination will
result in a grade of “F” for the course. “Plagiarize” is defined in Webster’s New
Collegiate Dictionary as “to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s
own,” “use (a created production) without crediting the source,” “to commit literary theft:
present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.” Outright
plagiarism or any form of cheating, intentional or unintentional, will result in a failing
grade in the course and disciplinary action by the university.
Students with Disabilities
Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability that
may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any
accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as
possible. Students may also contact the Office of Disabled Students Services (898-2783)
with questions about such services.
Lecture and Reading Schedule:
Week 1 (Jan.18, 20) Historical Overview
Readings: Moise Chs.1, 2
Week 2 (Jan.25, 27) Reform and Revolution
Readings: Spence Chs. 1-4
Week 3 (Feb.1, 3)
The May Fourth Movement
Readings: Schwarcz Chs. 1-3
Week 4 (Feb.8, 10)
The May Fourth Movement
Readings: Spence Chs. 5-7
Essay I
Week 5 (Feb. 15, 17) Guomindang and the Communists
Readings: Moise Ch. 3; Schwarcz Ch. 4
Week 6 (Feb. 22, 24) Nanjing Government
Readings: Moise Ch.4; Schwarcz Ch. 5; Spence Chs.8-9
Week 7 (Mar. 1, 3)
Women and Family
Readings: begin Pa Chin
Midterm: March 1
Week 8 (Mar. 8, 10) Spring Break
Week 9 (Mar. 15, 17) Women and Family
Readings: finish Pa Chin
Week 10 (Mar. 22, 24)China in WWII
Readings: Moise Ch. 5; Spence Chs. 10-11
Essay 2
Week 11 (Mar. 29, 31)Mao and Chinese Communism
Readings: Snow Parts 1-4
Week 12 (Apr. 5, 7) The Yenan Experience
Readings: Snow Parts 5-9
Week 13 (Apr. 12, 14)The People’s Republic of China
Readings: Moise Chs. 6-7; Snow Parts 10-12
Essay 3
Week 14 (Apr. 19, 21)The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution
Readings: Moise Ch. 8, Spence 12-13
Week 15 (Apr. 26)
Review
Readings: (Moise Chs. 9-10); Schwarcz Ch. 6 and Conclusion
Final Examination: May 5 (Thursday) 3:30-5:30 p.m.