About this Course

This course delves into the concept of modernity in China, exploring the creation of the modern Chinese state during the Republican era, China’s relations with major countries like the USA, and key historical events like the war against Japan. The learning approach is thematic instead of chronological to enhance the comprehension of historical context and its influence on modern China.

Course Description

Learn about the development of modern Chinese state and its identity through thematic investigations into its history, politics, and foreign relations during the Republican period. Explore significant events and figures that shaped modern China such as Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek, and Mao Zedong.

What students will learn

• Models for the Chinese republic influenced by foreign interactions.
• Formation of modern Chinese state post-empire era.
• Effects and significance of the Sino-Japanese War.
• Patterns and dynamics in the China-U.S. relationship over time.
• Influential roles of historical figures in shaping China’s modern history.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required to take this course. It is designed to be an introductory course suitable for anyone interested in Chinese history and its modernization path.

Course Covers

• Definition and implications of modernity in China.
• The creation and significant periods of the modern Chinese state.

Who this course is for

This course is targeted at students, historians, educators, and anyone with a keen interest in understanding the historical dynamics and development of modern China.

Real World Application

Learners can apply the knowledge gained from this course in various fields including academic research, education, international relations, and comprehensive understanding of Asian political and social dynamics important for global business and cultural exchanges.

Syllabus

• Introduction to Modern China
• Historical formations of the Chinese State
• China’s War against Japan and its Consequences
• Long-term Patterns in China-U.S. Relationships
• Case Studies: Influential Leaders and their impacts