During the last three decades China has evolved from a developing country to a global economic and political power. This course provides a detailed analysis of key issues, trends and events in China’s contemporary history and in its foreign relations. The course will discuss how the rise of China has impacted world politics and economy and the main internal and external challenges the country may have to face in the near future.
A) Gernet J. (1999). A History of Chinese Civilization, Cambridge University Press
- Only for attending students: Introduction, pp. 1-34
B) Meisner M. (2007). Mao Zedong. A Political and Intellectual Portrait, Polity Press
- For attending students: Chapter 4, Nationalism and Social Revolution. 1935-49; Chapter 5, Mao Zedong in Power: Nationalism and Modernization, 1949-57
- For non attending students: the whole book
C) Zheng Y. (2014). Contemporary China: A History Since 1978, Wiley Blackwell
- For attending students: Chapter 1, The Maoist Legacy; Chapter 2, Elite
Politics; Chapter 3, Economic Reform; Chapter 4, Globalization.
- For non attending students: previously mentioned chapters from 1 to 4 plus
Chapter 5, Civil Society
D) Chi-kwan Mark (2012). China and the World since 1945, Routledge
- For attending students: Chapter 4., Ideological radicalization and the Sino-Soviet split, 1958–64; Chapter 6. Sino-Soviet Border War and Sino-American Rapprochement, 1969–72
- For non attending students: the two previously mentioned chapters plus Chapter 5, The Vietnam War and Cultural Revolution diplomacy, 1965–8
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
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