Selected issues from Chinese history 3600-19-SIW2-WZHC
The "Selected Issues in Chinese History" seminar focuses on the major events and processes that have shaped the history, culture, politics and society of China and Taiwan from the 17th century to the present. By analyzing key moments and events, the subject seeks to provide a comprehensive picture of the development of these areas in a global context.
Topics from the reign of the Qing Dynasty to the fall of the empire are considered, as well as events that have had a significant impact on the current conditions of China and Taiwan. Events such as the Xinhai Revolution, the Republic of China period, and the reign of Mao Zedong are discussed in order to understand their role in shaping the society, politics and culture of both areas. We also analyze the economic reforms that contributed to China's dynamic development, and gain an in-depth understanding of Taiwan's history, parallel to events on the mainland.
The subject also focuses on analyzing China's model of government and its role in the international context, including relations with its neighbors and global politics. This discussion opens up space for reflection on the formation of the current political, economic and cultural landscape of China and Taiwan.
Thematic scope:
The Qing Dynasty Era and the Fall of the Empire: The reign of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) as China's last imperial dynasty. The internal and external factors that contributed to the dynasty's decline, including internal conflicts, colonial pressure from Western powers, and the 1911 Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew the empire, ending the period of dynastic rule in China.
The Xinhai Revolution and the Republic of China Period: An analysis of the Xinhai Revolution (1911-1912) as a watershed moment in Chinese history that led to the establishment of the Republic of China. Focusing on the events leading to the overthrow of the monarchy and analyzing the challenges the new republic faced in terms of political stabilization and modernization.
The Mao Zedong Era and the Cultural Revolution Period: A deeper understanding of Mao Zedong's rule (1949-1976) and an analysis of the Cultural Revolution and its social and political dimensions. Exploring its legacy and influence on contemporary China.
Economic reforms and the development of modern China: A detailed discussion of the economic reforms introduced after Mao's death that resulted in China's dynamic economic development. An analysis of Deng Xiaoping's role and the continuation of these reforms over the following years, including China's contemporary challenges and economic achievements.
Taiwan: History, Politics and Relations with China: An in-depth exploration of the history of Taiwan, from the colonial period (and the period of Japanese rule) to the present, with particular emphasis on changing relations with mainland China. An examination of the political, social, and cultural issues that have shaped Taiwan's unique identity.
China's governance model and foreign policy: An examination of the Chinese governance model since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Analysis of China's foreign policy in the context of international cooperation, relations with neighbors, as well as its role in global politics and economy, including initiatives such as the Silk Road and the Belt and Road project.
The expanded thematic scope enables students to delve deeper into key periods and events in the history of China and Taiwan, allowing them to understand the context and complexity of the processes that have shaped both regions over the centuries.
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Classroom
Learning outcomes
- has in-depth and detailed knowledge (including terminology, theory and methodology) in literary studies or linguistic studies or philosophy and religion studies or history K_W01, H2A_W01, H2A_W02
- has extended knowledge of particular problems pertaining to the cultures of China (within the scope of culture and literature or language or philosophy and religion or history and socio-political issues) in a comparative perspective K_W02, H2A_W03, H2A_W05
- has extended knowledge of particular problems pertaining to the culture of China (within the scope of culture and literature or language or philosophy and religion or history and socio-political issues) K_W03, H2A_W04
- knows and understands advanced analysis and interpretation methods of various products of culture in China, characteristic of chosen traditions, theories, research schools within the scope of linguistics or literary and cultural studies or philosophy and religion studies or history K_W06, H2A_W07
- knows and understands the local academic tradition (methods of analysis, interpretation and evaluation) of China K_W07, H2A_W07
Skills:
- can search for, analyze, evaluate and use information from different sources and can form critical judgement on its basis K_U01, H2A_U01
- can indicate sources of cultural differences between the countries of the Orient or Africa, also on the basis of source materials K_U02, H2A_U02
- can acquire knowledge independently and enhance research skills as well as develop abilities to build a professional career K_U03, H2A_U03
- can use the knowledge in the field of Chinese studies to expand knowledge of humanities K_U04, H2A_U04
- has superior skill in substantive argumentation with the use of other authors’ views K_U20, H2A_U06
- can expertly use advanced electronic and internet tools in Polish and in Chinese K_U21, H2A_U08
Social competence:
- understands the need to learn all one’s life, can inspire and organize other people’s process of learning K_K01, H2A_K01
- can actively establish relations and cooperate with representatives of other cultures K_K03, H2A_K02
- can set appropriate goals and ways to achieve them in the context of academic, professional and social activity K_K04, H2A_K03
- is open to new ideas and trends as well as cultural diversity K_K05, H2A_K01
- has awareness of the differences stemming from cultural, religious and philosophical variety and their influence on shaping social and political attitudes as well as economic processes K_K06, H2A_K03, H2A_K04
- understands and appreciates the value of tradition and cultural heritage of one’s own country and of China K_K08, H2A_K05
-can see the need to enrich one’s own tradition by adding positive philosophical, social and cultural values of China, treats cultural synergy as an added value K_K09, H2A_K01, H2A_K02, H2A_K06
-actively acts in aid of mutual understanding and effective intercultural communication, cultural and economic cooperation, domestic contacts and ones in China and Taiwan K_K10, H2A_K04, H2A_K05, H2A_K06
Assessment criteria
Attendance is mandatory (maximum of two unexcused absences allowed). Systematic reading of assigned articles of a scientific nature, sources and chapters of books, active participation in class discussion.
The student should speak during at least 2/3 of the meetings in the semester. Participation in the discussion will be recorded in the class diary. The material discussed in class, knowledge of the content of the articles, current preparation for participation in class are required for credit. The semester ends with the writing of a report on the presentations and analyses made during the semester.
Bibliography
The list of literature will be presented in class and will include chapters of monographic works, scholarly articles and selected historical sources in Polish, Chinese (adapted to the students' language level) and English.
Basic literature:
1. M. Dillon. Chiny. Historia współczesna, Książka i Wiedza, 2012.
2. R. Mitter. Chiny nowoczesne. Krótkie wprowadzenie. Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego, 2021.
3. J. Spence. The search for Modern China, W.W. Norton, 1999.
Notes
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Term 2023L:
During the semester, some classes may be held more than once a week, according to a flexible schedule that will be agreed with students. Further details regarding the dates and frequency of these additional meetings will be communicated in advance so that students can plan their educational commitments accordingly. |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: