Course Syllabus

Modern China History, Politics and Culture

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Fall 2011

 

 

Instructor:             

 

Terrence Monroe

808.941-7140

[email protected]

 

Experienced as an instructor of in-class courses (since 1974) and online courses (since 2000) in various disciplines of world history and Asian civilizations for colleges and universities throughout the United States. Educational background: Master of Arts Degree in Asian Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1974; Bachelor of Arts Degree in Asian Studies, 1973.

 

Course Overview:   

 

This course examines those major events and issues in China’s modern history that shaped its politics, culture, and industrialization. It makes comparisons and describes linkages, historically and culturally, between China, its Asian neighbors, and the Western powers. It addresses China’s turmoil under Mao Zedong and surveys its unprecedented economic development and impact on the global community.

 

Learning Outcomes:

 

·         Gain an understanding of contemporary Chinese national developments with reference to past traditions; the causes of China’s modern economic development; and Chinese behavior and national characteristics in business, international relations, and society.

 

·         Refine writing and cognitive skills through essays assignments and class discussion.

 

·         Become proficient in functioning in an online learning environment and in the use of online resources related to modern China.

 

Text:

 

China: A New History

John King Fairbank and Merle Goldman, editors

Harvard College Press: 1998

ISBN: 0-674-11673-9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Requirements:

 

Successful completion of this course depends upon:

 

·                     Completion of four essays assignments.

·                     Participation in class discussions.

·                     Regular attendance.

 

The first thing that makes up your course grade is a series of five essays assignments, as follows:

 

Each of these essays assignments will be written in class—no notes or other references permitted. In a word, I want you to tell me what you learned thus far in this course. This is an exercise in organizing your thing and expressing it concisely, and you should prioritize the points you make in about 1,000 words (five pages longhand). You should be working on these essays assignments continuously, and your work should have the polished feel of being the result of a steady, daily progression of thought and reflection.

 

The other things that make up your course grade is your participation in class discussion and your attendance. Neither is graded, but either will adversely affect your course grade if unsatisfactory. Absences may only be excused with official documentation (on letterhead): a doctor’s note. Please note: students are allowed two absences (with no points deducted) during each course for “sick leave”---please do not come to class if you are sick! However, any missed quizzes or exams must be made up.

 

Schedule and Grade Policy:

 

·                     Each Essays Assignment will have a maximum value of 100 points (for a total of 500 points).

 

·                     Participation in class discussion is not graded, but will affect your course grade adversely if not satisfactory.

 

·                     Attendance is not graded, but unexcused absences will affect your course grade adversely.

 

Grading Scale:                  

 

A:       90 – 100 (450-500 points)

B:       80 – 89 (400-449 points)

C:       70 - 79 (350 - 399 points)

D:       60 - 69 (300 – 349 points)

F:       less than 60 (less than 300 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assignment Schedule:

 

Session 1 (Aug. 23):           Read Introduction in text and emailed lectures

 

Session 2 (Aug. 30):           Read Chapters 2 and 3 of text and emailed lectures

                                      Discuss readings and videos

 

Session 3 (Sep. 6):             Read Chapter 4 of text and emailed lectures

                                      Discuss readings and videos

                                      Write Essays Assignment 1

         

Session 4 (Sep. 13):           Read Chapters 5 and 6 of text and emailed lectures

                              Discuss readings and videos

         

Session 5 (Sep. 20):           Read Chapter 7 of text and emailed lectures

                                       Discuss readings and videos

                                               

Session 6 (Sep. 27):           Read Chapters 8 and 9 of text and emailed lectures

                                       Discuss readings and videos

                                       Write Essays Assignment 2

                                               

Session 7 (Oct. 4):              Read Chapter 10 of text and emailed lectures

                                       Discuss readings and videos

                                               

Session 8 (Oct. 11):            Read Chapters 11 and 12 of text and emailed lectures

                                       Discuss readings and videos

                                               

Session 9 (Oct. 18):            Read Chapter 13 of text and emailed lectures

                                       Write Essays Assignment 3

 

Session 10 (Oct. 25): Read Chapters 14 and 15 of text and emailed lectures

                                      Discuss readings and videos

 

Session 11 (Nov. 1):           Read Chapter 16 of text and emailed lectures

                                      Discuss readings and videos

 

Session 12 (Nov. 8):           Read Chapters 17 and 18 of text and emailed lectures

                                      Discuss readings and videos

Write Essays Assignment 4

 

Session 13 (Nov. 15):         Read Chapter 19

                                      Discuss readings and videos

                                               

Thanksgiving Break (Nov. 21 – Nov. 27)

 

Session 14 (Nov. 29):         Read Chapters 20 and 21

                                      Discuss readings and videos

 

Session 15: (Dec. 6):          Discuss readings and videos

Write Essays Assignment 5