Course Description
This course is an introduction to the history of modern China examining its transition from a dynastic system to modern nation state. Taking the creation of the People's Republic of China as the mid-point in a century of social, political and cultural ferment, this course will explore the dramatic changes that have taken place on all levels and all areas of China. In particular, this course will emphasize the different and often conflicting social experiences of people participating in the same single historical event, while concentrating on the more traditional themes of imperialism, nationalism, and Communism.
Required reading
Five books are required for this course. The primary textbook, Revolution and Its Past , is a useful and extremely well written textbook, but is not essential to do well in this class. The four secondary readings correspond to four significant episodes in modern Chinese history. You can purchase these at the university bookstore or at a much reduced price on-line:
TITLE: Blood Road: The Mystery of Shen Dingyi in Revolutionary China
AUTHOR: Keith Schoppa
ISBN: 0520213866
PUBLISHER: University of California Press(1998)
[NOTE: This book is available online through NetLibrary for free]
TITLE: Decisive Encounters:The Chinese Civil War, 1946-1950
AUTHOR: Odd Arne Westad
PUBLISHER: Stanford University Press
ISBN: 080474484X
TITLE: Tibetan Revolutionary: The Political Life and Times of Bapa Phüntso Wangye
AUTHOR: Melvyn C. Goldstein, Dawei Sherap, William Siebenschuh
ISBN: 0520249925
PUBLISHER: University of California Press (2006)
TITLE: Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China
AUTHOR: Leslie T. Chang
ISBN: 0385520174
PUBLISHER: Spiegel & Grau (2008)
Finally there are primary documents available through the course website. These are to be read for the class for which they are assigned.
As well you will be expected to peruse the New York Times for articles relating to China which will inform our discussions in class and, one would expect, all other work for this class.
GRADes & points
Your grade is based on four components:
100 pts - Mid-term Exam
100 pts - Final Exam
400 pts - Book Response Papers (4x 100 pts)
400 pts - Participation/Discussion (200 pts each half of semester)
1000 TOTAL POINTS
Final grades will be based according to the following breakdown:
A = 1000 - 930 pts
A- = 929 - 900 pts
B+ = 899 - 870 pts
B = 869 - 820 pts
B- = 819 - 800 pts
C+ = 799 - 770 pts
C = 769 - 700 pts
D = 699 - 600 pts
F = 599 pts and below
Adjustments to grades on exams are made only on the basis of demonstrable, objective or mathematical errors. In accordance with university policies, grades may not be raised by means of “extra-credit” work. Anyone found cheating on an exam will receive a grade of “F” for that exam.
Discussion
These discussions take place almost every Wednesday during the course of the semester and will usually include a reading (or short video clip). These are an opportunity for you to process what you have learned from the lectures and readings and begin to formulate your own opinions on China's past. I encourage in these discussions linkages made to China's current events (in the NY Times and other news sources) so paying attention to current events in China will aid you as you become a budding "China Hand."
While attendance is a basic aspect of the participation grade, offering your ideas and responding to your classmates is far more instrumental to making these sessions a productive part of this course. As you will soon realize I take participation very seriously and will be taking a written record of who does (and does not) take active part in class discussions. Finally, you will also be expected to sign up to be "lead discussant" at least once during the semester.
Academic Honesty
Any deliberate attempt to present knowledge, ideas or statements (verbatim or paraphrased) as your own when, in fact, it is gained from another source or solicited from another person is plagiarism. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with Penn State's policy's on academic integrity and what constitutes plagiarism.
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in this programs and activities and is committed to the policy that all people shall have equal access to programs, facilities, and admissions without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation in this course or have questions about physical access, please tell the instructor or contact the Office for Disability Services as soon as possible.
Make-ups, incompletes & missed assignments
Incompletes are only given in instances of extraordinary circumstances (health, disability, or bereavement) which prevent the completion of the course -- not for low grades. In addition, a student must have successfully completed 75% of the course.
Adjustments to grades on exams are made only on the basis of demonstrable objective or mathematical errors. In accordance with university policies, grades may not be raised by means of "extra-credit" work. Anyone found cheating on an exam will receive a grade of "F" for that exa
office hours & contact
I check my e-mail regularly (compulsively?) and thus is the best way to get in touch with me. I am also available for consultation with students during regular office hours in Weaver 413a. If necessary, appointments to meet at another time can be arranged at our mutual convenience. You may also reach me via email (dgatwill@psu.edu) and check on course materials via the internet at the course homepage.
All of the information contained in this syllabus is available online at:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/d/g/dga11/HIST486_2009.html
Many of the outside readings, study guides, and up-to-date information is maintained on this site. Although all changes will be announced in class and through the Facebook Group page, it is your responsibility to stay informed of any changes.