History 491J - S-History of Modern China

This is a course on the history of modern China (c. 1800 to present). Expecting that many students will come to the course with primary interests in other areas, it will emphasize comparative and transnational approaches that encourage cross-fertilization with other coursework.

Open to Seniors, Juniors & Sophomores only. This is a combined graduate and undergraduate course on the history and historiography of modern China (c. 1800 to present). Expecting that many students will come to the course with primary interests in other areas, and recognizing the need for China scholars to engage with the world beyond China, we will emphasize comparative and transnational approaches that encourage cross-fertilization with other fields. The big question that will frame the first half of the course is: How do we study modern China? Do we seek to make sense of Chinese history with respect to Western history or "on its own terms"? Do we highlight internal causes of change or influences from abroad? And what is "China" anyway?a "civilization," an "empire," a "nation," a "culture"...? We will build the syllabus for the second half of the course around topics chosen by students (for example, gender history, urban history, art history, history of science, etc.). Students will receive an updated syllabus no later than Spring Break.