Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The unit provides students with the knowledge of how China, formerly a Dynastic Empire, was disempowered by Western Imperialism, only to obtain independence through the governmental embrace of Communism. The role of powerful individuals in determining China's destiny, and an understanding of how the country's fortunes changed over time are additional features of the content. Through appreciating the circumstances and personalities that have shaped Chinese history, the student will be able to more readily and articulately analyse and interpret major events taking place in China today. These understandings of Chinese society and politics are of special interest to Australians as the country's current economic success is of fundamental importance for the maintenance of Australia's financial well-being.

Aims

This unit offers students understandings of nationalism, colonialism, race and imperialism as they apply to Chinese history. They will use these understandings while conducting research to synthesise information and make historical judgements.

Objectives

Upon the completion of this unit students will be able to
1. Display an understanding of Chinese history including identifying the political, social and economic characteristics of the distinctly different eras.
2. Display the ability to research and write on selected topics.
3. Present information coherently, logically and persuasively to a group of peers.
4. Evaluate historical evidence and interpretations and reach firm conclusions based upon research

Content

The primary focus will be on the decline of the traditional Chinese state and the impact of foreign imperialism. Stress will be placed on the growth of nationalism and the Chinese revolution followed by the process of political and economic reform of the past twenty years. Treatment will also be given to the evolution of communism; the modernisation of Chinese culture; the position of women; and the forces which have brought China to resume its place as the major Asian power are integral aspects of investigation in this unit.

The unit includes the following topics:

Traditional Chinese State and Society
Western Impact and the Internal Crisis
China's Self-Strengthening Movement
The End of the Dynasty
China under the Nationalists
World War and Civil War
The People's Republic
Deepening the Revolution
The Reopening of China
The Democratic Revolution & Aftermath
China as the Economic Giant

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit primarily consists of lectures, tutorial presentations, discussion, and film documentaries. The unit offers diverse perspectives and multi-disciplinary approaches to methods of learning. The lectures are informative with videos frequently utilised to consolidate aspects of each topic. Tutorials are student-centred with discussion encouraged. The assessment requires students to reflect upon the stated aims of the unit.

Assessment

The General Assessment for this unit is both formative and summative. Tasks include a tutorial presentation, weekly quizzes and a written examination.Tutorial: The lecturer or tutor will offer suggestions and directions concerning the content and arrangement of the tutorial presentation.
Exam: Sample exam questions will be available for student perusal.

Assessment name: Presentation (tutorial)
Description: In Pairs - topics relating to lectures.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 & 4.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Weekly Quiz
Description: Short answer questions about the content covered in the lectures and tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: In Tutorials

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: Essay type
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End-Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Set Texts:
Spence, Jonathan D., The Search for Modern China, London: W.W. Norton, (1999).

Recommended Texts & References:
Cheng, Pei-kai & Michael Lestz with Jonathan D. Spence, The Search for Modern China: A Documentary Collection, W.W. Norton, London & New York, 1999.
Deitrich, Craig, People's China: A Brief History, Second Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, (1994).
Ebrey, Patricia Buckley, (Editor) Chinese Civilization and Society: A Source Book, London: The Free Press, Macmillan, (1981).
Lu Hsun, Selected Stories, London: W.W. Norton, (1977).
Meisner, Maurice, Mao's China: A History of the People's Republic, London: The Free Press, Macmillan, (1979).
Sheridan, James E. China in Disintegration: The Republican Era in Chinese History, 1912-1949, London: The Free Press, Macmillan. (1975).
Shen Congwen, Imperfect Paradise, Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, (1995).
Spence, Jonathan D., The Gate of Heavenly Peace: The Chinese and their Revolution, 1895-1980, Middlesex, England: Penguin Books, (1981).
Wakeman, Fredric Jr. The Fall of Imperial China, London: The Free Press, Macmillan, (1975).

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 26-Oct-2012