Course syllabus

 

SEMESTER 2, 2017

Download Subject Guide: Course Outline_final.docx

HISTORICAL TIMELINES:

• A comparative chronological outline of China and the World:

DOC090715-09072015093534.pdf 

•  Timeline of PRC under Mao:

http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_1950_prc_timeline.htm

 

STAFF INFORMATION

Shan Windscript, Lecturer

Office: Arts 1, Room 713

Email: s.windscript@auckland.ac.nz

Office hours: 10.30-11.30 AM, Mondays and Tuesdays

 

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES:

Nick Ensor (313): nens646@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Ethan Evans (213): eeva691@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Oliver jenner (213): ojen357@aucklanduni.ac.nz

 

FACEBOOK GROUP:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/327808831003531/

 

SUBJECT OVERVIEW              

This course uses the life and legacy of Mao Zedong (1893-1976) as a way to navigate China’s tumultuous history from the end of the Nineteenth Century to the end of the Twentieth Century. Mao is generally acknowledged as a towering figure in Chinese history whose personality and ideology continue to influence national and world politics today.

And yet a careful study of China’s twentieth century history reveals the limits, as well as the extent, of the influence of a “revolutionary” such as Mao Zedong. In this course, students will use primary and secondary texts to sketch out the broader social and cultural landscape of modern China and evaluate the historical significance of Mao’s life and the Maoist ideology that was his legacy.

 

PRESCRIBED TEXT:

• Rana Mitter, 2016. Modern China: A Very Short Introduction, Second Edition (required textbook, can be purchased at the University Bookstore);
• Weekly tutorial readings as indicated on CANVAS under “Modules”

 

DATES AND LOCATION 

Lectures	9-10 AM, Mondays and Fridays (303-101 Sci Maths & Physics, Room 101)
Tutorials	313 at 9.00-10.00 AM, Tuesdays (201E-704 Human Sciences – East, Room 704) 213 at 1.00-2.00 PM, Thursdays (114-G14 Commerce A, Room G14)

 

 LEARNING OUTCOMES

Student who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

• Show and understanding of the changes and continuity in the development of modern China;
• display a critical understanding of the role and legacy of Mao Zedong in modern Chinese history;
• develop in-depth knowledge of cultural, political and social aspects in modern China, historically and in contemporary times;
• demonstrate an ability to identify and analyse primary and secondary materials, textual and visual, in reflecting on historical change in the subject context;
• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;
• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion;
• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

 

ASSESSMENT

213         submit directly to Canvas

30% Source Analysis (1200 words, marked/100), due Fri, 25th August by 11:59 PM

20% Active Reflections x 8 weeks (continuous within teaching period, marked/100). Marks only recorded for weeks in which lectorial participation is noted   20% In-class Test (1000 words), Fri October 20th, in class

30% Research Essay (2000 words, marked/100), due Mon, 6th November by 11:59 PM

313         submit directly to Canvas

20% Source Analysis (1200 words, marked/100), due Fri, 25th August by 11:59 PM

20%Active Reflections x 10 weeks (continuous within teaching period, marked/100). Marks only recorded for weeks in which lectorial participation is noted.   20% In-class Test (1000 words), Fri October 20th, in class]

40% Research Essay (2800 words, marked /100), due Monday 6th November by 11:59 PM

 

PARTICIPATION      Students should come to tutorial prepared to summarize the argument or overall thrust of each reading in one to two sentences and to offer their own brief response to issues raised in the readings.

EXTENSION:           Deadlines for assignments are non-negotiable. If, for some valid reason, you are unable to meet the deadline, please contact me at s.windscript@auckland.ac.nz well in advance to apply for an extension. In the case of illness, you will be expected to show a doctor’s certificate.

FLEXIBILITY             The lecturer reserves the right to adjust the schedule of lectures, tutorials, and readings in order to meet the learning needs of the class.

STANDARDS             All submitted assessments should be proofread for grammar, punctuation and spelling. All written works should follow the Chicago Manual of Style 16^th edition notes and bibliography style when referencing.

LATE PENALTY:       If you submit your assessment late without an extension, you will be penalised at the rate of 10 percent per day for up to five consecutive days from the due date (including Saturday and Sunday). After five consecutive days from the due date, assessment will not be accepted.

WORKLOAD:

The University of Auckland's expectation on 15-point courses, is that students spend 10 hours per week on the course. Students manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Students attend two hours of lectures each week and participate in a one-hour tutorial from week 2 of semester. This leaves seven hours per week outside the classroom to prepare for tutorials, assignments and the exam.