University of Botswana History Department

HIS 433

Civilization and Modernization in China & Japan

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This is a new course, being taught for the first time in the first semester of 2008-9.

The course contrasts two ancient cultures and their paths to modernization: Japan's conversion into a world power with consumer-based capitalism, and China's convulsions, socialist experimentation, and subsequent political and economic developments. This semester the main focus will be on China.

The course is intended to complement the course on South Asia, HIS 434, but does not require it.

Confucius (Kong Fuzi) the great teacher of ancient China. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Confucius_02.png

Timetable for this semester:
HIS433   MWF   1700   232-10

Textbook: there is no textbook prescribed for this course.

Outline: (topics refer to China except where marked)

Outline of topics: For this semester, the course will concentrate on Chinese history. In the outline below, topics refer to China except for the sections marked specifically as "Japan".

Ancient period
- Politics and society
- Philosophy
Imperial period
- Society
- Government and bureaucracy
- Science and economic development: failed take-off?
Modern period (especially noting the rise of Japan relative to China)
- The 19th century challenge:
- - 19th century China
  - 19th century Japan
- Early 20th century:
  - China: Revolution and Republic
  - 20th century Japan
  - The Second World War and the Chinese Civil War
- Late 20th century:
  - The People's Republic of China
  - Japan after the Second World War,
    and the rest of East Asia

Lecturer: Dr B. S. Bennett, email bennett@mopipi... [Click here for full email address]

Last updated 29 July 2008. [PAGE ENDS]