HKIB01061U KIN, China’s Modern History (F27)

Volume 2026/2027
Education

Bacheloruddannelsen i asienstudier (kinastudier), 2026-ordningen

Content

A review of the most important political, social and cultural developments in modern China based on China’s unique combinations of geographical, ethnic and linguistic factors. Classes will be conducted as lectures and discussions of various topics and source material.

The course will focus on the following topics thematically and diachronically: Revolution, politics, society, agriculture, nation making, education, philosophy, religion, literature and other cultural manifestations.

Emphasis is on historical trends that lead to the formation of contemporary China. An additional focus is the changing views of China as well as China’s changing views of its own position in the world.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate:

 

Knowledge and understanding of

  • China’s geography, demographics and society, the political systems in the P.R. China and Taiwan and China’s global and regional engagement
  • key events, institutions and actors shaping modern and contemporary China
  • digital tools and resources relevant to the study of contemporary China
  • practical applications of China Studies.
     

Skills in

  • reading, understanding and discussing key texts on contemporary Chinese society, politics and culture
  • locating, assessing and applying information and academic literature on contemporary China
  • discussing current news concerning contemporary China from the media at an academic level.

 

Competencies to 

  • identify and explain key issues in the study of contemporary China
  • use digital tools, including databases, to search for information and data for the study of contemporary China
  • analyse and contextualise current developments and debates concerning China based on relevant academic literature.
     

Examination-qualified teacher sets a syllabus of approximately 600 pages of scholarly literature, such as, for example: Spence, Jonathan D. 2013. The Search for Modern China. 3rd ed. W.W. Norton.

 

 

Lectures and discussions.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 163,75
  • Practical exercises
  • 14
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • Total
  • 206,25
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes including assessment
Home assignment, 6-10 standard pages
Type of assessment details
Free oral examination and free written home assignment.
The oral and written part are weighted equally in the assessment.
Group exam regulations: The exam can only be taken individually.
Exam language: English.
Aid
All aids allowed

For rules on generative artificial intelligence, see Study Information.

 


 

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

Same as ordinary exam

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome