CHINA IN THE WORLD: HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES

The course aims to provide the analytical, conceptual, and methodological tools necessary to understand the principles, characteristics, and evolution of China’s relations with the world in the twentieth century, using China’s role during the Second World War as a case study. In particular, the course seeks to offer an in-depth examination of the significance of the conflict for China’s subsequent international position from both diplomatic and political perspectives, as well as of its social and cultural implications.

By the end of the course, students will be expected to understand the history of the Second World War from the perspective of Chinese society and to assess how the relationship between Chinese society and the outside world was reshaped by the international and domestic dynamics of the conflict.

Consolidated knowledge of the contemporary history and of China's history in the Nineteenth and Twentieth century as well as knowledge of English and modern Chinese.

Interpretations of the Second World War in Asia and China’s Role: Chronology and Historiography
The Role of Diplomacy
Political and Military Aspects of the Conflict: the Guomindang, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and Collaborationism
Relations with Overseas Chinese Communities
Narrating the Conflict: Propaganda, Communication, and Mobilization
Foreign Communities in Wartime China
Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing, and Chongqing: Experiencing Global War on the Ground
War, Culture, and Internationalization

The reading list will be published at the beginning of the course with the calendar of the activities and assignments.

A written test on one of the topic or documents presented and discussed in classwork. Evaluation of the test will be based on knowledge of reading material (50%), critical reading and analysis (30%), quality of synthesis and writing (20%).

written

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

• The following grading schema will be applied:
o 28-30 – Outstanding and original application of knowledge obtained during the course; critical use of secondary research; fluently written and convincingly argued.
o 25-27 – Strong use of knowledge obtained during the course; critical use of secondary research; well written and argued.
o 22-24- adequate use of knowledge obtained during the course; adequate use of secondary research; adequately written and argued.
o 18-21- uneven application of knowledge obtained during the course; minimal use of secondary research; some writing problems and unclear argumentation

Lectures and reading seminars in italian. The course will be hosting lectures and seminars from guest scholars.