Page 114 - SYU Prospectus

Shue Yan University Prospectus 2018-19

HIST 371 The Making of Contemporary Middle East
1 Term; 3 Credits
This third-year elective course attempts a concise overview of the historical process and
analysis of the main forces shaping contemporary Middle East ‒ an area of lasting ethnic,
political and religious conflicts, crises and mutual hatred which draws grave global concern.
The subject covers the disintegration of the Islamic Ottoman Empire, European trusteeship
during the two world wars, varied development paths and achievement, USA involvement and
the emergence of the Middle East today. Of central concern are the policies and acts of
Western powers which might have contributed to much of its present woes. In addition, the
course studies the Middle East with consideration to its place in world diplomacy, geopolitics
and economy. The course will conclude with an open forum on selected current issues with
significant impact on the present world scene, with particular reference to their historical roots
and global implications.

HIST 410 Republican China
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course covers the setting up, development and fall of the Nationalist Government in
Mainland China from 1912 to 1949. Discussions will include main events and metamorphosis
of Chinese politics, economy, diplomacy and military affairs, etc, their causes and impacts. In
particular, the subject will examine in depth the Chinese experience in establishing a
democratic-republican polity and the party and state systems which eventually appeared.

HIST 411 China since 1949: From Political, Cultural and Social Revolution to
Economic Reform
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is about the historical development of the People’s Republic of China since
1949. It examines the changes and challenges brought by historical transformations and
political conflicts. The course also analyses their political, economic, diplomatic and military
impacts and implications on future development in China.

HIST 430 Study of Chinese Historical Texts
1 Term; 3 Credits
This is a course on the in-depth study of two seminal Chinese historical texts ‒ Shi Ji
( 史記 ) and Zizhi Tongjian ( 資治通鑑 ). It deepens students’ understanding of the Chinese
historical tradition taught in Years 2 and 3 through examining the circumstances against which
these two historical works were written, the various annotations and interpretations that other
Chinese scholars wrote on the two texts, and the different uses of the two texts in the
development of Chinese historical research.

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