HSTY2622 - The Opium Wars in China (1839-1860)

Semester 1, 2010  |  Credit Points: 6

Coordinator: John Wong

Description

The Opium Wars (1839-60) 'opened' China. But scholars strongly disagree on their causation. US President Adams blamed the Chinese kowtow; Lord Palmerston, Chinese insults; Morse, cultural clashes; Oxbridge Professors Gallagher/Robinson, free trade imperialism; Galbraith/Fieldhouse, periphery/centre; Caine/Hopkins, gentlemanly capitalism; Harvard Professor Fairbank, Chinese tributary system; CalTech Professor Fay: reparation of seized property; Toronto Professor Hevia, English lessons; Chinese historians, naked aggression. This unit critically examines these and other interpretations against primary sources whereby students will arrive at their independent conclusions.

Assessments

one 2000 word essay (plus draft), one 2000 word take-home exam and class participation

Classes

one 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

12 credit points of Junior History, Ancient History, or Asian Studies

Prohibitions

HSTY2021

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