Program overview
This major, simply put, studies what happened in China over the past 180-plus years from the Opium War in 1840 to the present—what happened, why it happened, and how it impacted China and the world. It falls under the broader category of Marxist theory but focuses specifically on 'fundamental issues'—such as how the Communist Party of China was founded, how the revolution succeeded, why reform and opening-up took off, and what historical legacies China faces today. Core courses include: Topics in Modern Chinese History, Research on the Sinicization of Marxism, History of the Communist Party of China, History of Chinese Political Thought, and Analysis of Contemporary Chinese Issues. You'll also learn research methods using archives, oral history, and data analysis. Who is this for? If you're interested in both history and politics, want to understand 'why China is the way it is today,' and aren't satisfied with surface-level news—if you're willing to read primary sources and do fieldwork—then this major is a great fit. Chinese universities have a natural advantage in this field: many archives, memorial halls, and descendants of revolutionary figures are in China, giving you access to firsthand materials. For example, Fudan University, Renmin University of China, and Peking University all have distinctive programs, and many advisors have participated in compiling major national historical documents.