CHN 481 - The Life and Times of Mao Zedong

This course seeks to understand the tumultuous events of 20th century China by examining the central historical figure of this era, namely Mao Zedong. Through a variety of course material, including biography, fiction, film, and primary source material, students will explore topics including the Pacific War, the Chinese Civil War, the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, and the critical dilemma of how post-Mao leaders in China have sought to manage the historical memory of Mao and Maoism. In addition, the course will grapple with the question of how personalities may (or may not) affect the course of history.