Sino-American Relations in the Modern World (282-0-20)
Instructors
Melissa Macauley
847/491-3418
Harris Hall - Room 344
Melissa Macauley specializes in the international history of early modern and modern China.
Meeting Info
University Hall 101: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
There are few international relationships more important—and less understood—than the one forged between the United States and China over the course of two centuries. This course will explore the historical evolution of Sino-American interactions from the rise of the American opium trade off the China coast in the nineteenth century to the fraught relations of the two allies during both World Wars, and from the Cold War-era of rivalry and rapprochement to the present-day tensions in the South China Sea region. We will consider the bilateral Sino-American relationship in its larger global context and in connection to the issues of war, diplomacy, commerce, race, gender, religion, and material and popular culture. Special consideration will be given to the Southeast Asia region, where so many of the problems confronting China and the US have unfolded. We also will consider the ways in which the international arena became integral to the domestic politics of both countries.
Learning Objectives
To understand the basic history of the Sino-American relationship; to learn to read critically; to improve the clarity of one's writing.
Evaluation Method
One short paper; one longer final paper; participation in discussion; daily reading of newspaper.
Class Notes
History Major Concentration(s): Americas, Asia/Middle East
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Associated Classes
DIS - University Library 3322: Wed 2:00PM - 2:50PM
DIS - University Library 3322: Wed 3:00PM - 3:50PM
DIS - University Library 3322: Wed 4:00PM - 4:50PM