Course Description

[This is a certified Communication-intensive (CI) Course which meets all of the requirements endorsed by HKU’s Senate, including (i) the teaching assessment of oral and written communication ‘literacies’; and (ii) at least 40% of the course grade assigned to communication-rich assessment tasks.]

The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was a defining episode in modern China. In ten years, it dismantled the state, party, and economy with widespread social upheaval and violence, followed by unrelenting oppressive campaigns. It dramatically exploded the inherent contradictions of the Communist State. It has exerted a major impact on the direction of Chinese politics, economic reforms, and public protests. This course explores the causes, processes, and impact of the Cultural Revolution (CR), asking why millions of people participated in the CR, who were the agents responsible for the CR, what determined the CR’s multifaceted courses, and what legacy the CR left for the following reform era and the coming future. It introduces students to key intellectual ideas and methodologies from multi-disciplines – history, political and social science, literature, and film. Students will learn to critically assess sources and statements, through which to discover how history is continuously constructed and contested.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Articulate a broader perspective and a deeper critical understanding of the complex connections between issues of profound importance.
2. Distinguish various disciplinary methodologies involved in the study of history and culture.
3. Show enhanced communicative and collaborative skills through debate, presentation, and writing.
4. Demonstrate enhanced critical thinking and active participation as citizens in local and global communities.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Courses will be offered four times:
Sections 1 and 2 – First semester (Wed); Sections 3 and 4 – Second semester (Wed)