I talked to the people today and the class Modern China i took last semester didn’t fulfill Historical Perspectives for GE but only fulfills Foreign Civilization and Culture. Let’s evaluate the validity for this.

Here are the definitions for the requirements published.

Historical Perspectives –
Courses in this area help students understand a period of the past in
its own terms, comprehend the historical processes of change and
continuity, sharpen their analytical skills in the evalution of
evidence, and develop their ability to generalize, explain, and
interpret historical change.

Foreign Civilzation and Culture –
Courses in this area promote better understanding among students of
their own culture through comparative analysis with others; provide
students with some knowledge about one or more foreign civilizations,
cultures, and societies; and foster international and intercultural
understanding.

Here are the course descriptions for the two classes for Chinese history. The first one doesn’t fulfill Historical Perspectives but only Foreign Civilzation and Culture (the one I took), the second one fulfills both.

Modern China 1600s to 1920s

– This survey of modern Chinese history begins with the decline of the Ming dynasty and the conquest of China by Manchus in the 1600s, followed by the glorious years of the Qing (Manchu) dynasty in the 1700s. In the 1800s, social problems brought huge internal rebellions. Western encroachments weakened China further, ending the dynasty in 1912. The new government of the Republic of China was accompanied by efforts to create a new culture and by new political parties. The course ends with the rise to power of the Nationalist Party and its bloody split with the Communists in the 1920s. Readings include translations of original sources. No previous knowledge of China is necessary. The instructor is Arkush.

Civilizations of Asia: China

– This course provides an introductory survey of Chinese history and civilization from its origins to the present day. Students explore Confucian philosophy, Buddhism and Daoism, art and literature, the writing system and calligraphy, the imperial political system, family and women, foreign encroachments, 20th-century revolutions, and Chinese society today. Readings include history, fiction translated from Chinese, and biography. No previous knowledge of China (or of Chinese) is required. Although the primary class format is lecture, students work on writing and discussion skills. The instructor is Arkush.

I’ve already emailed the intrustor for some insights about this decision. I also plan to write to the Reviewers to get the first class to fulfill Historical Perspectives.

ARRG!