Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HIST 479W D100

Contentious Problems in Modern Chinese History (4)

Class Number: 3823

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including nine units of lower division history, and one of HIST 255, 366, or 367.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines a contentious aspect of, or period in, modern Chinese history focusing on change, conflict and resistance. For example the transition from revolution to reform, the Tiananmen Square protests, or the Cultural Revolution. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 479W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

The Chinese Cultural Revolution started in 1966, ended in 1977, and continues to shape Chinese society and politics today. Chairman Mao Zedong declared war on the Communist Party and mobilized young people to attack “class enemies” and “capitalist roaders in positions of authority,” sparking revolutionary fervor and idealism while unleashing waves of violence and repression. We will read a variety of primary sources authored by people who lived through the Cultural Revolution to explore what life was like and how people found meaning during the years of high socialism. We will then read memoirs and scholarly interpretations to help us write original content for Wikipedia about understudied and misunderstood aspects of the Cultural Revolution and its legacies.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the term, students should have: (1) gained a better understanding of the advantages and shortcomings of different types of historical sources and scholarly approaches; (2) improved their writing skills through a variety of assignments and through giving and receiving peer feedback; (3) enhanced public knowledge about the history of the Cultural Revolution by authoring an original encyclopedia contribution.

Grading

  • Seminar participation and engagement 20%
  • Two short essays of 800–1,000 words, (each worth 15%) 30%
  • In-class writing exercise, in which you show that you completed and thought about the readings assigned for the week 5%
  • Two-part encyclopedia assignment, (original encyclopedia entry, 800 words, 20%; reflection essay of approximately 1,500 words, 15%) 35%
  • Peer reviews, (5% for first round; 5% for second round during presentations of encyclopedia contributions) 10%

NOTES:

If you do not meet the prerequisites for this course but really want to take it, email jeremy_brown@sfu.ca after course enrollment opens to request permission to enroll.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Kraus, Richard Curt. The Cultural Revolution: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2012.

Schoenhals, Michael. China’s Cultural Revolution, 1966–1969: Not a Dinner Party. ME Sharpe, 1996.

Other readings will be available via Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Learn more about studing History at SFU:

History areas of study


Why study History?

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.