China in the World Wars and the World Wars in China
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- Start Date: 06 Dec 2025End Date: 06 Dec 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00
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What is the course about?
The course unfolds the intricate role and experiences of China during the two World Wars of the 20th century. We will examine how these global conflicts impacted China, and equally how China influenced the outcome and aftermaths of the wars. The course navigates through the tumultuous historical periods, focusing on China's political decisions, military involvements, economic ramifications, and societal transformations, including the often overlooked contributions of groups such as the Chinese Labour Corps in WWI and the Chinese Expeditionary Force in Burma in WWII. This course aims to foster a profound understanding of China's place in global history and how these pivotal events have shaped modern China.
What will we cover?
- The historical context: China pre-World War I
- China during World War I: roles, contributions, and impacts
- The interwar period: political and social change in China
- China during World War II: the Sino-Japanese War and Allied involvement
- Post-war China: from Republic to People's Republic
- Women and war: contribution and experience
- The legacy of the World Wars in China.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand China's geopolitical situation before, during, and after the two World Wars.
- Analyse China's role and contributions during World War I and II
- Explore the impact of the World Wars on China's political landscape, society, and economy.
- Examine the experience and contributions of women during the World Wars and how these events influenced gender roles and dynamics in China.
- Comprehend the connection between China's experiences in the World Wars and the formation of the People's Republic of China.
- Assess the enduring legacy of the World Wars in China's societal and national memory.
- Engage in critical discussions about China's perspective on the World Wars, including the official narratives and public perceptions.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is introductory and everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge is necessary but a good grasp of English, an open mind, and a willingness to listen to different views are all that is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be a combination of lectures, using a wide range of PowerPoint slides, and interactive-based discussion and debates. We shall use small group work to analyse original sources and a range of handouts will be available for discussion purposes.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring a pen and paper, or digital equivalents, for making notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HWH167 A women’s history of modern China
HWH159 Diaspora history: Chinese communities around the world
HWH168 Oral history for beginners
HWH99 Chinese history taster: the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) Dynasties
HWH169 Women in global history
HWH170 Exploring the memory politics of East Asia
HWH100 The search for modern China: the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) Dynasties.
Dr Qiuyang Chen received her PhD in history from the University of Warwick and specialises in Chinese history, oral history, and gender history. She has taught at the University of Warwick and the University of Birmingham as a visiting lecturer. At City Lit, her classes explore topics including imperial and modern Chinese history, British-Sino relations, the history of Chinese diasporas, gender history, and oral history. In her leisure time, Qiuyang enjoys visiting museums and galleries, as well as outdoor activities such as rock-climbing, hiking and mountaineering.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.