This course looks at the development of China through the ages and at the basics of Chinese civilization and culture, but focuses more on modern times. We discuss the rise of China to be the most technologically advanced country in the world and then its decline and humiliation by European powers. The fall of the last traditional dynasty in 1912 takes us through times of division, invasion and civil war until the creation of the Peoples Republic of China or what some call the Mao dynasty in 1949. The cultural Revolution, the Great Leap Forward and the Red Guards destroyed the economy but after the death of Mao, China has risen to become the second most powerful country in the world economically and militarily. It will soon overtake the USA. What does all this mean for Australia?

This is a Discussion Group course, if you aren’t already part of a group please see ‘Getting Started’ below.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Cavan Hogue

Course Code: D239

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

Units & Pricing: 6 units / $78 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.