1: Trace the changing definition of the elite in pre-modern Chinese society (from earlier
dynasties to Tang, and to Song, and to later dynasties such as the Qing) in terms of socio-political
and cultural status. What played important roles in and contributed to the changes from the
aristocratic elite to the meritocratic elite, then to the local gentry elite and socio-political elites of
ruling ethnic peoples such as the Mongols and Manchus?
2: Trace the interactions and conflicts between the Chinese civilization and Western
culture and Western nations from early encounters during the Ming dynasty to major clashes
toward the late Qing dynasty, then to the ideological and intellectual tensions during the early
republic era in the 1920s and 1930s.
3: Please describe the cooperation and conflict between the Nationalist Party and the
Communist Party during the 1920s and 1930s (hint: First cooperation, suppression and military
conflicts, the long march, and second cooperation)
4: Please describe the historical events that led into the May Fourth Movement (in its
general sense, c. 1915 to early 1920s), the main ideas and advocates of the movement, its
intellectual and cultural significance, and its effects on literature, art, and people’s thought.
5: Please describe the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) during the Maoist era. What
events led to it? What was the basic conflict within the CCP that drove the Cultural Revolution?
What was the main goal and practice of this movement? and its aftermath?
Hint: in addition to text books, the documentary helps greatly in answering some of the questions:
Part 1; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5cl0GjPjy4
Part 2; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJyoX_vrlns
Part 3; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpEF_eYGS2g
Sample Solution