2008: The Beijing Olympics (V1429)
Time and Place 2008: The Spectacle of the Beijing Olympics
Module V1429
Module details for 2022/23.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
The city is a pivotal subject in China studies not least because Chinese civilization represents the world’s longest unbroken urban tradition. From the era of dynastic rule to twentieth century modern state formation, each regime has institutionalized its governing ideologies in the social fabric of the city and monumentalized its symbolic values in the urban built environment. This module examines major issues in Chinese history through reading and discussion of representative English works on the capital city, Beijing, beginning with the spectacle of the Beijing Olympics and moving backward and forward in time. Specifically, the module will focus on the socio-spatial transformation of Chinese cities, with particular emphasis on Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. We will analyse the interplay of time, place and power in order to shed light on the distinctive faces of the city, its living history, its multi-layered society, its distinctive culture, its politics and economics, and its evolving position in national, regional and global frameworks. The module will use many primary sources to explore Chinese cities' identity, both in temporal and spatial terms, emphasizing the key forces affecting urban development and social transformation. A close attention will be placed on the legacy of the past in shaping urban transformation, colonial-global linkages, architecture and space, and discourses of wealth and power. Part of the module will examine, using both primary and secondary sources, how Beijing's political power has been constructed, how it is expressed, maintained and reproduced, and will also analyse how citizenship is defined, investigating the relation between insiders (Beijing citizens), outsiders (migrants) and foreign settlers.
Module learning outcomes
Critically evaluate the historiography around a particular moment.
Critically evaluate the applicability of historical concepts to particular cases
Supply evidence of these skills in extended essay form.
Demonstrate ability to use limited amounts of primary source material in extended historical argument.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | A2 Week 1 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 10101010101 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Iain McDaniel
Convenor
/profiles/99305
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