This research area scrutinizes the ideas, institutions and movements that defined China’s modern experience from the late Qing, through the Republican era, up to the end of Mao Zedong’s stewardship of the People’s Republic. Themes include the various ‘-isms’ that inspired intellectual debates; reforming programmes with and without state sponsorship; social movements initiated from the top-down and the bottom-up; revolutions and nation-building projects; and new institutions such as the party-state and mass organisations.
Numerous opportunities for research studies leading to Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree are available. Under our outcome-based framework, research students pursue a series of compulsory and elective subjects in depth, with a view to contributing to the existing body of knowledge, as well as a research project under the supervision of an experienced academic staff member with similar research interests.
MPhil students must satisfactorily investigate or evaluate a chosen area, demonstrate an understanding of the context and significance of the work, display sustained independent effort and original thought and present a clear, complete thesis of a quality worthy of publication.
The MPhil degree is awarded to students who, on completion of an approved programme of study and research, present theses that embody the results of their research and satisfy the examiners in an oral examination in matters relevant to the subject of the thesis. Students must also complete the coursework requirement before submitting their theses. The subjects are chosen by the student, with advice from the supervisor, from a wide range on offer.