HIST 1431

HIST 1431

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2018-2019.

Mao Zedong's famous portrait hangs over the entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing, a fitting symbol of his dominating presence in the history of modern China. But who exactly was Mao and how has he been perceived by others? A courageous revolutionary seeking the liberation of the oppressed masses? A bloodthirsty tyrant bent on self-exaltation and personal power? A savvy politician promoting the modernization of an ancient land? In this course we will probe the figure of Mao through a variety of readings, some by Mao, but most by others, ranging from Mao's physician to former Red Guards to Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. And we will add our own perceptions to them by writing about Mao, the man and the myth.

When Offered Spring.

Satisfies Requirement First-Year Writing Seminar.

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Syllabi: none
  •   FWS Session. 

  • 3 Credits Graded

  • 17757 HIST 1431   SEM 101

  • For more information about First-Year Writing Seminars, see the Knight Institute website at http://knight.as.cornell.edu/.