HIST 72
History of China
Spring 2026 - Section #- Full Semester
Saddleback College
History of China
Spring 2026 - Section #- Full Semester
Saddleback College
My name is Christina Ghanbarpour, and I am the instructor for this course.
I specialize in world history and East Asian history with a focus on 20th c. Japan. At Saddleback, I teach the world history survey and East Asian history (Hist 4, 5, 70, 71, 72, 78). At IVC, I teach Intro to Asian Religions, History of Asia before 1800, and Asian History from 1800 (Hum 21, Hist 40, Hist 41).
I am originally from New York, NY but have travelled a lot, mostly to China, Japan, and France. This is a picture of me from when I lived in China in 2000-2001. Read more on my website.
This website is our syllabus. If you are a student in Hist 72 and you are using a desktop or laptop, go ahead and bookmark this page (not sure how to bookmark? Try this link). If you are on a phone, add a shortcut to it (use this link for a "how-to" on adding shortcuts). If none of these work for you and you would just prefer a regular paper copy... that's available, too. You can download it from our class webpage on Canvas (login required).
Start with this page, the home page. Scroll down for an overview of the class and resources to help you get through the course. Then, click on Policies to view the grading policy and class rules, Schedule to view assignments, due dates, and guidelines, and Plagiarism to learn about how we cite sources in this class (it's really important to get this right!). Depending on which type of device you are using, you can access these either at the top right of this page or through the hamburger menu (three lines) at the top left.
When you feel like you have a good grasp of the course, click on Canvas to log on to our class and start doing assignments.
History 72 is a survey of the history of China from the emergence of the earliest societies to the present. We will focus on the rise of rice-based agriculture, religion, philosophy, relations with different ethnic groups, the dynastic system, contact with the West, industrialization, the establishment of the Communist state, and the transition to a capitalist economy.
This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to write a thoughtful, well-argued research paper. Class assignments will include writing the various parts of what will ultimately become your final paper.
ZTC COURSE
This class is a ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) class. The materials we use are free, open-source textbooks and readings that will be on Canvas. They are listed in the Schedule.
Author's photo of large Buddhas at Longmen Grottos in 2000. The small holes are caves.
This class focuses on building the following academic skills:
Students will be able to analyze three major turning points in Chinese history to the present;
Students will be able to examine the ways in which key thinkers shaped the trajectory of China’s social, cultural, economic and political institutions from ancient times to the 21st century;
Students will identify the major political, social, cultural and economic developments in China since 1949.
Why are there so many problems between mainland China and Hong Kong today? It all goes back to when Hong Kong became a British colony. It remained under British control until 1997. Watch this 3-minute video on the first Opium War (1839-1842) to find out more.
Students must have a reliable Internet connection; email access; and the ability to read documents ending in the following: .pdf, .jpg, .doc, .xls, .ppt, and FLV (Flash—Youtube format). NOTE: If you have a working Saddleback or IVC email address…. you have FREE access to Microsoft Office. Contact our Tech Support at 949-582-4363 if you need help downloading this Google doc.
I would like to create a learning environment where diverse perspectives are recognized, respected and seen as a source of strength. This class presents a variety of perspectives within the course materials and through our class discussions and assignments. In addition, to help accomplish this goal, I ask the following:
I (like many people) am still in the process of learning about diverse perspectives and identities. If something was said in class (by anyone) that made you feel uncomfortable, please talk to me about it. (Anonymous feedback is always an option- an anonymous student survey is available on Canvas.)
If you feel like your class performance is being affected by your experiences outside of class, please don't hesitate to come and talk with me. I want to be a resource for you. You can also submit anonymous feedback (which may lead to me making a general announcement if needed).
If you are a veteran and you find our discussions of war and its aftermath distressing, or if you want to talk about them, contact me.
Students who have a disability or other condition necessitating accommodation are encouraged to discuss their needs with the instructor.
If you have a name and/or set of pronouns that differ from those that appear in your official records, please let me know!
This course meets the requirements set forth in the accessibility checklist and universal design grid provided by Special Services. The Web pages, video presentations, textbooks and class materials used in this course are accessible to students.
The best way to contact me is by email, cghanbarpour@saddleback.edu. I will also have live office hours on Zoom on Fris from 10 am- 12 pm - check Canvas for information. You can contact me through the Canvas portal or directly via this email address. If you don’t hear back from me in 48 hours… then either your email didn’t go through or I am dead. (Hopefully it’s the former.) Try to email me again, or stop by office hours, or call the SBS Division Office at (949) 582-4733.
At Saddleback College, we support YOUR success. Saddleback College provides resources ranging from the academic to the personal. What are you waiting for?
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REACH OUT!
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
FREE tutoring - LRC
TARGETED RESOURCES
IT support- Email, MySite, Canvas
DSPS (Disability) Center support
ESL - English as a Second Language
ISP - International Students Program