This course will give students the opportunity to examine the histories of the "other" Chinas-Taiwan and Hong Kong-areas whose importance in the modern geopolitical world is critical, but whose individuality is too often overlooked. The course will focus on these islands' relationship with Mainland China, as well as on their indigenous histories. Hong Kong's transformation from a rocky outpost to a colonial haven to a Chinese municipality; Taiwan's passage from undisturbed island to colonial pawn to reactionary haven to independent (?) nation will all be explored in this course. We will also study the factors that led Mainland China to become so integrally involved in these island outposts. Students will write a position paper as a final project. There will be no midterm or final exam. Enrollment limited. Group C