Program Overview

Introduction to Mao Zedong Thought and the Chinese Characteristic Socialism Theory System

Course Overview

The course "Introduction to Mao Zedong Thought and the Chinese Characteristic Socialism Theory System" is a compulsory course for undergraduate students in the field of thought politics education. The course aims to introduce students to the theoretical achievements of Marxism in China, including Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the "Three Represents" important thought, and the Scientific Outlook on Development.

Course Details

• Course Code: MXI22900E
• Total Hours: 96
• Credits: 6
• Theoretical Hours: 64
• Experimental Hours: 32
• Machine Hours: 0
• Course Name (Chinese): 毛泽东思想和中国特色社会主义理论体系概论
• Course Name (English): Introduction to Mao Zedong Thought and the Chinese Characteristic Socialism Theory System
• Applicable Majors: All undergraduate majors
• Semester: Spring and Autumn semesters
• Prerequisite Course: 马克思主义基本原理 (Marxism Basic Principles)

Course Description

This course is designed to help students understand the historical process of Marxism in China, recognize the theoretical achievements of Mao Zedong Thought and the Chinese Characteristic Socialism Theory System, and master the basic theories and spiritual essence of Marxism in China. The course also aims to educate students on how to observe the world, analyze the national situation, and correctly understand the complex problems and contradictions encountered in China's economic transition.

Teaching Materials

• Recommended Textbook: 《毛泽东思想和中国特色社会主义理论体系概论》 (Introduction to Mao Zedong Thought and the Chinese Characteristic Socialism Theory System), Higher Education Press, 2010 edition.
• Reference Books:
  • 《毛泽东选集》 (Selected Works of Mao Zedong), Volumes 1-4, People's Publishing House, 1991 edition.
  • 《邓小平文选》 (Selected Works of Deng Xiaoping), Volumes 2-3, People's Publishing House, 1994 edition.
  • 《论"三个代表"》 (On the "Three Represents"), Jiang Zemin, Central Literature Publishing House, 2001 edition.
  • 《在省部级主要领导干部提高构建社会主义和谐社会能力专题研讨班上的讲话》 (Speech at the Provincial and Ministerial Level Main Leadership Cadres' Seminar on Improving the Ability to Build a Socialist Harmonious Society), Hu Jintao, People's Publishing House, 2005 edition.
  • 《资本论》 (Das Kapital)

Course Objectives

1. To understand the historical process of Marxism in China and recognize the theoretical achievements of Mao Zedong Thought and the Chinese Characteristic Socialism Theory System.
2. To master the basic theories and spiritual essence of Marxism in China and establish a scientific socialist faith and a common ideal of building socialism with Chinese characteristics.
3. To educate students on how to observe the world, analyze the national situation, and correctly understand the complex problems and contradictions encountered in China's economic transition.

Theoretical Teaching Content and Requirements

The course covers 15 chapters, including:

1. Marxism in China: Historical Process and Theoretical Achievements
   • Marxism in China: scientific connotation and historical process
   • Mao Zedong Thought
   • Deng Xiaoping Theory
   • "Three Represents" important thought
   • Scientific Outlook on Development
2. The Essence of Marxism in China
   • The formation and development of the thought of seeking truth from facts
   • The content and significance of the thought of seeking truth from facts
   • Emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts, and keeping pace with the times
3. New Democratic Revolution Theory
   • The formation of the new democratic revolution theory
   • The overall line and basic program of the new democratic revolution
   • The path and basic experience of the new democratic revolution
4. Socialist Transformation Theory
   • The transition from new democracy to socialism
   • The path and historical experience of socialist transformation
   • The establishment of the socialist system in China
5. The Essence and Fundamental Task of Socialism
   • The initial exploration of the path of building socialism with Chinese characteristics
   • New understanding of the essence of socialism
   • The fundamental task of socialism
6. Theory of the Primary Stage of Socialism
   • The primary stage of socialism is the largest reality in China
   • The basic line and basic program of the primary stage of socialism
   • The development strategy of the primary stage of socialism
7. Socialist Reform and Opening-up
   • Reform and opening-up is a crucial choice that determines the fate of contemporary China
   • Unwaveringly pushing forward comprehensive reform
   • Unwaveringly adhering to opening-up
8. Building a Socialist Economy with Chinese Characteristics
   • Establishing a socialist market economy system
   • The basic economic system of the primary stage of socialism
   • The distribution system of the primary stage of socialism
   • Promoting the rapid development of the national economy
9. Building Socialist Democracy with Chinese Characteristics
   • Democratic politics with Chinese characteristics
   • Ruling the country by law and building a socialist country under the rule of law
   • Promoting political system reform and developing democratic politics
10. Building a Socialist Culture with Chinese Characteristics
    • Developing advanced socialist culture
    • Building a socialist core value system
    • Strengthening ideological and moral construction and education, science, and culture construction
11. Building a Harmonious Socialist Society
    • The importance and urgency of building a harmonious socialist society
    • The overall thought and basic principles of building a harmonious socialist society
12. The Concept of Complete National Reunification
    • Complete national reunification is the fundamental interest of the Chinese nation
    • From military force to peaceful reunification
    • The scientific concept of "peaceful reunification, one country, two systems"
13. International Strategy and Foreign Policy
    • The development and characteristics of the international situation
    • The basic principles of independent and peaceful foreign policy
14. The Dependable Forces of the Socialist Cause with Chinese Characteristics
    • Building the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics is a common cause of all ethnic groups in the country
    • Consolidating and developing the patriotic united front
    • Strengthening national defense and modernizing the military
15. The Leading Core of the Socialist Cause with Chinese Characteristics
    • The leadership of the Communist Party is the fundamental guarantee of socialist modernization
    • Insisting on the party's leadership and governance for the people
    • Promoting the party's construction with a spirit of reform and innovation

Practical Teaching Content and Requirements

1. Social Investigation
2. Reports and Reflections
   • Watching central television's political programs and writing reflections
3. Homework
   • Analyzing original materials and writing reflections
   • Thinking questions at the end of each chapter as a guide for students' review
   • Writing essays during the teaching process

Assessment Method

• Closed-book Examination

Grade Evaluation

• Usual Grade: 40%
• Final Grade: 60%