Lesson Plan

• Describe the major political events in China from 1930‑1990 and explain their significance.
• Explain how the Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution and Reform & Opening‑up policies reshaped China’s economy and society.
• Analyse the causes and consequences of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
• Compare the continuity of one‑party rule with the economic liberalisation introduced by Deng Xiaoping.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides with a timeline and key maps
• Printed handout of the chronology table
• Primary‑source excerpts (Mao’s speech, Deng’s reform statement)
• Worksheet with analysis questions
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with a striking image of 1930s Shanghai contrasted with a modern skyline to spark curiosity. Ask students what they already know about China’s transformation in the 20th century. Explain that today they will trace the political, economic and social changes from the Japanese invasion to the early 1990s and will be assessed on their ability to describe, explain and analyse these developments.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students list any Chinese historical events they recall from previous lessons.
2. Timeline activity (10'): Using the projected timeline, students place additional events on a large classroom timeline poster.
3. Group analysis (15'): Small groups examine one political/economic period (e.g., Great Leap Forward) using the handout and answer guiding questions.
4. Class debate (10'): “Did Deng’s reforms sacrifice political freedom for economic growth?” – students cite evidence.
5. Primary‑source close reading (10'): Analyse a short excerpt from Mao’s and Deng’s speeches, noting rhetoric and policy intent.
6. Exit ticket (5'): Write one sentence summarising how China’s political continuity co‑existed with economic change.

Recap the major turning points covered and highlight how each shaped modern China. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding, then assign a brief homework: students create a two‑column Venn diagram comparing the Maoist era with the Deng reform era.