Understanding Modern China

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• policy challenges faced by contemporary China
• key issues and events pertaining to the economic, social and political evolution of China from an interdisciplinary perspective
• different strands of theories and analytical frameworks used to analyse pertinent issues

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate that you can communicate effectively orally and in written forms
• demonstrate analytical thinking skills through the interpretation of evidence, identification and evaluation of points of view, and the formulation of warranted, non-fallacious conclusions

The PRC is currently the world’s second largest economy, represents about one quarter of the world’s population, and is a nuclear power with a huge military establishment. This course is designed to examine contemporary China since 1949 from an interdisciplinary perspective, focusing on four themes, namely, economy, society, politics and international relations. The syllabus will outline the key units of the module, the objectives of the course and learning outcomes, reading materials for each of the units, media and electronic resources, teaching and learning methods, methods of assessment, as well as feedback to students and feedback from students. The proposed structure of the module is as follows:

1. Introduction

2. Chinese economy, pre-1978

3. Chinese economy during the reform era

4. Chinese political thoughts in the 20th century

5. The Chinese Communist Party

6. Media

7. Migration

8. Demography

9. Ethnic relations

10. Human rights

11. The rise of China in global perspective

12. Sino-US relations.

Teaching and learning methods

The principal teaching methods will include a weekly two-hour lecture that involves the effective use of multi-media materials (such as documentaries) and encourages student in-class participation

through debates and role plays.

The learning methods will include:

• Critical reading of assigned texts;
• In-class debates;
• Written assignments.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Rana Mitter (2008). Modern China: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Tony Saich (2011). Governance and Politics of China. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Barry Naughton (2007). The Chinese Economy: transitions and growth. MIT Press Books.

Assessment strategy

Assessment will be comprised of two assignments using different methods.

During the first part of the semester students will be required to write a 1500 word essay on a given topic related to one of the areas of study covered in weeks 1-5.

The second assignment covering a choice of topics scheduled from week 6 onwards will require students to write a 1500 word Policy Brief. This assignment will be provide an opportunity for the exercise of analytical skills on an evidence base to create convincing arguments which could influence policy making

Referral for the module is by way of 2500 word essay

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal