Introductory description

Home to nearly a quarter of the world's population with one of the fastest growing and largest economies in the world, China's rise to Great Power status is one of the most important issues in our time. But while the focus on China's international interactions might point to China's increasing power and strength, an analysis of domestic politics reveals a ruling communist party facing continued challenges in justifying its continued monopoly of power, and dealing with the economic and social dislocations that rapid economic development has brought. This module examines the complex political, economic and social transformations in China from the times of Mao Zedong to the present. It starts by embedding the study of the contemporary in a knowledge of China’s recent history, with a focus on the consequences of China’s revolutionary past for the current political order.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

TBC

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• To be familiar with the main foundations of the Chinese political structure
• To understand the functioning of power in the Chinese party-state
• To have an awareness of the major policy debates in Chinese politics
• To be familiar with a wide range of literature on Chinese politics
• To be able to critically analyse complex ideas, both orally and in writing, with relation to Chinese politics
• To develop IT and research skills through the use of the library and electronic resources
• To develop the ability to work both as a group and independently

Indicative reading list

TBC

Subject specific skills

TBC

Transferable skills

• Communication skills
• Lateral thinking skills
• Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas
• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills
• Independent research skills
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Information Technology
• Skills in academic practice
• Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity
• Decision making
• Educational self-awareness skills