Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Must have taken any one POL module at Stage 2 AND any one POL module at Stage 1.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

•       To provide a comprehensive introduction to Chinese politics, with particular emphasis on the Reform era
•       To understand key political structures, actors, and processes within mainland China
•       To understand a range of key issues in Chinese domestic and foreign policy
•       To situate the rise of China within its historical and geopolitical context
•       To give students a critical appreciation of the complexity of modern Chinese politics and to enable them to critically assess competing claims made by both China and by Western governments

Outline Of Syllabus

How has China managed to develop so rapidly and what are the consequences of its ascent? How is its newfound power re-shaping the geopolitical landscape? This module aims to provide a well- rounded assessment of modern Chinese politics, with particular emphasis on events since the 1978 Open Door Policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping. We will first examine the historical context behind China's rise (the so-called ‘Century of Humiliation’), then look at the workings of the Communist Party and the possibilities for political reform. The bulk of the course will consider a range of key issues, including: the revival of Confucian politics, China’s environmental crisis, the changing nature of state and society relations, critical problems posed by the rural/urban divide, nationalism, soft power, the propaganda war over Tibet and human rights, Sino-US relations, and China's search for energy and resources in Africa and SE Asia.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

•       Understanding of key actors, organisations, and processes in modern Chinese government and politics, building on concepts learned through previous politics modules

•       Insight into the historical and geopolitical context which influences Chinese politics and policy- makers

•       Understanding of important domestic and foreign policy issues effecting the development of China and its role and reception as a global power

Intended Skill Outcomes

•       Enhancement of written (and bibliographical) skills through essays and oral communicative skills in seminars

•       Ability to think analytically and to synthesise information about a vital topic in international politics

•       Skills of critical thinking and evaluation, particularly on competing arguments made by and about contemporary China

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are crucial to provide students with an introduction to key ideas, actors, and events of Chinese politics. Lectures make extensive use of power point slides to help re-enforce students’ understanding. The lecturers own expertise and research into these topics provides engaging examples and contributes towards the goal of research informed teaching. Seminars will allow students to follow up these ideas and issues by asking questions and debating amongst themselves. It provides the context for students to articulate their knowledge and understanding and to help them prepare for written assessment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The unseen written examination will assess the student’s knowledge, understanding and critical analysis of topics covered during lectures, guided learning activities, and seminars. It is designed to give students the chance to demonstrate their broad knowledge of the curriculum. Students will have to choose from a list of essay questions which are cross-cutting from module content.

General Notes

N/A