China in Global Politics

Code

POLI3113

School

Politics and International Relations

Level

3

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

China, as the new and upcoming superpower, has become a focal point of global attention. This module introduces students to the major topics in China’s interaction with the evolution of China’s foreign policy since 1949 as well as its role in the international affairs and international political economy. Much of the module will be an examination of China's political and economic relations with major powers and regions such as the US, the EU, the UK, Russia, Asia, and Africa, major initiatives of China, the responses towards China from these powers and regions, and major issues in their relations. This module will also survey main aspects of China's power and its role in critical global issues.  The module will explore how domestic politics and other developments have contributed to the rise of China as a great power of the first league on the one hand, and to the emergence of strong nationalism or its manifestation on the other.

Target Students

Available to Final Year UG students in the School of Politics and International Relations on single and joint honours plans. Also available to Final Year UG students on the Liberal Arts plan, Final Year UG students on the Philosophy, Politics and Economics plan, Final Year UG students on the Modern European Studies plan, and incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations.

Classes

This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

• 25% Coursework 1: 1,000-word coursework
• 75% Coursework 2: 3,000-word coursework

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the role of China in the international political economy;
• Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the interaction of China with global politics;
• Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the stances China has taken regarding the global political and economic orders;
• Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the domestic and external factors that shape China’s ties with the global, regional political and economic arrangements and the political economy of China’s ties with major power and main regions;
• Demonstrate an understanding of how the key players in the rest of world interact with China and look at its rise or re-emergence;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Chinese conception of its ‘core national interests’ and how this affects China’s handling of its foreign and security policy;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the scope and the limits in China’s efforts to build up its influence including soft power.

Intellectual and Transferable Skills

• Develop the ability and skill to understand the main issues, key concepts, and dynamics in international relations, IPE and foreign policy of China;
• Develop the ability to apply theories in international relations and international political economy to the case of China;
• Develop the ability to use sources critically and effectively, especially regarding the dynamics of China’s external policy in the context of international political economy;
• Develop the ability and skill to conduct independent research and present the finding convincingly and concisely under time constraints;
• Develop the skill to present complex issues in a clear and well-structured analysis in plain English and in a scholarly manner;
• Develop the skill to critically assess arguments and form one’s own on the basis of readings and thinking;
• Develop the ability to think critically and challenge widely held views;
• Develop the ability and skill to present one’s arguments cogently in a small group or online environment.

Digital Capabilities

• Ability to log into a portal, look up relevant links and read relevant information and publications concerning individual lectures;
• Ability to download and submit documents from the portal (the module page on Moodle);
• Ability to type up and present writings in formal electronic format;
• Ability to use ICT-based tools to carry out assigned tasks effectively and productively, and with attention to quality;
• Ability to collate, manage, access and use digital data, especially for module readings and research;
• Ability to develop an understanding of the content of module in a digital setting.

Conveners

• Dr Chun-Yi Lee
• Dr Hongyi Lai