China: Beyond the Headlines (10 credits)

Code School Level Credits Semesters
SOCI2053 Sociology and Social Policy 2 10 Autumn UK
Code
SOCI2053
School
Sociology and Social Policy
Level
2
Credits
10
Semesters
Autumn UK

Summary

This module emphasises sociological theories with reference to current events and social policy making in China. Topics change every year according to what is in the news, but in recent years we have explored ideas around nationhood and ethnicity, gender, family and sexualities, welfare, education and migration, crime and justice, to name but a few. 

Target Students

Available to all level 2 and 3 students including subsidary students from outside the school and exchange students. Cannot be taken with SOCI2054 China: Beyond the Headlines (20 Credit), SOCI2051 China: Beyond the Headlines (10 Credit) or SOCI2050 China: Beyond the Headlines (20 Credit).

Classes

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

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

The aim of this module is to provide an in-depth examination of the society, culture and related social policies of China. The module objectives are to develop an understanding of contemporary Chinese society, its social-structures, cultural processes and policy making, and to generate a familiarity with the main sources of information concerning China. Students will apply relevant theoretical frameworks to the analysis of issues in contemporary China and will use their new understandings to investigate and advise on better policy making in future.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the module will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of contemporary China since 1978: its reforms and social, cultural and policy development; and appreciate the ways in different sociological theories of culture and society might be applied to China.

 Intellectual Skills

Engage critically with academic research and apply insights from those literatures to the study of Chinese society, culture and social policies.

Professional/Practical Skills 

Communicate ideas clearly and concisely in writing for a variety of audiences.

Transferable (Key) Skills

Work independently to complete a project. 

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.