This course is divided into two systematically structured terms, each comprising ten thematic weeks dedicated to key aspects of China’s political landscape.
In Term 1, the focus is on the structural underpinnings of China’s domestic and international systems. The first five weeks examine critical elements such as organisation, ideology, the importance of space, variation therein, and the use of history within China's domestic sphere. The subsequent five weeks shift attention to the international domain, analysing how these domestic structures influence China's interactions with the global system. By highlighting the interplay between internal governance and foreign policy, this module aims to deepen students' understanding of how domestic dynamics shape China's role on the world stage.
Term 2 investigates the dynamic processes that sustain and challenge these structures. It addresses how elements such as order, deviance, law, capital, and control are constructed and operationalised both within China and in its external engagements. As in Term 1, the first five weeks examine a process’s impact on domestic politics, followed by an analysis of its extension into the international arena, exploring how these processes reinforce or complicate China's domestic and global posture. This term, therefore, provides insights into the dynamics that underpin Chinese politics both domestically and internationally. Please note that Term 2 will be on a separate moodle page (China and International Politics II A24/25).
Through this structured exploration, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of China’s political structures and processes, their local, regional, and global implications, and the theoretical frameworks that inform them. The course encourages critical engagement with empirical data and theoretical debates from the broader social sciences, particularly in the fields of politics and international relations.
Note on Readings and Approach to the Module:
Students are encouraged to tailor their course of study by selecting readings that align with their individual interests. Each week’s syllabus includes essential readings, which offer a comprehensive overview of key themes, as well as several reading clusters that delve deeper into specific topics. For seminars, it is recommended that students choose one cluster and complete two of the suggested readings. If you are giving a presentation, I suggest thoroughly reading 4-5 readings.
Most of the readings for this course consist of academic articles that are freely accessible through the provided links. While sometimes entire books are recommended, there is no expectation that you read them from cover to cover. PDFs of the essential readings will be provided for each week unless a direct link is given.
Given the volume of material, it is neither possible nor expected to read everything thoroughly. Therefore, it is important to develop the skill of efficiently skimming academic articles. Focus on reading 1-2 essential readings in-depth, along with two from your chosen cluster for the seminar. Beyond that, practice skimming 2-3 additional readings. Your goal should be to identify the following: (1) the main claim, (2) the methodology, and (3) 1-2 key data points from each article (this could be whatever stands out to you). Jot down what seems odd or interesting from the article (this could serve as an entry for the discussion). To achieve this, you can read the abstract, introduction, and conclusion carefully, while skimming the rest.
Trust me, mastering this skill will be invaluable not only for your dissertation but for many academic and professional tasks in the future.
