ATS3959 · Chinese politics and political cultures

Overview

This unit introduces you to China’s political system and cultures. We begin from an overview of the historical origins of the current system, with a particular emphasis on divergent schools of political thought throughout history, including Confucianism, Legalism, Taoism, republicanism, and communism. We then proceed to an overview of the reform era political system and the challenges faced by the leadership. Questions for consideration include leadership succession, corruption and inequality, nationalism, civil society, health, ethnic and gender relations, and international relations. The unit concludes with a discussion of how best to classify China’s current political model, as well as thinking through possible paths for the future.

Areas of study: Chinese studies

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate enhanced and critically informed knowledge of Chinese political thought and China’s current political system
2. Demonstrate understanding of the diversity of China and Sinophone communities, developing the ability to work across cultures with people of diverse backgrounds
3. Demonstrate understanding of the disciplinary approaches through which knowledge about China is developed, with specific reference to political and anthropological perspectives and theories
4. Demonstrate capacity for analytical and critical thinking, for library and web-based research skills, and for clear written and oral communication.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.