Contemporary China Issues (10 credits)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CHIN4031 | School of International Studies | 4 | 10 | Spring China |
- Code
- CHIN4031
- School
- School of International Studies
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring China
Summary
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of contemporary China that will form a conceptual, knowledge and skills basis for understanding and researching further issues for contemporary China and connections with international studies. The module examines a range of topics related to culture, politics, and society adopting a lens primarily drawing from critical theory. Particular attention is paid to the changes in China since 1978 with historical contextualisation when appropriate. It considers changes in domestic China and likewise how these have in turn produced a global China and will reflect on what that means both for China and the rest of the world.
Topics will cover a range such as nationalism, ethnicity, International Relations, Cultural Diplomacy, sociocultural trends, food security, the environment, social identities, prospects and trends amongst others.
Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Spring semester. First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.
Target Students
Open to PG students from International Studies and other schools subject to availability. Undergraduate Year 4 students from other disciplines may also take it subject to the approval of the module convenor.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 4 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 6 weeks
Assessment
- 75% Coursework 1: 1500 word report
- 25% Coursework 2: 500 word group project/presentation
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
How can we understand the intersections between culture, politics and society in contemporary China? How can we approach the dynamics between domestic trends and global China? And what challenges and issues do they bring? This module aims to address these questions by developing students' theoretical and empirical knowledge of continuity and change in China’s society and culture during the reform era and evolving relationship with the rest of the world. Students will engage with recent research on China to explore how particular discourses frame understandings of Chinese society and culture and China’s position in the world. By taking an issues basis each week, students will be introduced to different conceptual lenses through applied cases.Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and understanding:
A1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major philosophical and theoretical approaches to studying the culture, politics and society of a global China, and of the social sciences more broadly;
A2. Explain and interpret the role and importance of key features of Chinese society and culture and as well international context;
A3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and use a variety of sources in conducting research for their coursework assessment;
A4. Comprehend and evaluate the diverse research methods used in area studies, and the social sciences more broadly.
B. Intellectual Skills:
B1. Identify, formulate and evaluate questions or problems appropriate to the study of contemporary China;
B2. Critically evaluate, synthesise information and recognise relevance;
B3. Develop a sustained and reasoned argument, whilst evaluating and articulating weaknesses in the arguments of others;
B4. Identify and evaluate approaches to problem-solving;
B5. Articulate and communicate personal views about contemporary Chinese studies and more generally humanities and social science issues related to global China.
C. Professional Practical Skills:
C1. Evaluate the diversity of specialised techniques and approaches involved in collecting, analysing and presenting social science information (social survey, observation and use of textual and archival sources; qualitative and quantitative techniques);
C2. Evaluate the diversity of specialised techniques and approaches involved in analysing social science information (e.g. qualitative and quantitative techniques for the analysis of social issues in the context of China);
C3. Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information; and familiarity with appropriate means of identifying, finding, retrieving, sorting and exchanging information;
C4. Evaluate the diversity of specialised techniques and approaches involved in presenting academic information.
D. Transferable (key) skills:
D1. Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively and fluently by written, oral and visual means;
D2. Relate material appropriately to the intended audience using information and communications technology to effectively and appropriately select, present and communicate information;
D3. Effectively and appropriately interpret and use numerical statistical information;
D4. Undertake independent /self-directed study/learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment;
D5. Work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives;
D6. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses.
Conveners
- Dr Tracey Fallon