China and the World

Code

INTS3001

School

School of International Studies

Level

3

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn China

Summary

The module builds upon the students' understanding of Chinese history and international relations and applies their comprehension of these fields to a series of primary materials as the semester progresses. The module will encourage students to analyse China's modern history as well as its role in the international system and its engagement with other powers. In particular, it will consider the early Qing, China's relations with the West, the establishment of the Republic of China, the War with the Japan, the creation of the People's Republic of China, Deng Xiaoping's Opening up, China's involvement in the United Nations and other international organisations and the effects of globalisation.

Expected number of students taking module: 40

Rationale for Cap: To rationalize distribution of UG students across the optional modules offered by the School of International Studies.

Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Autumn 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

Offered as an option to students enrolled in the degrees offered by the School of International Studies, International Communications and Contemporary Chinese Studies at UNNC.

Classes

• One 2-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 3,000 word essay
• 50% Exam 1 (2-hour): 1x2 hour examination

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

 (a) Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the module, in their assessed work, students should be able to:
i. Explain the process by which China has ended up where it is today.
ii. Understand the basic theoretical approaches to studying Chinese history.
iii. Demonstrate the relationship between the global and domestic political arenas
iv. Understanding the intellectual developments in China since the Qing
    (b)  Intellectual skills
By the end of the module the students should be able to:
i. Think critically and imaginatively about the subject matter
ii. Assess the key approaches to history and assess their applicability to China
iii. Use and interpret primary and secondary sources, and be aware of competing interpretations of the subject
iv. Construct independent and coherent arguments (the seminar format allows greater development of oral skills)
  (c)  Professional and practical skills
The module will develop students’ ability to:
i. Select, sift and synthesise information from a range of primary and secondary sources
ii. Identify and compare key arguments in the material
iii. Demonstrate appropriate referencing and bibliographic skills
iv. Use the intranet to access the library catalogue
(d)  Transferable skills
The module will develop students’ ability to:
i. Express themselves clearly, coherently and fluently in essays
ii. Work and learn independently and actively with others
iii. Manage and take responsibility for their own learning
iv. Use IT to prepare their assessed essays
v. Contribute to class discussions
(e) Professional Competencies
The module will develop students’ ability to:
i. Effectively communicate in a clear, coherent and fluent manner through seminar presentations
ii. Work together with others to prepare and deliver group presentations
iii. Use databases, in particular those involving newspapers and other assorted data necessary for this course

Conveners

• Dr Joseph Askew