Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Objectives

To provide the students with a solid understanding of China’s contemporary political, economic and social development and to introduce the students to a selection of relevant theoretical perspectives commonly applied in Chinese area studies. The module will allow the students to work independently with China-related issues and enable them to analyze contemporary Chinese society from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Contents

The module includes themes within:

• China’s socio-political transformation, including traditions in China’s political and social history and the transitions in Chinese society after the beginning of the reform period.
• Current issues in Chinese political, cultural, economic, and social development
• Theories and methods commonly applied in the study of contemporary Chinese politics and society. 

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• possess knowledge of selected theoretical approaches within the field of Chinese area studies and can reflect on these on a scientific basis
• understand major trends in Chinese political, economic and social development as well as Chinese culture
• are aware of different interpretations of the political and social development of contemporary China

Skills

• can apply their knowledge within the module’s subject areas to select theories that serve the analytical purpose and at the same time remain critical to these theories.
• can identify relevant English language information on contemporary Chinese politics and society.
• can analyse, interpret and contextualise China’s political, economic and social development from an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective

Competences

• can reflect and argue on the basis of scientific knowledge while respecting different perspectives
• can use their understanding of contemporary Chinese society to work professionally in a Chinese context and interact with people in Chinese institutions and companies.

Type of instruction

The module consists of lectures and seminars, possibly with exercises and student contributions.

Exam

Exams