Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Objectives 

The objective of the module is: 

• To provide students with a basic understanding of Chinese history, culture and contemporary political and social development and to introduce the students to a selection of relevant theoretical perspectives commonly applied in Chinese area studies 

• To provide the students with a solid understanding of China’s foreign policy and international relations linking this to domestic socio-political development as well as contemporary Chinese self-understanding and worldview(s) and addressing how and why China has reached its status within the international system today 

• To allow students to work independently with China-related issues and enable them to analyze contemporary Chinese society and international engagement 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, thereby informing a discussion of Chinese self-perception, Chinese perceptions of the world and global perceptions of China. This is used as the basis for understanding Chinese foreign policy and China’s engagement in global institutions, applying Chinese as well as Western perspectives and theoretical frameworks, and discussing how digital platforms affect domestic and international political engagement.  

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Major trends in Chinese history and socio-political development as well as Chinese culture and worldview(s) 

• Selected theoretical approaches within the field of Chinese area studies  

• Chinese contemporary foreign policy and global engagement 

• Awareness of different interpretations of the political and social development trajectories 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 and evaluate relevant English language information on contemporary Chinese politics and society including information from digital sources. 

• Can analyse, interpret and contextualise China’s international engagement 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 and global engagement to work professionally in a China-related context. 

Type of instruction

The module consists of lectures and seminars as well as exercises and student contributions. 

Exam

Exams