This module introduces students to China and examines its place in the contemporary world. It begins with an examination of the external world’s impact on China during the past two centuries - the violations of Chinese territory and sovereignty, and the Chinese perception of its historic relations with external powers. It examines the process of Chinese economic liberalisation and its rapid integration into the global economy since 1979, critically assessing the growing impact of China on the world. China’s economic power is studied through an examination of the Belt and Road Initiative and through China’s role in regional and global governance. Its relations with Russia, Central Asia, the Global South and the United States/NATO are all covered as is its growing influence in the polar regions. Students will become familiar with contemporary debates regarding the impact of Chinese power in regional organisations; on international normative structures; and on relations of global power. The module will conclude by critically assessing claims that the West, and the United States in particular, are now in a new Cold War, with China as the key protagonist.

1. The participation grade encourages engaged and consistent learning. This builds up subject-knowledge as well as enhancing communication and analysis skills. You are expected to post a 500 word answer to the week’s set question. The participation grade is worked out on the number of these you do each week and how well you engage with the posts of others. [learning outcomes 1 and 5]

2. 1 x 2000 word policy brief will require students to distil complex information into a short, well-structured document that can be absorbed by practitioners and policymakers. It aims to stimulate students to engage in an integrative approach between analysis, enquiry, knowledge, and problem-solving. [learning outcomes 2,3,4&5].

3. 1 x 3000 word essay (60%) is designed to enhance practical research skills (problem-solving and application). It will also require an in-depth study of an area of intelligence studies (enquiry; knowledge and understanding and research, analysis, application, communication) [learning outcomes 1 -5)

The main focus will be on self-instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying largely (but not exclusively) on materials supplied. Week by week you will work through self-instructional course material, (delivered on Blackboard) which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking specific set tasks. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor via a discussion board.

1. DEMONSTRATE A SYSTEMATIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND DEBATES REGARDING CHINA AND ITS PLACE IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD.
Knowledge & Understanding

2. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL AWARENESS AND EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF CHINA IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND INSTITUTIONS OF GLOBAL GOVERNANCE.
Analysis, Enquiry

3. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING AND CRITICAL AWARENESS OF CHINA’S STRATEGIC RELATIONS WITH OTHER POWERS WITHIN ITS REGION AND BEYOND. Analysis, Problem Solving, Research
4. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT IN AND AWARENESS OF CONTEMPORARY DEBATES RELATING TO THE CHINA’S FUTURE ROLE IN THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM.
Analysis, Application, Enquiry

5. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS USING HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY EXAMPLES.
Communication

Students will need a computer and regular internet in order to access Blackboard, the electronic reading list and the e-resources of the University Library.

Jeffrey N. Wasserstrom, (2022) The Oxford History of Modern China, Oxford, Oxford University Press

Shaun Breslin, (2021) China Risen?: Studying Chinese Global Power, Bristol, Bristol University Press

Debin Ma and Richard von Glahn, eds (2022) The Cambridge Economic History of China, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press

Jilin Xu (Author), David Ownby (Translator), Rethinking China's Rise: A Liberal Critique, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Kevin Cai, (2022) China's Foreign Policy since 1949: Continuity and Change. Routledge

Christopher B Primiano, (2019) China, the UN and Human Rights: Implications for World Politics (Rethinking Asia and International Relations), Routledge

On this module you will be introduced to China and will examines its place in the contemporary world. You will begin with an examination of the external world’s impact on China during the past two centuries, the violations of Chinese territory and sovereignty, and the Chinese perceptions of its historic relations with external powers. You will learn about the process of Chinese economic liberalisation and China’s rapid integration into the global economy since 1979, critically assessing the growing impact of China on the world. You will study China’s economic power through an examination of the Belt and Road Initiative and through China’s role in regional and global governance. The module will move on to look at China’s relations with Russia, Central Asia, the Global South, the United States/NATO and China’s growing influence in the polar regions. You will become familiar with contemporary debates regarding the impact of Chinese power in regional organisations; on international normative structures; and on relations of global power. The module will conclude by critically assessing claims that the West, and the United States in particular, are now in a new Cold War, with China as the key protagonist.