Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate basic understanding on key claims of ancient Chinese philosophies on state and governance.
2. Describe the evolution of Chinese governing structures over the past century.
3. Explain the relationship between state, party, and society in contemporary China.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of governance at both central and subnational level in post-reform China.
5. Explain China's role on the global stage.
6. Explain the broad landscape of the Chinese media environment.

This module is split into three sections. The first four weeks provide, firstly, an overview of ancient Chinese philosophies on the state, the governance and world view, followed by the historical context from the Republican era to the present day. This section enables an understanding of the changing forms of governance in China. Key figures such as Sun Yatsen, Mao Zedong, and Deng Xiaoping are discussed in the light of the socio-political impact they had. The second section of the module (four weeks) focuses on the current structure of governance in the country and China’s changing strategy on global engagement and evolving approach to global governance since 1949. In this section, the relationship between the government and the Communist Party of China is discussed, as well as centre-local relations and governance within the provinces. China’s ‘style’ of international relations is also discussed. The final section (four weeks) looks specifically at media in China - broadcasting, press and Internet – and discussing issues surrounding censorship and openness. The use of the Internet for shaping public opinions and generating new forms of political protest in China is the key topic this media study intends to explore. This section ends with a discussion on China’s future challenges.

Not applicable to this module.

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

Not yet recorded.