POL20260 Introduction to Chinese Politics

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module aims to introduce students to the political system of the People’s Republic of China and the politics of its ruling entity, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The module first provides a historical foundation for understanding CCP rule, covering major events in the 20th Century. From this foundation, it then examines the party’s relationship to the state and policymaking, China’s foreign relations and foreign policy, as well as the politics of Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. The politics of Taiwan are covered. By the end of the module students will have a well-grounded understanding and be prepared to think carefully about current and future developments in Chinese politics.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

This module aims to introduce students to the political system of the People’s Republic of China and the politics of its ruling entity, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The module first provides a historical foundation for understanding CCP rule, covering major events in the 20th Century. From this foundation, it then examines the party’s relationship to the state and policymaking, China’s foreign relations and foreign policy, as well as the politics of Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. The politics of Taiwan are covered. By the end of the module students will have a well-grounded understanding and be prepared to think carefully about current and future developments in Chinese politics.

Indicative Module Content:

Content will include:

-History and structure of the Chinese Communist Party

-Historical background on key developments in Chinese politics

-Overview of current issues in Chinese politics, including China's foreign relations

-The politics of Taiwan

-China's policies in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

122
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; class discussions; independent reading, and critical listening (assessed through a podcast assignment). 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: 2 hour end of term exam; long answer 1 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

17
Examination: 2 hour end-of-term exam; short answer section Unspecified No Graded No

17
Examination: 2 hour end of term exam; long answer 2 Unspecified No Graded No

17
Continuous Assessment: Continuous assessment: activity organized around podcast listening. Unspecified n/a Graded No

25
Class Test: In-class MCQ; 25 questions.

+1 point for correct answer
0 points for blank answer
-1 point for incorrect answer		 Unspecified n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn