Aims and Fit of Module

The aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of China’s welfare policies, with a primary focus on the period since the start of the economic reform and opening up era (1978 onwards). The module content places social and welfare policy within China’s broader economic, ideological and social context, in order to examine how each of these interrelated factors influence the characteristics and scope of China’s welfare system. Overall, the module highlights the important role welfare plays in China’s development trajectory.

Learning outcomes

A	Identify and synthesise the key features of China’s social welfare policy from the early 20th Century

B	Synthetise and explain the links between economy, ideology and social values that inform social welfare policy formation

C	Understand and evaluate the process of social welfare policy legitimation throughout the reform era

D	Carry out a problem-centred approach to social welfare policy evaluation 

E	Analyse, synthesise and evaluate information in a clear and succinct fashion

F	Demonstrate high level communication skills

Method of teaching and learning

In the seminars students will able to have an in-depth discussion of weekly topics, and also to present their analysis of a specific topic from the syllabus. The essay plan and the essay will hone students’ analytical and writing abilities.