Aims and Fit of Module

This course provides students with an understanding of China’s role in international affairs, especially given the increase in its economic importance, and develops an ability to apply this knowledge to analyzing and evaluating related issues and trends.

Learning outcomes

A. Demonstrate understanding of international relations theory and how it explains China’s rise and its implications for international politics.
B. Demonstrate understanding and critically assess the domestic context of China’s foreign policy: how culture, history, key stakeholders, and policy-making processes and priorities influence the formulation and implementation of Chinese foreign strategy and policies, and inform its negotiating strategies
C. Analyse and evaluate China’s participation in major international organizations such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank and other multilateral fora
D. Critically assess China’s growing influence in international economy
E. Analyse China’s relationship with key countries and regions, and how the US response to the “rise” of China shapes global and regional developments
F. Conduct basic research using multiple search applications/tools in English/Chinese-source data environments
G. Compose different types of academic papers—book report, policy memo, and research paper to describe, synthesize, and analyse China’s relationship with major international issues and trends
H. Use analytical skills to present arguments.

Method of teaching and learning

Lectures and seminars for rehearsal of weekly topics.