| Unit name | The Political Economy of China |
|---|---|
| Unit code | POLI30009 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Joe Lin |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
This unit engages in an assessment of the political and economic transformation of the People's Republic of China. It adopts a systemic approach in assessing the institutional and development models and experiences that have taken place since the beginning of reforms in 1978. Topics included the state's role in economic reform, the role of state-owned enterprises versus the growing private sector, the impact of economic development on the environment, as well as state-societal relations as China develops. It examines major policy decisions and the political, ideological and economic rationale behind the world's second largest economy and its path towards modernisation. Additional topics include: International trade, Foreign Direct investment, Global Systems of Production and Production Chains, the challenge of the Renminbi to the American Dollar as a global currency, and China’s rise as a growing technological power.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Examining the growth and path of development for the world’s second largest economy, and the world’s largest developing economy, this raises questions about what China’s economic model. Students will draw upon academic skill sets and develop their capacity for critical and lateral thinking. There is no previous requirement or knowledge of China or Economics for this unit, though those that do have both (or either) will have an opportunity to deepen and utilise their knowledge and skills to cutting edge policy areas and debates. This a popular unit for students in straight Politics and IR programmes, as well as Joint programmes in Politics and Economics, as well as Politics and Social Policy and Politics and Sociology.
Overview of Content
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities. As a highly empirically based and policy based unit, the students will delve into both geographical and industry focused debates and discussions. Topics included the state's role in economic reform, the role of state-owned enterprises versus the growing private sector, the impact of economic development on the environment, as well as state-societal relations as China develops. It examines major policy decisions and the political, ideological and economic rationale behind the world's second largest economy and its path towards modernisation. Additional topics include: International trade, Foreign Direct investment, Global Systems of Production and Production Chains, the challenge of the Renminbi to the American Dollar as a global currency, and China’s rise as a growing technological power.
How will students be different as a result?
The unit is not just concerned with building the student’s understanding and appreciation of China’s economic development. A key objective is also the development and establishment of transferrable skills in policy, business, and industry environments. The unit draws extensively seminar group work and business case/policy development. Through blended learning methods the students will also gain experience in skill sets which will be highly useful upon graduation.
Learning Outcomes
The unit will draw upon traditional academic pieces and literature, as well as research and material from governments, think tanks (Chatham House, MERICS, RUSI), banks and consultancy firms, as well as charity organisations and international organisations (World Trade Organisation, United Nations).
Furthermore, the seminars will draw upon youtube videos, documentaries, as well as podcasts and short commentaries and articles (Financial Times, UK National Committee on China), to give students access to (and exposure to) varying and current material and different perspectives.
Overall, the unit and seminars are interactive, applied, inquiry based, and allows the students to build their knowledge each week through consistent group and team work. They will develop policy and business/industry cases, all with the freedom to develop their own interests and insert their voice through their work and presentation assessments.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
There are no formative assessments.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1 x presentation (25%) - ILO 1, 2, 3, 4
The presentation will be a group presentation. Presentations will be done every week, starting in week 3. The students will have a specific issue/topic/policy they must speak to, but will have the freedom to determine how they will respond to the presentation questions. There is flexibility to allow for originality and independent and critical thought. Assessment will be based upon the extent to which they respond to the presentation questions, whether it is done in an informed and critical manner, and how they work together as a team. Finally, students will have to answer questions put to them by their colleagues. Their responses, how well they perform or even attempt to engage will be part of this.
1 x 2500 word essay (75%) - ILO 1, 2, 3, 4
This will be a research essay in response to set research questions. Student will select one question and answer it. The research essay will require the student to draw upon topics, debates and ideas across different weeks, as well as doing independent research and critical engagement with the literature. This will not only help embed their knowledge of the unit’s discussions, but also help them to thinking critically about them. The essay should to fully referenced and written in formal English. The shorter length of 2,500 words is specifically to prepare them to write in a more concise and precise manner – preparing them for writing pieces for the business, industry and social sector (NGOs etc).
When assessment does not go to plan
In exceptional circumstances, reassessments may be offered as determined by the exam board. You will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. You will be required to complete a different assessment question for the essay. For the presentation, the reassessment will take the form of an individual recorded presentation.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. POLI30009).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
