This course will examine key issues today in the politics of the People's Republic of China, focussing on political changes since Xi Jinping became top leader in 2012.

one-hour lecture and two one-hour seminars over eleven weeks (including one reading week in week 6).

This course may not be running this year. For further information please check the Politics and IR Moodle page or contact the subject directly.

None

None

Individual presentation (15%)

Written policy brief, 1500 words (35%)

Essay, 2500 words (50%)

This module builds on Level 2B Comparative Politics to deepen your understanding of contemporary Chinese politics. The leadership of Xi Jinping over the last decade has transformed Chinese politics in ways unanticipated either in China or by foreign observers. This class examines these changes, putting them in historical context. It considers China's recent and current political trajectory, focusing on the role of individual leaders, reforms of the institutions of Party and State, transformations in the relations among Party, state and people. Seminars cover such topics as corruption, China's handling of the COVID pandemic, and the authoritarian regime's resilience and legitimacy.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Understand the foundations of the Chinese political system.

■ Critically assess the political and social changes since Xi Jinping became China's pre-eminent leader.

■ Apply relevant theories and concepts to evaluate contemporary Chinese politics.

■ Advance reasoned and factually supported argument orally and in writing.