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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Politics and Foreign Policy of China
Module Code LG398
School School of Law & Government
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Kenneth McDonagh
Semester 2: Kenneth McDonagh
Autumn: Kenneth McDonagh
Module TeachersKenneth McDonagh
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Description

This module will introduce students to the study of Chinese politics and foreign policy. It will address debates over the rise of China, China’s growing involvement in international politics and global security. It will analyse the prominent features of the single-party rule by the Chinese Communist Party and explores major political and governance issues confronting the regime. This module will provide students with an understanding of the sources of conflict and cooperation in China’s domestic and foreign relations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the major themes, debates, developments, and structures within Chinese politics and foreign policy
2. Use theoretical approaches to study Chinese politics and foreign policy.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of key Chinese politics and foreign policy issues at the national and international levels
4. Analyse case studies of Chinese political or foreign policy decisions or events
5. Analyse the current rivalry between China and other major powers for influence



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22No Description
Assignment Completion103No Description
Assignment Completion125No Description
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction
The Chinese way

The Chinese political system
Political Institutions and decision-making

The Politics of the Economy (I)
The Reform Years - Deng Xiao Ping's economic reforms

The Politics of the Economy (II)
The Dragon Awakens - era of rapid economic growth

Civil Society, Minorities, Democracy & the State
Relations between the state and citizens

China’s ‘Peaceful Rise’ in the Post-Cold World
Foreign policy-making actors and post-Cold War trends

China and the Asia-Pacific
Chinese foreign policy in the Asia Pacific region

US-China Relations
The US-China foreign policy relationship

Taiwan and Cross-Strait Relations
Chinese relations with Taiwan (ROC)

The China Rise Debate
Key issues and debates concerning China's rise as a case study

China and the South China Seas
China's role in South China Seas disputes as a case study

China and the Bomb
Development of China's nuclear weapons capacity as a case study

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Essayn/a100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Tony Saich: 2015, Governance and Politics of China, 4th, Palgrave Macmillan,
  • June T. Dreyer: 2019, China’s Political System: Modernization and Tradition, 10th, Routledge,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
IRBA in International Relations
IRYABA in International Relations (Exchange)
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