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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Politics & Foreign Policy of China
Module Code POL1052 (ITS: LG398)
Faculty Law & Government School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
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


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture22No Description
Assignment Completion103No Description
Assignment Completion125No Description
Total Workload: 250
Section Breakdown
CRN20928Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade ScalePass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryBest MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorKenneth McDonaghModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Essayn/a100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

Indicative Reading List

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


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for LG398