Unit information: China's International Relations in 2020/21

Unit name	China's International Relations
Unit code	POLIM0023
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. King
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

The aim of this unit is to critically examine the social, economic, political, and strategic dimensions and determinants of the evolving International Relations (both regionally and internationally) of the People’s Republic of China. Given its emergence on the world stage and its growing role in international institutions, this is a recent development deserving of assessment. The unit will consider multiple dimensions of the PRC’s modern foreign policy: its historical foundation; the role of nationalism; strategic priorities and goals of its regional relations, its engagement with world political, economic and military powers, as well as its role in the bloc of developing nations; and the challenges represented by its development and participation in the international arena. The goal is to provide students with empirical material about Chinese politics and theoretical interpretations of this material since 1978, so that they can understand the major players, institutions, events and challenges in Chinese politics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the Unit students will:

1. be able to critically assess the factors which influence and determine the Foreign Policy-making process;
2. have developed their knowledge and critical understanding of economic and political relations between China and its International and Regional partners
3. have enhanced their understanding of China and its behaviour and goals in the international system.

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities

Assessment Information

1 x 4000 word assignment reflecting the learning outcomes listed above (100%)

Assessment addresses all ILO's

Reading and References

• David M. Lampton, (ed.), The making of Chinese foreign and security policy in the era of reform, 1978-2000, (2001) Stanford: Stanford University Press.
• David Shambaugh (ed.), Power Shift: China and Asia’s New Dynamics, (2005) London: University of California Press.
• Andrew Nathan and Robert S. Ross, the Great Wall and the Empty Fortress China’s Search for Security, (1997) London: WW. Norton & Company.
• Xuanli Liao (2006), Chinese Foreign Policy Think tanks and China’s Policy towards Japan, Hong Kong: Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Thomas Robinson and David Shambaugh (1998), China Foreign Policy: theory and practice, Oxford: Clarendon Press
• Suisheng Zhao (2004) Chinese foreign policy: pragmatism and strategic behavior, New York: East Gate Publishing