China and the World

China’s rapid rise to the center of the global stage has generated much global attention. This course is designed to survey the basics of Chinese institutions, their role in the rise of China, and their interaction with the world. The course begins with a basic introduction of the political and economic institutions of China and its major features. Next we examine how these institutions have shaped China’s rise as a global power. Finally we examine how the Chinese institutions interact with the world in the modern era of globalization, and how China navigates the challenges that arise with its increasing global status. This course will introduce basic theories of non-democratic politics and international politics, both qualitative and quantitative, when necessary. However the focus of the course is not the theories themselves. We will use these theories to facilitate the discussions of various topics around China. (This course was previously named Political Economy of China in the Global Era.)