Module manager: Dr Kingsley Edney
Email: K.J.Edney@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as an Elective
Since its founding in 1949 the People’s Republic of China has gone from being a backward pariah state, riven by internal conflict and lacking even a seat at the United Nations, to being at the very centre of world affairs. When combined with its vast territory and large population, China’s dramatic economic growth since the late 1970s makes it a genuine contender for great power status. This rapid transformation generates a number of questions about the kind of great power China will be, however. This module focuses on key problems in international relations that are associated with China’s rise, such as whether China will attempt to remake the existing world order, whether China’s rise will lead to international conflict, and whether or not China is a threat to democracy. In this module students will gain an understanding of China’s approach to foreign policy and its international priorities; they will learn about the challenges China’s rise poses to the global economy and regional security, China’s desire to become a cultural power, and issues such as nationalism and energy security that shape Chinese foreign policy. At the end of the module students will have an appreciation for the key problems and debates relating to China’s rise in the discipline of international relations.
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of different aspects of China’s rising power. It does so by introducing students to the key debates over China’s rising power in the international system, and China’s foreign policy processes and international objectives. Ultimately the module aims to allow students to develop the ability to analyse and critically appraise the impact of China’s rise on the existing international order.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the scope and scale of China’s rising international power.
2. Critically engage with and discuss key debates surrounding the rise of China and the related impacts and problems.
3. Identify the factors that shape the making of Chinese foreign policy.
4. Make links between key theories of international order and China's rise.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Communicate ideas accurately, effectively, and persuasively to individuals and groups.
2. Identify and analyse relevant information in order to develop and defend informed arguments.
3. Plan and develop an independent piece of written research.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 278 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Student progress will be monitored formally through a formative mid-term essay as well as informally through their contribution to the weekly seminar discussions. Students will also have opportunities to discuss their progress individually outside class hours.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Formative briefing paper (Non Assessed)
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team