Module manager: Dr Caroline Fielder
Email: c.l.fielder@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| EAST3020 | Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary Chin |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module examines the growing significance of the non-profit sector in contemporary China, set against the backdrop of the political, economic, and cultural contexts that have shaped its development. By utilising civil society and its diverse conceptualisations as a lens, students engage with case studies and interactive discussions to analyse the intricacies of Chinese society. This approach encourages students to compare and contrast the various ways that different organisations and sectors address social needs, as well as critique their influence on social dynamics, governance, and community engagement, both domestically and globally. As part of the module students discuss key issues, differentiate between various approaches, and distinguish the roles of distinct entities within the non-profit landscape. This method fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to examine challenges and opportunities within the sector, including its increasing influence on global civil society. The module provides insights into potential career pathways within non-profit organisations and social entrepreneurship, making it particularly relevant for those interested in pursuing careers in this field. Ultimately, students will emerge with a nuanced perspective on recent developments in both the non-profit sector and broader Chinese society, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to organise, question, and test their understanding of this dynamic landscape effectively. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module’s objectives are to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the evolving non-profit sector in China and its global implications. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical case studies, students will engage in learning activities designed to achieve the following objectives:
- Students will explore the political, economic, and cultural contexts that have shaped the non-profit sector in China, enabling them to critically analyse how these factors influence organisational development and social dynamics.
- By utilising civil society as a lens, students will participate in interactive discussions and group debates, which will foster their ability to critique and debate the roles of various organisations in addressing social needs and shaping governance.
- The module will include activities that encourage students to compare and contrast different approaches to civil society, enhancing their capacity to differentiate between the impacts of local and global non-profit organisations.
- Students will engage with real-world case studies to examine a range of non-profit initiatives, helping them relate theoretical concepts to practical applications and question prevailing assumptions about the sector.
By aligning learning activities (such as seminar exercises, case study analyses, source evaluations, essay) with these objectives, the module aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical insights, ensuring students are well-prepared to navigate and contribute to the non-profit sector in China and beyond.
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Analyse the impact of various external factors, including key political, economic, and cultural issues, on the nonprofit sector in China.
2. Discuss the functions, contributions, and significance of individual organisations or types of organisations within the Chinese non-profit sector.
3. Explain different perspectives on civil society and the nonprofit sector in China, highlighting biases and assessing the credibility of different viewpoints.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Use a variety of sources, assessing their credibility and explaining their significance and contribution to the work.
5. Develop a well-structured and evidence-based argument.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students receive formative feedback during seminars, where both staff and peer input provide immediate insights, fostering critical thinking, analytical, and presentation skills. Examples of formative assessments in seminars include group discussions on case studies, and reflective feedback sessions, all designed to enhance understanding and skill development.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Case-study analysis | 30 |
| Coursework | Essay | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 03/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team