Module manager: Dr Kingsley Edney
Email: K.J.Edney@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module surveys and critically engages with the politics of contemporary China, a vast, dynamic country at the forefront of the supposed 'Asian century'. The key aim of the module is to provide students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of contemporary Chinese politics, including the structures of the state, the evolving role of the Chinese Communist Party, and the effects of economic and political reforms on Chinese society. Students will also consider the lesser known aspects of Chinese politics, including political struggles and development strategies in western frontier regions such as Xinjiang. By the end of the module students will have an in-depth knowledge of contemporary Chinese politics. You will be expected to appreciate the nuanced ways in which political and economic reforms have affected Chinese society, demonstrating a critical engagement with the relevant academic literature and policy debates.
This module aims to provide well-rounded knowledge of the Chinese political system, the changes that have occurred in post-Mao China, and the effects of those changes. The first part of the module introduces the key features of the Chinese political system and examines debates over the process of political and economic reform in China. The remainder of the module covers topics of particular importance in contemporary Chinese politics, such as nationalism, the media, human rights and the environment, as well as China’s future trajectory. Weekly seminar discussions will provide the opportunity for students to develop self-confidence and communication skills. The module focuses on a non-western political culture and will provide opportunities to develop greater cultural sensitivity.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the Chinese political system as well as the changes which have occurred in contemporary China and the effects of those changes.
2. Show a critical understanding of contrasting theoretical perspectives on the nature of Chinese politics and political culture.
3. Exhibit an ability to analyse academic debates concerning political developments in China.
4. Engage complex debates and evaluations of political systems and policy reform, and their impact on society.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Synthesise bodies of information and to present these in an accessible and succinct way.
6. Develop a reasoned argument and to present this in an accessible and succinct way.
7. Develop the ability to explain and criticise the positions of both self and others.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided for each summative assessment task, which is specifically pedagogically aligned to that task. As part of this, each student will receive feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be later assessed in the summative task.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | . | 100 |
| 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