Ketty A. Loeb
Post-1949 government and politics, with emphasis on problems of political change in modern China. Offered: jointly with POL S 442.
Is China really an emerging superpower or is it a developing country facing significant internal challenges that preclude its continued rise? Can China still be considered a communist state, or is it something else? What are the prospects for democracy and civil society in China during the reform era? Why has China been able to unleash such significant economic growth in the last few decades? And at what costs to the environment and its citizens? This course will provide answers to these and other questions by taking a closer look at the Chinese polity, economy, and society. The first third of the course will examine the revolution years and their legacy, after which we will dive into the political, economic, and social aspects of reform China.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Class assignments and grading
This course has a heavy reading load—you will be required to read up to 200 pages/ week. In addition, you will be required to complete the following:
Midterm Exam 25% Final Paper OR in-class presentation 30% Final Examination 30% Classroom Participation 15%