Description
This course deals with the legacies of the Chinese revolution and the working of the political system in mainland China and on Taiwan. The approach is thematic rather than historical: it focuses on the political institutions (“polity”) of China, and the question of how power is distributed between these institutions. It also highlights the problems of exercising political control and maintaining effective governance in a rapidly changing political, social, and economic environment.
Teaching method
Seminar
Admission requirements
None
Course objectives
Participants in this course will acquire the following:
An understanding of basic theoretical political science concepts, and the ability to critically review and then apply these concepts both to the People’s Republic of China and to the Republic of China on Taiwan.
An understanding of the major Chinese political institutions, their functions, responsibilities, and limitations.
Knowledge of party-state relations and the ways the Party exercises control over the state machinery in the PRC.
A grasp of the public administration mechanisms that characterize the Chinese civil service.
An understanding of the mechanisms used to maintain effective rule in China.
The course will provide the necessary background knowledge for the pursuit of BA3 and MA courses on Chinese politics.
Course load
The work-load for this course will roughly be as follows:
Seminar time: 24 hours
Reading and course work: 76 hours
Writing the final paper: 40 hours
Total: 140 hours
Required reading
The following books are required background reading for this course:
Lieberthal, Kenneth (2003), Governing China, 2nd ed., New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
Saich, Tony (2004), Governance and Politics of China, 2nd ed., New York: Palgrave.
Additional course readings will be announced during the introduction session of the course.
Test method
In order to pass this course, the following will be required of the participants:
Regular written and oral course assignments (40% of final mark).
Research paper (60% of final mark).
Regular, punctual attendance, thorough preparation of reading material, and continuous course participation are also expected.
Time table
Check the timetable on the departmental website for time and location.
Contact
For questions or additional information please contact your study coordinator, or the lecturer:
Florian Schneider
Office Location: Arsenaal 009
Email: f.a.schneider@umail.leidenuniv.nl
Phone: +31 (0)71 527-2544
Registration
Through U-TWIST (see ‘Aanmeldprocedures voor colleges en tentamens’ – in Dutch)
Blackboard
The module will make use of blackboard for course communication, general course proceedings, and information on reading material as well as assessment criteria.
Remarks
None