China's Political System and China as a Global Actor in Before and After Corona WorldLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- outline key political institutions
- explicate the central and complex role of politics in Chinese society
- describe the "dual structure" of governance of China (i.e. roles of the Communist Party and Government)
- describe main shifts of Chinese domestic and foreign policies during Xi Jinping era
- explicate how corona pandemic has affected Chinese foreign policy and its global trajectories
- discern political motivations and consequences of China's growing role in world politics and its impact on the Arctic regions.

Content

The course consists of two overlapping sections:

1. An introduction to the political system of China.

2. A discussion on China’s recent “Before-Corona” era developments as a global actor, i.e. how Beijing became a “great power”. During the last decade, China has become increasingly active in seeking resources, markets, talents and political influence in all corners of the world. Understanding the politics and political system of China is the essential tool to understanding both China’s domestic development as well as its rise into one of the most central players both in regional and global politics.

This course will provide an analytical view of the role of the Party and other institutional actors in this process. During the course, we will study the political motivation of the “going-out” strategy of Chinese companies and how Beijing is consequently reshaping the global order, which will influence also the Arctic regions as a new focus of Chinese foreign policy.

This all was challenged by the corona virus. Beijing is on the one hand, struggling with domestic political issues while it is in increasing need to polish and strengthen its’ footing in the unfolding “After-Corona” era global political system. The corona virus has proven to become a game changer in the global system. And China as a central player in the system attempts at the same time to survive and to gain more voice in the After-Corona global system.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient and satisfactory (1-2): Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The student is unable to illustrate that he/she has studied the material or/and merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly. The work contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3-4): Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill of the study material. The author addresses mostly correctly to the assignments and, but the work/tasks may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance is excellent and the students illustrates deep knowledge of the study material / topic. The answers/analysis of the assignments are mostly or completely flawless and/or illustrates justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.

Materials

Articles, Book Chapters.
Course material is provided in Moodle.

Further information

Lecturer: Matti Puranen (Ph.D), University of Jyväskylä