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

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After the completion of the course, students are able to: - Comprehend the central and complex role of politics in China - Understand the paradox of China; why the party is at the same time omnipotent, but in many cases impotent - Have knowledge of Chinese politics, political system, institutions - Understand, analyze and form an understanding of the causes and consequences of China’s rapid globalization - Discern political motivations and consequences of China’s globalization and its impact on the Arctic regions.

Methods of completion

Lectures, exercises and group work (total 30 h); Final essay with required readings.

Methods of completion

It is required to attend and pass all parts of the course to receive a final course grade.

Content

The course consists of two overlapping sections: an introduction to the political system of China and China as a global actor with a focus on the Arctic regions. Understanding the politics and political system of China is the essential tool to understanding China’s globalization strive and its regional implications in the Artic regions. In introducing the political system of China, the course provides an overview of the political history, structure, central-regional relations, factional politics within the Communist Party and recent political development in China. This view provides a solid basis for analyzing one of the most significant changes in the world—China’s changing role in the world. During the last decade China has become increasingly active in seeking resources, markets, talents and political influence in all corners of the world including the Arctic region. The 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 China’s global outreach and how Beijing is consequently reshaping the global order. We will then compare these processes with increasing Chinese activities in the Arctic region and identify various actors and processes how Beijing and Chinese companies are acting in the Artic regions.

Materials

The study material of the course consists of journal articles, book chapters and documentaries. Course material is provided in Moodle.

Teaching methods

Teaching will be contact teaching.

Exam schedules

Exam dates (incl second exam) will be decided together with students during the first lecture.