SP&E 429 - Political Economy of China

This course is offered to students in both economics and politics. As the second largest economy, China’s impact on the world is significant. A consensus has been forming that the country will become the largest economy during the first half of this century, as early as within this decade. It can be foreseen that opportunities for China-related jobs will continue to increase. This class helps prepare for a wide range of professions, including teaching about China in colleges and universities in the U.S. or other countries; pursuing academic research on China in academia, research institutes, or think tanks; assuming responsibilities for China-related assignments in various government departments; and finding a rewarding job in a private sector in or outside China, one of the most dynamic economies in the world. Dealing with major economic and political development in China since 1978, this seminar discusses the origins, processes, and prospects of economic and political transformations of the country, with their impacts on both China and the world. While politics and economics will be the focus, culture, literature, geography, and history will receive much attention too. Students will engage lively discussions, aided by films and internet technology. They will also benefit from the resources of The Claremont Colleges East Asian Library. The topics in the class include the dynamic relations between economy and polity, between development goals and grand strategy, and between the international milieu and domestic processes, as well as urbanization, environment, trade, investment, regional development, demography, ethnicities, etc. The course integrates knowledge across social sciences as well as arts and humanities to seek a comprehensive understanding of the changes in the country and their implications to other nations. It will also develop applicable analytical and forecasting techniques for political and economic interests.
Units: 4
Course Type: Seminar