This course examines advanced research on political economy of China and prepares doctoral students to conduct their own research in Chinese politics and political economy. Given China’s recent re-emergence as one of the world’s most powerful economies, the study of China’s development is central to an understanding of the world economy. This course considers China’s economic development in a comparative perspective, with attention on the historical development of the U.S. economy and capitalism in the U.S. Particular focus is given to the permanent features of Communist rule in China, the changing nature of the Chinese Party-state, as well as state-economy and state-society relations. Extending off of this focus, this course also leads doctoral students to reflect on the dynamics and challenges associated with reform and resistance.

PLCY 866 provides a doctoral-level comprehension of the sources of China’s spectacular economic growth. Understanding what makes China’s economic growth unique as well as how it compares in historical perspective is essential and permits a detail evaluation of its strengths and vulnerabilities. As the Chinese economy is more significant to the global economy, U.S. academics, decision-makers, and analysts must grasp how China has grown, how the U.S. has aided its rise, and what the future holds for U.S. dependence on China’s economy. 

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic for each discussion. Each thread must be 400–500 words in length and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be original and unique and should be 200–350 words. 

Research Paper Assignments (3)

Research Paper: Memorandum Assignment

Students will compose a memorandum describing the central research question, research objectives, an original argument, and the academic contribution the paper will make, along with an outline for the paper. The reader should walk away with a clear sense of the scholarly significance of the proposed project, along with the specific arguments and scholars the paper will converse with. This memo must be one page or less in length, single-spaced.

Research Paper: Mini-Proposal Assignment

Students will compose an eight-to-nine-page proposal (For master’s level, six-to-seven pages) which clearly states the research question, research objectives, describes the central argument. An abbreviated literature review should comprise at least half of the body of the paper and illustrate how the research project will further academic knowledge on the project’s theme of focus. Building out of the literature review, the proposal must also lay out a feasible, social science-based plan for carrying out the research and building the central argument, a plan which specifies data sources, methods and clearly identifies anticipated challenges associated with project completion. Students should use peer-reviewed work to justify their research design choices and must convincingly demonstrate that their proposed research design is appropriate for the study of their own research question. Although it is assumed that final research projects for the course will generate policy prescriptions/recommendations, the focus of this assignment is on laying the foundation needed to complete the research itself.

Research Paper: Final Assignment

Students will compose a 25-to-30-page (For master’s level, 20-to-25 pages) (excluding title page and bibliography) research paper, based upon the mini-proposal. Policy implications should be offered toward the end of the paper, based upon the student’s research findings and conclusions. Feedback from the proposal must be incorporated into the final project.