This course focuses on the key issues in the contemporary politics of the People's Republic of China. It covers the period spanning from the Maoist years (1949-1976) to the reform era (1978-present). The course is divided into four sections: Communist China under Mao; the political economy of transition; the political agents under transition, and the challenges that China faces in moving forward. While China's political transformations are characterized by many cultural traditions and informal norms, this course pays particular attention on the formal aspects of political institutions, actors and forces shaping China at various levels, from the national and international to the local.

Students will acquire from experts in the field up to date knowledge of the major political issues facing China and how they are being addressed,  the major institutions and actors involved, and the historical and emerging forces shaping them.The course develops students' research and analytical skills, communication skills, and understanding of the numerous factors and constraints that come together to shape political ideology, policy and action.

Proposed Assessment: Tutorial contribution (attendance, participation and presentation) (30%), research essay (35%) and final exam (35%)

3 contact hours and 6 hours private study per week.

6 university courses (36 units).

Lieberthal, K. G. 1995. Governing China: From Revolution Through Reform. New York; and London: W.W.Norton & Company, Inc.

Majors/Specialisations: Development Studies, International Relations, Cognitive Major (Contemporary Asian Societies), Cognative Major (Asian Politics and International Relations), and Cognitive Major (Security Studies).