China presents us with a paradox: many believe China will inevitably become
a world power; yet just as many believe the Chinese state's ability to
effectively govern is declining. Both views cannot be true. In order to be
able to address these and other questions, this course provides an in-depth
introduction to contemporary Chinese politics. Students will learn about:
1) trends and patterns in Chinese politics since 1949; 2) the participants,
institutions, and processes that constitute China's political system; and
3) the primary concepts and research methods used to study Chinese
politics. The emphasis will be on China's domestic politics, but we will
also consider how China's domestic context affects her foreign policy.

Readings, 150-200 pages per week, draw from secondary academic books and
articles as well as translated primary materials. Other assignments include
three analytical papers (11-14 pages combined) and a final exam.

This course meets with Political Science Y333; credit given for only one of
EALC E350 on this topic and POLS Y333.

PLEASE NOTE: this topic has been changed from the topic originally
published in the First Semester 2000-2001 Schedule of Classes.