Singapore University of Social Sciences

Government and Politics in China

Government and Politics in China (CCS102)

Synopsis

CCS102 Government and Politics in China reviews the political development of China from 1949 to the present from the dual perspective of the state and the society. We will first look at how power is structured in the party-state and how the system has evolved under various leaders, before delving into central-local relations and governance in the minority regions. Moving from state to society, we will then survey the forms of political participation and contention through which the Chinese people seek to influence government policy. The course concludes with a reflection on the Chinese political model in view of China’s domestic challenges and its global ascendance.

Level: 1
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July
E-Learning: - Learning is done ENTIRELY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. There are no face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus. To be confirmed

Topics

  • Studying Chinese Politics
  • Power and Struggles in the Mao Era
  • Reform, Crisis and Leadership Succession
  • From Communism to Nationalism
  • China’s Party-State Structure
  • Institutional Innovations and “Intra-Party Democracy”
  • Central-Local Relations: Fragmented Authoritarianism
  • Challenges to Chinese Rule in Tibet and Xinjiang
  • Elections and Voting in China
  • Contacting and Suing the State
  • Protests and Acts of Civil Disobedience
  • The China Model?

Learning Outcome

  • Demonstrate knowledge in contemporary Chinese politics;
  • Apply concepts in political science to Chinese politics;
  • Explain Chinese political phenomena using political science theories;
  • Identify the main actors and institutions in shaping Chinese politics;
  • Define the basic patterns of political changes and alternatives in Chinese politics;
  • Analyze current news events on China and interpret the events appropriately;
  • Comment on the political challenges and prospects for the People’s Republic;
  • Discuss the basic patterns of development in Chinese politics.
Back to top
Back to top