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Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science
  • Level Foundation
  • Course by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Offered by

About

This course offers a conceptual framework for understanding China that highlights the intersection of politics and economics. It shows that rather than develop into a full blown market economy, state and party officials at all levels of the political system maintain significant influence in economic development. Such a “political” economy has had both positive and negative outcomes, which we will assess in detail. We also look at the origins, views, backgrounds and relations among leaders, and how those leaders make decisions about public policy and try to get those decisions implemented down through the system. China has few formal institutions through which citizens can participate in politics, but we will study the strategies Chinese people use to try to influence their leaders’ decisions. Finally, we assess China’s future and whether rapid economic development and the emergence of a vibrant middle class will push China towards greater democracy or whether the single party system is likely to survive into the future. The course is a quite useful background for Chinese Politics Part 2 – China and the World. Course Overview video: https://youtu.be/7FpNL67EbE4

Modules

Orientation

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Meet and Greet

1 Videos

  • Course Overview

1 Readings

  • Assignments and Grading

Module 1: Models of the Chinese Political System and the Structure of the Chinese Party/State

    • 8 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 1

8 Videos

  • 1.1: Categorizing the System through Models
  • 1.2: Bureaucratic Model and Chinese Politics
  • 1.3: The Structure of the Political System
  • 1.4: Key Party Structures
  • 1.5: Government and the Party
  • 1.6: China’s Legislature
  • 1.7: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and China’s Military
  • 1.8: CCP Controls the Judiciary

2 Readings

  • Module 1 Required Pre-course Reading
  • Module 1 Suggested Reading

Module 2: Elite Politics in China

    • 9 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 3 Discussion
    • 1 Quiz
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3 Discussions

  • 2.6: Discussion
  • 2.7: Discussion
  • 2.8: Discussion

9 Videos

  • 2.1: Elite Politics affects Economics and Business
  • 2.2: Leadership Values, Structures of Conflict and Political Stability
  • 2.3: Key Strategies for Elite Success and Elite Mobility in China
  • 2.4: Selection of Leaders: What do we know?
  • 2.5: Retired Leaders and the Succession Process
  • 2.6: New Leaders Bring Policy Changes
  • 2.7: Characteristics of Chinese Middle-level Leadership
  • 2.8: Generations among Chinese Elites
  • 2.9: International Experience of Top Chinese Leaders

1 Readings

  • Module 2 Required Reading

1 Quiz

  • Quiz 2

Module 3: Policy Process in China

    • 8 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Peer-reviewed Written Assignment 1

2 Discussions

  • 3.2: Discussion
  • 3.7: Discussion

8 Videos

  • 3.1: Policy Process in Chinese Politics
  • 3.2: The Politics of Policy Making in China
  • 3.3: Selecting Policy Alternatives
  • 3.4: Making the Decision
  • 3.5: Social Interests and Policy Making
  • 3.6: Policy Implementation through Campaigns
  • 3.7: Local Response, Unintended Consequences and Policy Adjustment
  • 3.8: Policy Failures and Successes

1 Readings

  • Module 3 Course Reading

Module 4: Understanding Societal Engagement in Politics in China

    • 9 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Quiz
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9 Videos

  • 4.1: Political Culture in China
  • 4.2: Political Culture as Empirically Measurable Variable
  • 4.3: Political Culture in Rural China
  • 4.4: Political Participation
  • 4.5: Details on the Modes of Participation
  • 4.6: Group Activity and Group Politics
  • 4.7: Collective Action and Protest
  • 4.8: Key Social Groups who Participate in Politics
  • 4.9: Concluding the Modes of Participation

1 Readings

  • Module 4 Course Reading

1 Quiz

  • Quiz 3

Module 5: China’s Domestic and International Political Economy

    • 10 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 PeerReview
Show info about module content

1 Peer Review

  • Peer-reviewed Written Assignment 2

10 Videos

  • 5.1: Six Components of China's Political Economy
  • 5.2: China’s Political Economy on the Eve of Reform
  • 5.3: Impact of Reforms on China’s Political Economy
  • 5.4: The Impact of Reform on Rural Income
  • 5.5: China’s Township and Village Enterprises (TVEs), 1984-1994
  • 5.6: Role of the Public Sector in China's Political Economy
  • 5.7: Central-Local Financial Relations
  • 5.8: China as a “Trading State”
  • 5.9: Dilemmas of a “Trading State”
  • 5.10: Chinese Firms “Going Out”

1 Readings

  • Module 5 Course Reading

Module 6: China’s Future: Democratization or “Flexible Authoritarianism”

    • 12 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Quiz
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • 6.12: Discussion

12 Videos

  • 6.1: China’s Future
  • 6.2: Scenario 1: Political Development and Democratic Transition
  • 6.3: Scenario 1: Further Forces for Political Development and Democratic Transition
  • 6.4: Lessons from Scenarios of Democratic Transition
  • 6.5: Scenario 2: Continued Market Leninism
  • 6.6: Constraints on Society and Ideology
  • 6.7: Xi Jinping’s Intense Attack on Corruption
  • 6.8: Jiang Zemin’s “Three Representatives” and the Role of the Middle Class
  • 6.9: Scenario 3: Collapse of the CCP
  • 6.10: Sources of Political Instability
  • 6.11: Inequality, Corruption and CCP Rule
  • 6.12: Conclusion

1 Readings

  • Module 6 Course Reading

1 Quiz

  • Quiz 4

Final Exam

    • 1 Quiz
Show info about module content

1 Quiz

  • Final Exam

Course Evaluation

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Quiz
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1 Readings

  • Rate this course

1 Quiz

  • Post-course Survey

Auto Summary

Embark on an enlightening journey with "Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science," a course designed to provide a deep understanding of China's unique political and economic landscape. This personal development course delves into the intricate interplay between politics and economics in China, illustrating how state and party officials continue to exert substantial influence over economic development. Participants will explore the origins, perspectives, and dynamics among Chinese leaders, as well as the decision-making processes related to public policy and its implementation. Despite limited formal channels for citizen participation, the course unveils the various strategies employed by the Chinese populace to sway their leaders' decisions. Moreover, the course critically examines China's future trajectory, questioning whether rapid economic growth and the rise of a dynamic middle class will lead to increased democratization or if the single-party system will endure. Ideal for those seeking a foundational understanding of Chinese politics, this course also serves as a precursor to "Chinese Politics Part 2 – China and the World." Join Coursera's comprehensive learning experience with flexible subscription options – Starter and Professional – and immerse yourself in this engaging and informative course. Perfect for learners passionate about political science and China's evolving role on the global stage. Check out the course overview video here: [Course Overview Video](https://youtu.be/7FpNL67EbE4).

David Zweig
Instructor

David Zweig