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David Zweig
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ipc92y/chinese
What's inside
Syllabus
Orientation and Module 1: Models of the Chinese Political System and the Structure of the Chinese Party/State
Before you start with the content for Module 1, please watch the Course Overview, review the Assignments and Grading page, and introduce yourself to other learners who will be studying this course with you.
Read more
Syllabus
Orientation and Module 1: Models of the Chinese Political System and the Structure of the Chinese Party/State
Before you start with the content for Module 1, please watch the Course Overview, review the Assignments and Grading page, and introduce yourself to other learners who will be studying this course with you.
Read more
Module 2: Elite Politics in China
Module 3: Policy Process in China
Module 4: Understanding Societal Engagement in Politics in China
Module 5: China’s Domestic and International Political Economy
Module 6: China’s Future: Democratization or “Flexible Authoritarianism”
Final Exam and Course Evaluation
Now is time to test your understanding on the entire course. Take the final exam and complete the post-course survey. Your valuable feedback will certainly help us improve future iterations of the course.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Profound analysis of contemporary Chinese governance and society, designed for intermediate learners who seek deeper knowledge of the topic
Explores the intersection of politics and economics in China, a unique and highly relevant topic in today's globalized world
Taught by David Zweig, an experienced scholar and professor recognized for his expertise in Chinese studies
Offers a comprehensive overview of Chinese political and economic systems, from their origins to their current state
Examines the role of societal engagement in Chinese politics, a crucial aspect of understanding the country's governance
Provides a valuable foundation for further study or research on China-related topics
Save this course
Save Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Course commended by student
According to students, Professor Zweig is brilliant and makes this well put together course fun. Students say that they learned a lot.
Students say this course is fun.
"Lots of fun"
Students describe the course as well put together.
"very well put together course"
Students say Professor Zweig is brilliant.
"Professor Zweig is brilliant..."
Students report learning a lot in this course.
"I learned a lot"
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science with these
activities:
Read Deng Xiaoping Theory
Show steps
Start the course with a strong foundation by reviewing Deng Xiaoping Theory, the guiding ideology of China's political economy.
View
Restriction and Creation (China Perspectives)
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book in small sections.
-
Take notes on the key points.
-
Write a brief summary of each section.
Create a timeline of key events in Chinese history
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the course material by creating a timeline of key events in Chinese history.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
-
Research key events in Chinese history.
-
Create a timeline of the events.
-
Include a brief description of each event.
Write a blog post summarizing the key takeaways from each module
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of course materials by creating content that summarizes the key takeaways from each module.
Show steps
-
Choose a module to focus on.
-
Identify the key takeaways from the module.
-
Write a blog post that summarizes the key takeaways.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Watch documentaries about Chinese politics
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of Chinese politics by watching documentaries about the topic.
Browse courses on
Chinese Politics
Show steps
-
Find documentaries about Chinese politics.
-
Watch the documentaries.
-
Take notes on the key points.
Analyze political cartoons and news articles about China
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of Chinese politics by analyzing political cartoons and news articles.
Browse courses on
Chinese Politics
Show steps
-
Find political cartoons and news articles about China.
-
Analyze the cartoons and articles for their political content.
-
Write a brief summary of your analysis.
Attend a conference or workshop on Chinese politics
Show steps
Gain exposure to a wider range of perspectives on Chinese politics by attending a conference or workshop on the topic.
Browse courses on
Chinese Politics
Show steps
-
Find a conference or workshop on Chinese politics.
-
Attend the conference or workshop.
-
Take notes on the presentations and discussions.
Practice writing policy briefs on Chinese political issues
Show steps
Develop your skills in analyzing and writing about Chinese political issues by practicing writing policy briefs.
Show steps
-
Choose a Chinese political issue to focus on.
-
Research the issue.
-
Write a policy brief that analyzes the issue and makes recommendations.
Create a podcast episode discussing a recent development in Chinese politics
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Chinese politics by creating a podcast episode that discusses a recent development in the field.
Browse courses on
Chinese Politics
Show steps
-
Choose a recent development in Chinese politics to focus on.
-
Research the development.
-
Create a podcast episode that discusses the development.
Read Deng Xiaoping Theory
Show steps
Start the course with a strong foundation by reviewing Deng Xiaoping Theory, the guiding ideology of China's political economy.
View
Restriction and Creation (China Perspectives)
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book in small sections.
- Take notes on the key points.
- Write a brief summary of each section.
Create a timeline of key events in Chinese history
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the course material by creating a timeline of key events in Chinese history.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research key events in Chinese history.
- Create a timeline of the events.
- Include a brief description of each event.
Write a blog post summarizing the key takeaways from each module
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of course materials by creating content that summarizes the key takeaways from each module.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a module to focus on.
- Identify the key takeaways from the module.
- Write a blog post that summarizes the key takeaways.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Watch documentaries about Chinese politics
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of Chinese politics by watching documentaries about the topic.
Browse courses on
Chinese Politics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find documentaries about Chinese politics.
- Watch the documentaries.
- Take notes on the key points.
Analyze political cartoons and news articles about China
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of Chinese politics by analyzing political cartoons and news articles.
Browse courses on
Chinese Politics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find political cartoons and news articles about China.
- Analyze the cartoons and articles for their political content.
- Write a brief summary of your analysis.
Attend a conference or workshop on Chinese politics
Show steps
Gain exposure to a wider range of perspectives on Chinese politics by attending a conference or workshop on the topic.
Browse courses on
Chinese Politics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a conference or workshop on Chinese politics.
- Attend the conference or workshop.
- Take notes on the presentations and discussions.
Practice writing policy briefs on Chinese political issues
Show steps
Develop your skills in analyzing and writing about Chinese political issues by practicing writing policy briefs.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Chinese political issue to focus on.
- Research the issue.
- Write a policy brief that analyzes the issue and makes recommendations.
Create a podcast episode discussing a recent development in Chinese politics
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Chinese politics by creating a podcast episode that discusses a recent development in the field.
Browse courses on
Chinese Politics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a recent development in Chinese politics to focus on.
- Research the development.
- Create a podcast episode that discusses the development.
Career center
Learners who complete Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
The goal of a Political Scientist is to study politics and government, and this course provides an excellent foundation for doing so. Studying the political system of China is crucial for a Political Scientist, as China has become increasingly influential on the world stage. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. Whether you are interested in a career in academia, government, or the private sector, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.
China Analyst
China Analyst
A China Analyst provides expertise on China to businesses, governments, and organizations. This course provides the foundation for doing so by offering a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge is essential for a China Analyst who wants to provide accurate and insightful analysis on China.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
A Public Policy Analyst develops and analyzes public policies, and this course provides the foundation for doing so in China. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge is essential for a Public Policy Analyst who wants to work on issues related to China.
International Relations Specialist
International Relations Specialist
An International Relations Specialist analyzes and develops policies related to international relations, and this course provides the foundation for doing so in China. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge is essential for an International Relations Specialist who wants to work on issues related to China.
Diplomat
Diplomat
A Diplomat represents their country's interests abroad, and this course provides the foundation for doing so in China. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge is essential for a Diplomat who wants to build strong relationships with China.
Journalist
Journalist
A Journalist reports on the news, and this course provides the foundation for doing so in China. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge is essential for a Journalist who wants to report on China accurately and objectively.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant advises businesses on how to improve their operations, and this course may be useful for a Management Consultant who wants to work with Chinese companies or in China. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Management Consultant who wants to understand the business environment in China.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and makes recommendations for improvement, and this course may be useful for a Business Analyst who wants to work with Chinese companies or in China. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Business Analyst who wants to understand the business environment in China.
Economist
Economist
An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and this course may be useful for an Economist who wants to specialize in the Chinese economy. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge would be beneficial for an Economist who wants to understand the economic system of China.
Lawyer
Lawyer
A Lawyer advises clients on legal matters, and this course may be useful for a Lawyer who wants to specialize in Chinese law or international law. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Lawyer who wants to understand the legal system of China.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and makes recommendations for investment, and this course may be useful for a Financial Analyst who wants to invest in Chinese companies or in the Chinese economy. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Financial Analyst who wants to understand the economic and political risks of investing in China.
Librarian
Librarian
A Librarian manages and provides access to information, and this course may be useful for a Librarian who wants to specialize in Chinese studies or international relations. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Librarian who wants to build a strong collection of resources on China.
Archivist
Archivist
An Archivist preserves and provides access to historical documents, and this course may be useful for an Archivist who wants to specialize in Chinese history or international relations. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge would be beneficial for an Archivist who wants to understand the historical context of Chinese politics.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher educates students, and this course may be useful for a Teacher who wants to teach about China or international relations. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Teacher who wants to provide their students with a well-rounded understanding of China.
Museum curator
Museum curator
A Museum Curator manages and interprets museum collections, and this course may be useful for a Museum Curator who wants to specialize in Chinese art or history. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, with a focus on how politics and economics intersect. It also examines the role of citizens in Chinese politics and assesses China's future political development. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Museum Curator who wants to understand the cultural and historical context of Chinese art.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ipc92y/chinese
Reading list
We've selected 41 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science.
"Chinese Politics: An Introduction" provides an introduction to the Chinese political system, its structures, and how it functions. offers a comprehensive overview of the topic, making it a valuable resource for those looking to supplement their understanding of the course material.
A classic textbook on Chinese politics, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the Chinese political system, including its history, institutions, and key concepts.
Save
Focuses on the political economy of China's reform era. It's a must-read for those interested in understanding the economic policies, reforms, and their impact on the Chinese political system.
Collection of essays by leading scholars on Chinese politics. It provides a wide-ranging overview of the topic, including the Chinese economy, foreign policy, and social issues.
Offers a broad overview of contemporary China, covering various aspects of its politics, economy, and society. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing China in the 21st century.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of China's political system, with a focus on the intersection of politics and economics. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the course material.
Provides a detailed analysis of China's political system, including its history, structure, and key institutions. It useful resource for understanding how China's political system works.
Provides a detailed analysis of the Chinese political system, focusing on the process of political reform and economic development.
Focuses on the political elite in contemporary China, especially under the leadership of Xi Jinping. It offers insights into the dynamics of power struggles, factionalism, and decision-making at the highest levels of the Chinese government.
Save
Examines the challenges and opportunities facing China as it emerges as a global superpower. It provides insights into China's domestic and foreign policies and their implications for the international community.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Chinese economy, including its history, structure, and key challenges. It valuable resource for understanding the dynamics of China's economic development.
Examines the interplay between modernization and tradition in the Chinese political system. It provides a nuanced understanding of the unique characteristics of Chinese politics and the challenges it faces in the contemporary era.
Examines the political changes that have taken place in China under the leadership of Xi Jinping, including the strengthening of the Communist Party's control and the crackdown on dissent.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Chinese economy, its development, and the reform process. It's a useful resource for understanding the economic context of Chinese politics.
Examines the prospects for democratization in China. It would be a valuable resource for students who are interested in understanding the future of Chinese politics.
Provides a detailed analysis of Chinese society, including its history, culture, and key institutions. It useful resource for understanding the complex dynamics of Chinese society.
Approaches the Chinese political system from a historical perspective. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of Chinese governance from the revolution to the reform era. The book offers insights into the historical roots of the current political system.
Provides a comprehensive overview of China's domestic and international political economy. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to understand the economic and political challenges facing China.
Offers a historical perspective on China's foreign relations, from ancient times to the present. It helps to contextualize China's current foreign policy and its role in the international arena.
"Public Policy in China" provides a comprehensive overview of public policy-making in China and its comparative analysis with other countries. It's a valuable resource for those interested in understanding how public policies are formulated and implemented in China.
Provides a deep dive into the history of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It gives readers a strong foundation in the CCP's origins, ideology, and its role in shaping modern China. This book is especially useful for those interested in understanding the historical context of Chinese politics.
Save
The book provides an accessible overview of the Chinese political system, from its history to its current challenges.
Provides a comprehensive history of China's relations with the world. It would be a useful resource for students who want to understand the historical context of China's current foreign policy.
Save
Examines the political dynamics among China's elite leaders. It would be a helpful resource for students who want to understand how decisions are made at the highest levels of the Chinese government.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese politics, both domestic and international. It would be a useful reference for students who want to gain a broad understanding of the course material.
Save
Provides a historical overview of Chinese politics, from the revolution to the present day. It would be a useful resource for students who want to understand the historical context of the course material.
Save
Provides a comprehensive history of the People's Republic of China, from its founding to the present day. It would be a useful resource for students who want to understand the historical context of the course material.
Provides a comprehensive overview of China's economic reforms. It would be a useful resource for students who want to understand the economic challenges facing China.
Provides a detailed analysis of the Chinese economy. It would be a useful resource for students who want to understand the economic challenges facing China.
Save
Provides a comprehensive history of China's foreign relations. It would be a useful resource for students who want to understand the historical context of China's current foreign policy.
Save
Provides a detailed history of China's quest for great power status. It would be a useful resource for students who want to understand the historical context of China's current foreign policy.
"Understanding Chinese Politics" introduces the key concepts and institutions of Chinese politics. Its clear and concise explanations make it an excellent resource for students who want to develop a foundational understanding of the topic.
Offers a detailed analysis of the legal system in the People's Republic of China, including its structure, sources of law, and the role of the courts. It provides a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the legal framework of China.
Provides a detailed analysis of China's debt問題, including its causes, consequences, and potential risks. It valuable resource for understanding the challenges facing China's economy.
Provides a controversial analysis of China's long-term strategy for global dominance. It valuable resource for understanding the potential challenges facing the United States and other countries in the years to come.
Provides a detailed analysis of the health effects of a plant-based diet, based on research conducted in China. It valuable resource for understanding the potential health benefits of adopting a plant-based diet.
This classic work of military strategy provides insights into the principles of war and the importance of deception, flexibility, and surprise. It valuable resource for understanding the strategic thinking of ancient China.
This ancient Chinese text provides insights into the principles of change and the interconnectedness of all things. It valuable resource for understanding the philosophical and spiritual traditions of China.
Save
This collection of sayings and teachings provides insights into the moral and ethical principles of Confucianism. It valuable resource for understanding the philosophical and religious traditions of China.
Save
This classic work of Taoist philosophy provides insights into the nature of reality and the importance of living in harmony with the Tao. It valuable resource for understanding the philosophical and spiritual traditions of China.
This epic novel tells the story of the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. It valuable resource for understanding the historical and cultural traditions of China.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ipc92y/chinese
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Effort
7 weeks of study, 3-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Instructor
David Zweig
Language
English
Transcripts
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Good to know
Profound analysis of contemporary Chinese governance and society, designed for intermediate learners who seek deeper knowledge of the topic
Explores the intersection of politics and economics in China, a unique and highly relevant topic in today's globalized world
Taught by David Zweig, an experienced scholar and professor recognized for his expertise in Chinese studies
Offers a comprehensive overview of Chinese political and economic systems, from their origins to their current state
Examines the role of societal engagement in Chinese politics, a crucial aspect of understanding the country's governance
Provides a valuable foundation for further study or research on China-related topics
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