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China’s Economic Transformation Part 1

Economic Reform and Growth in China

Albert Park

In 1978, after nearly 30 years of socialist planning under Mao Zedong, China was one of the world’s poorest countries, saddled with an inefficient, inward-looking economy. Today, China is an upper-middle income country and the world’s largest trading nation, contributing more to global economic growth than any other nation. How could such a remarkable transformation take place?

This course will examine in detail the reforms that have contributed to China’s economic development and the current challenges facing the Chinese economy. After completing this course, you will be able to:

- describe the origin and consequences of China’s key economic reforms since 1978;

- explain how features of China’s fiscal and financial systems have impacted development outcomes;

- assess the extent to which China has integrated itself into the global economy and the consequences of such integration for China and other countries;

- explain the importance of different sources of economic growth during different periods since 1978; and

- critically assess the economic and policy challenges facing China going forward.

This course does not offer certificate at the moment.

Course Overview video: https://youtu.be/YBkhpvWUoIw

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What's inside

Syllabus

Orientation and Module 1: China’s Gradualist Reforms

In this module, we will introduce you to China's gradualist reforms. But before you start with the lectures, please watch the Course Overview, review the Assignment and Grading page, and introduce yourself to other learners who will be studying this course with you.

Module 2: Fiscal and Financial System Reform

In this module, we will focus on China's fiscal and financial system reform.

Module 3: Globalization: Trade and Foreign Direct Investment

In this module, we will focus on China's trade and foreign direct investment. Apart from regular lectures, we will visit firms in China to understand the impact of foreign direct investment on them. We will also have interviews and discussions with leading scholars to provide greater insight into what is happening in the areas of China's outbound foreign direct investment and the internationalization of the Renminbi.

Module 4: Economic Growth and Structural Change

In this module, we will focus on China's economic growth and structural change.

Module 5: Governance and Current Challenges

In this module, we will focus on China's governance and current challenges. Apart from regular lectures, we will visit firms in China to understand the impact of rising wages on them.

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

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for learners interested in the development of a particular nation's economy

Provides a comprehensive overview of China's economic reforms since 1978

Examines the impact of China's globalization on the global economy

Taught by experts in the field of Chinese economics

Features interviews and discussions with leading scholars in the field

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Reviews summary

In-depth china economics

According to students, this engaging course on China's economic transformation is widely received as well-presented and informative as it provides an in-depth look into the country's rapid economic growth since 1978. Learners found the diverse lecture formats, including expert interviews and on-site company visits, to be particularly helpful. The course is well-suited for those with some prior knowledge of economics but is still accessible to those who do not. Overall, students highly recommend this course, praising its quality and depth.

Focuses on China's unique economic journey

"a good step toward understanding China!"

"This course provides an in depth analysis into China's economic transformation."

"Its just right for someone with an intermediate/moderate grasp of economics without being too complex to follow."

Well-organized and easy-to-follow content

"The course is well-structured and the presentations by course's professor is very informative."

"Well, the course did a good job of summarizing and presenting major interesting topics about Modern China."

"An accessible, comprehensive and nonpartisan introduction to China's economic transformation"

Lectures supplemented by interviews and on-site visits

"Very insightful course. I particular like the integration of lectures, panel interviews, and company visits."

"Best course Ive taken on coursera, really interesting and balanced view of changes in the Chinese economy."

"In about 12 hours, I have learned the process China went through in transforming its economy... The lecture videos were easy to follow. The on-site interviews enhanced the course materials."

Some content may be outdated

"it is still a little behind. China nowadays, especially in this post-covid era, had changed dramatically both in political and economical terms."

"the growth rate was about 3.3%, far less than 7-8%."

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 China’s Economic Transformation Part 1: Economic Reform and Growth in China with these activities:

Practice answering multiple-choice questions on China's economic policies

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Improve your understanding and retention of China's economic policies through repetitive practice.

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Identify key concepts and theories related to China's economic policies.
Practice answering multiple-choice questions on these concepts.
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.

Participate in a peer discussion on China's fiscal and financial system

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Enhance your understanding through peer collaboration and exchange of perspectives on China's fiscal and financial system.

Browse courses on Chinese Economy

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Join a peer discussion group or forum.
Prepare talking points based on the course materials.
Engage actively in discussions, sharing your insights and learning from others.

Follow tutorials on Chinese economic data analysis

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Enhance your understanding of China's economic data and its implications by following guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Chinese Economy

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Identify relevant economic data sources.
Follow tutorials on data cleaning and analysis techniques.
Interpret the results of your analysis and draw insights.

Five other activities

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Review 'China's Economic Reform'

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Reinforce your understanding of China's economic development by reviewing an authoritative book on the subject.

View The China Miracle: Development Strategy and... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and first chapter.
Summarize the key arguments and findings of each chapter.
Identify the main challenges and opportunities facing China's economy.

Review 'China's Economic Miracle'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of China's economic transformation by reviewing an acclaimed book on the subject.

View The Chinese Economy, second edition: Adaptation... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and first chapter.
Summarize the key arguments and findings of each chapter.
Compare and contrast different perspectives on China's economic development.

Write a blog post on China's economic outlook

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Solidify your knowledge and develop your communication skills by writing a blog post on China's economic outlook.

Browse courses on Chinese Economy

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Research and gather data on China's economy.
Identify key trends and factors influencing China's economic growth.
Write a well-structured blog post outlining your analysis and insights.

Contribute to an open-source project related to China's economy

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Apply your knowledge and skills by contributing to an open-source project related to China's economy.

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Identify open-source projects related to China's economy.
Choose a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
Make meaningful contributions to the project, such as code improvements, documentation, or issue resolution.

Participate in a hackathon or competition focused on China's economic challenges

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Challenge yourself and apply your knowledge to real-world problems by participating in a hackathon or competition focused on China's economic challenges.

Browse courses on Chinese Economy

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Identify hackathons or competitions related to China's economy.
Form a team or join an existing one.
Develop innovative solutions to address the challenges presented in the competition.

Career center

Learners who complete China’s Economic Transformation Part 1: Economic Reform and Growth in China will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Economist

Economists study how resources are allocated in an economy. They analyze data, develop models, and make recommendations on economic policy. This course may help prepare you for a career as an Economist by providing a deep understanding of China's economic reforms and growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Economists who work on China-related issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide advice and recommendations on investments and financial planning. They analyze financial data, develop models, and make recommendations to clients. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Financial Analyst by providing a deep understanding of China's financial system and economic growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Financial Analysts who work on China-related investments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

International Business Consultant

International Business Consultants advise businesses on how to operate in foreign markets. They analyze market opportunities, develop strategies, and implement plans. This course may help prepare you for a career as an International Business Consultant by providing a deep understanding of China's economy and business environment. The course covers topics such as globalization, trade and foreign direct investment, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for International Business Consultants who work on China-related projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Consultant

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers advise businesses on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions. They analyze financial data, develop models, and make recommendations to clients. This course may help prepare you for a career as an Investment Banker by providing a deep understanding of China's financial system and economic growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Investment Bankers who work on China-related transactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their operations and performance. They analyze data, develop recommendations, and implement plans. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Management Consultant by providing a deep understanding of China's economy and business environment. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Management Consultants who work on China-related projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They develop recommendations and advise policymakers. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Policy Analyst by providing a deep understanding of China's economic reforms and growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Policy Analysts who work on China-related issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They work with teams of people to achieve project goals. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Project Manager by providing a deep understanding of China's economy and business environment. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Project Managers who work on China-related projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Researcher

Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics. They analyze data, develop theories, and publish their findings. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Researcher by providing a deep understanding of China's economic reforms and growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Researchers who work on China-related topics.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales targets. They develop sales strategies, manage budgets, and track performance. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Sales Manager by providing a deep understanding of China's economy and business environment. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Sales Managers who work on China-related sales teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Strategy Consultant

Strategy Consultants advise businesses on how to achieve their strategic goals. They analyze data, develop recommendations, and implement plans. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Strategy Consultant by providing a deep understanding of China's economy and business environment. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Strategy Consultants who work on China-related projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strategy Consultant

Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, and assess student learning. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Teacher by providing a deep understanding of China's economic reforms and growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Teachers who teach about China or who work with Chinese students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes. They may write articles, books, speeches, or other types of text. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Writer by providing a deep understanding of China's economic reforms and growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Writers who write about China or who work with Chinese audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Editor

Editors review, edit, and proofread written content. They may work for newspapers, magazines, publishing houses, or other organizations. This course may help prepare you for a career as an Editor by providing a deep understanding of China's economic reforms and growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Editors who work on content about China or who work with Chinese authors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, or other media outlets. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Journalist by providing a deep understanding of China's economic reforms and growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Journalists who cover China or who report on Chinese issues.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They may work in libraries, schools, or other organizations. This course may help prepare you for a career as a Librarian by providing a deep understanding of China's economic reforms and growth. The course covers topics such as fiscal and financial system reform, globalization, and economic growth and structural change. This knowledge may be valuable for Librarians who work with Chinese materials or who serve Chinese patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 China’s Economic Transformation Part 1: Economic Reform and Growth in China.

The Chinese Economy, second edition

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Provides a comprehensive overview of China's economic transformation since 1978. It covers the key reforms that have contributed to China's economic development, as well as the challenges facing the Chinese economy going forward.

China’s Economic Transformation Part 1

Economic Reform and Growth in China

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

In-depth china economics

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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