Studying at York
The Political Economy of Global China - POL00112M
- Department: Politics and International Relations
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
This module examines the interplay between China’s economic rise and its global impact within the framework of contemporary political economy. Students will explore the dynamics shaping China’s integration into global capitalism and its implications for international power relations.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
China’s economic emergence and expanding geopolitical influence have profoundly reshaped the contemporary global landscape, challenging traditional alliances and reforming global governance structures. This module explores the evolution of China’s rise, dealing with multiple issues involving global power dynamics. Beginning with discussions on domestic policies and institutional frameworks, students will examine historical and theoretical perspectives of China’s reform and opening-up. This entails different interpretations of the Chinese state and economic development, navigating through concepts such as state capitalism and socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Building on this foundation, the module delves into the various facets of China’s presence in global trade, investment, and finance. Discussions will revolve around topics such as national security strategies, South-South cooperation, and dependency relations, aiming to assess the interplay between China’s economic prominence and its regional influence in Asia and assertive engagements with non-Western countries.
Moreover, the module explores China’s interactions and conflicts with the United States and other major capitalist economies, offering insights into global power disputes. Final considerations will focus on the policies and consequences of China’s development agenda, including environmental initiatives and technological pursuits.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module, a student should be able to:
- Demonstrate proficient research skills by independently gathering and interpreting data and reaching logical conclusions in searching key factors driving China’s rise.
- Analysing shifts in global power dynamics, examining the impact of China on existing global structures, alliances, and multilateral institutions.
- Develop communicative skills by engaging in debates and illustrating the application of political economy theories and concepts to analyse issues in China’s global engagements.
- Exhibit strong interpersonal skills through effective leadership and collaboration with peers to achieve collective goals, including engaging in group work, collaborative projects, problem-solving exercises, and delivering group
presentations.
Module content
Module content:
Week 1: Introduction to Global China
Week 2: Historical Context of China’s Economic Reforms
Week 3: Domestic Political Economy of China
Week 4: China’s Financial System and the Global Neoliberal Order
Week 5: The Politics of China’s Trade and Investments Overseas
Week 6: China’s Engagement in the Global South: Strategic Alliances or Subjugation?
Week 7: Regional Dynamics: China’s Influence in Asia
Week 8: Global Power Rivalries
Week 9: The Politics behind the Race for Technological Supremacy
Week 10: Implications and Strategies of China’s Environmental Policy
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s feedback and guidance hours.
Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 25 working days; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s regular feedback and guidance hours.
Indicative reading
Indicative:
Core reading:
Franceschini, Ivan, and Nicholas Loubere. 2022. Global China as Method. Elements in Global China, Cambridge University Press.
Jenkins, Rhys, and Rhys Jenkins. 2022. How China Is Reshaping the Global Economy: Development Impacts in Africa and Latin America. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.
Pearson, Margaret M., Meg Rithmire, and Kellee Tsai. 2023. The State and Capitalism in China. Cambridge University Press.
Strange, Austin. 2023. Chinese Global Infrastructure. Elements in Global China, Cambridge University Press.