SA2702 The People's Republic of China

Part I Course Duration: One semester Credit Units: 3 Level: B2 Medium of Instruction: English Prerequisites: Nil Precursors: Nil  Equivalent Courses: Nil Exclusive Courses: GE2210 China: A Socio-Political Transformation                                 GE2209 Market development in China Part II     Course Aims: This course aims to foster students’ interest in learning about China, and to help students acquire a basic understanding of its politics, economics and society. Students will learn to assess some of the major debates concerning the PRC and to participate in them. The course will also develop students’ reading and research skills. Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs)  Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:  No. CILOs Weighting (if applicable) 1. Identify and assess the major political issues in the PRC. 25% 2. Identify and assess the major economic parameters and issues in the PRC. 25% 3. Identify and assess the major social conditions in the PRC. 25% 4. Identify the dominant features and trends of change over time in the above areas. 5% 5. Develop research and writing skills – search for, organize and analyze materials on the subject. 10% 6. Develop communication skills, team-work skills and skills to lead discussion in a group. 10% Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs) (Indicative of likely activities and tasks students will undertake to learn in this course. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course) TLAs Hours/week (if applicable) CILOs to be addressed Reading of one paper or chapter every week on average About 2 1, 2, 3, 4 Writing of short reading reviews (1-page) on papers before tutorials About 1.5 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Lectures: to explain concepts; outline trends and developments; address doubts 2 1, 2, 3, 4 Tutorial discussion 1 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Leading tutorial discussion (each sub-group of students takes turn in leading tutorial discussion) and in-group discussion in preparation for it N/A 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Small group communication before tutorials N/A 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6 Writing of one essay (about 8-pages) on one chosen discussion topic, and the research work in preparation for it N/A 1, 2,3, 4, 5 Blackboard: browsing of learning materials posted;  discussions; feedback About 0. 5 (discussions) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Assessment Tasks/Activities (Indicative of likely activities and tasks students will undertake to learn in this course. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course) Students are required to pass BOTH the coursework assessment AND the examination before they can be awarded an overall passing grade of the course. Type of assessment tasks/activities Weighting CILOs to be addressed Remarks Reading reviews of papers (1 short (1-page) review on one paper before bi-weekly tutorials) 15% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 The writing exercise enables students to grasp the meaning of the reading more effectively. It also fosters students’ confidence during tutorial discussion. Timely submission (before tutorial) is thus important. Essay writing – analytical paper on a selected topic discussed in tutorials (about 8-pages) 25% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Students’ skills in searching for the right kind of readings and materials, organizing materials, analysis, and presentation and writing skills will be enhanced in the process of essay-writing. Class (tutorial) discussion 5% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6   Leading tutorial discussion 5% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 This requires students to prepare well for the topic and then lead discussion among the group. They are expected to respond to remarks from the group and keep the flow of discussion, not simply put forward, or present their own answers. Students’ ability in leadership, communication, as well as substantive intellectual capacity will be enhanced in the process. Final examination 50% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Students’ command of the subject, their scope and depth of understanding, and writing skills are tested here. Grading of Student Achievement:  Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations Standard (A+, A, A-...F)    Part III   Keyword Syllabus: Some handy means to understand PRC. China’s economy in the 21st Century. Market reforms and Open Door Policy. Central planning. Agricultural collectivization. Reconstructing Chinese society. Traditional society and the Confucian social order. The new Socialist Order. Dual social structure. Society under market transition. Revival of civil society. Order and stability concerns. Rule of law. Democracy. China as threat or opportunity to the world.