Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3202: China in World Affairs

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to provide you with the analytical tools to critically examine China’s evolving role in world politics. You will develop a keen awareness of the theoretical and conceptual debates surrounding China’s rise and gain an appreciation of the ways in which China’s historical legacy have shaped its worldview and foreign policy. This theoretical, conceptual and historical knowledge will then be applied to analyse China’s contemporary international relations and global governance role. Through a detailed case-study focus on some of China’s bilateral, regional and institutional relationships as well as its involvement in key thematic global governance challenges, you will complete this module with a solid understanding of the complexities surrounding China’s global role in the 21st century.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. analyse key theoretical frameworks and contemporary debates on China’s rise;
2. identify and evaluate the various factors influencing Chinese foreign policy and global engagement;
3. assess China’s major bilateral, regional and institutional relationships;
4. critically analyse China’s evolving role in global governance.
Discipline-Specific Skills5. critically evaluate competing IR theories as they relate to China;
6. deploy theoretical arguments and apply them to empirical case studies.
Personal and Key Skills7. conduct independent research and write cogent analytical essays;
8. exercise critical independent thinking and formulate critical arguments;
9. communicate effectively through submitted written work and seminar contributions.