IR3046 Foreign Policy of Modern China

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Mon 10am

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr C Zhang

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr C Zhang

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will provide an introduction to the major foreign policy issues and challenges facing the People's Republic of China in the post-cold war world. The primary focus will be on Beijing's evolving opening to the international system since 1949, from Maoist to post-Maoist and post-Dengist global linkages and cooperation. The module will also examine domestic actors in China's foreign policymaking, including the CCP and the People's Liberation Army, and the effects of China's economic development and reforms. Specific regional case studies will be discussed, including changing Sino-American relations and China's relations with the Asia-Pacific region.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

278

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • the development of China's foreign relations since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949;
  • the process of, and influences upon, foreign policy-making in China;
  • the major issues facing China as it develops its regional and global policies;
  • China's widening role in modern international relations;
  • China's role in the disciplines of IR and comparative politics