PLT2631

China: revolution versus pragmatism

Dennis Woodward

8 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Caulfield

Objectives On successful completion of the subject students should have developed a critical understanding of contemporary Chinese society; the relationship between economic, social and political reform; the relationship between stable government and revolutionary ideals; Maoism; and the nature of political power in contemporary China.

Synopsis The subject will focus on debates about the desired economic and political development of the People's Republic of China. Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between economic, social and political reform, the nature of socialism in China and the relationship between the Chinese Communist Party, the army and the state apparatus. Recurring themes throughout the subject will be the relationship between the state and the individual, China's changing relationship with the outside world, and the changing role of ideology in the People's Republic of China.

Assessment Essay (3000 words): 40% - Tutorial participation: 10% - Examination (3 hours): 50%

Prescribed texts

Wang J Contemporary Chinese politics Prentice-Hall, 1992

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