PLT4299

China: the quest for modernisation

Dennis Woodward

12 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives To foster an understanding of the nature and impact of the `reforms' in China began in 1978 against the background of historical influences of different development strategies and to examine the interconnections between Chinese politics and economic policies.

Synopsis This subject broadly examines China's attempts to modernise in the wake of the Western impact last century. It will have a political economy emphasis and explore both some key historical debates and the various development strategies pursued in China since 1949. The question of why China failed to have an industrial revolution before Europe despite leading in many of the preconditions, is broached. Whether the impact of imperialism promoted or retarded Chinese development is also explored. Critical examination of the Soviet-inspired First Five Year Plan, the `Maoist' programs of the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, and the various gyrations of the post-Mao `reforms' constitute the main body of the subject. Changes in how modernisation is defined as well as how it is to be attained will be constant themes.

Assessment Essay (6000 words): 50%
* Seminar presentation and participation: 10%
* Examination (3 hours): 40%

Preliminary reading

Grasso J and others Mondernisation and revolution in China Allen and Unwin, 1991
Baum R Burying Mao: Chinese politics in the age of Deng Ziaoping Princeton U P, 1994

Recommended texts

Riskin C China's political economy OUP, 1991