University of Technology Sydney

976111 Contemporary China

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Global Societies
Credit points: 8 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (976001 Foundations in International Studies AND 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): CBK90005 Country Choice combined Degrees with BA IntStud) OR ((64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09089 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09091 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09093-C09096, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Honours OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10359 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10361-C10364, and Category Type = Bachelor's Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10365-C10368, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10369 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10370 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Bachelor of International Studies OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10371 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10372-C10383, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10276 Bachelor of Music and Sound Design OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10277 Bachelor of Music and Sound Design Bachelor of International Studies))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 979510 Contemporary China

Description

This subject introduces students to contemporary China and its historical, social, economic, and political dimensions in local, national, and global perspectives. The subject provides students with learning and skills to identify, understand, and analyze issues in contemporary society and economy through theoretical and methodological frameworks for comparative intercultural research. A combination of lecture-based, independent, and collaborative learning supports students to develop research-led analytical capacity specific to China Studies, with particular attention to cultural difference, social change, the Chinese political economy, and the challenges of contending information and values. Students develop critical thinking capacity through both oral and written assignments based on the multidisciplinary nature of the subject.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Reflect on and analyse contemporary China in its historical, political, cultural, social, and economic dimensions.
b. Employ approaches and frameworks to engage in historical, political, cultural, social and economic inquiry.
c. Apply knowledges of China ethically in their reflective and inquiry-based works.
d. Demonstrate critical problem-solving and research-led analytical skills in the context of China.
e. Communicate effectively in English the findings of independent inquiries and reflections in written form.
f. Maintain good academic practice, observing ethics and referencing standards.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):

  • Evaluate critically theoretical and specialised knowledge of contemporary societies, cultures and workplaces. (INT.2.1)
  • Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and/or internationally. (INT.3.1)
  • Engage critically with current issues to act in socially responsible ways in Australian and international settings. (INT.5.1)
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken language using diverse digital technologies. (INT.6.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Contemporary China combines lectures, tutorials, collaborative in-class learning, self-study and individual research.

Lectures provide students with an overview of key information, theoretical concepts, and historical context. Assigned readings and in-class activities encourage students to reflect on and engage with the class material, providing students with the training and skills required to complete the assessment tasks.

Before each tutorial, students are expected to have completed all of the preparation activities assigned. Online lectures and guiding questions help students to focus on the most important aspects of these activities. Students must come to class prepared to discuss the material and raise questions.

Tutorials consist of whole class and small group discussions that extend the preparatory learning. Tutorials focus on development of student understanding and provide formative feedback for assessment tasks. Tutorial activities focus on developing the analytical and literacy skills required for this subject and subsequent study.

Students receive peer and academic feedback on an initial journal entry early in the session and will have the opportunity to workshop their topic and initial ideas for the literature review.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Reflective Learning Journal Part 1

Objective(s):

a, c, d, e and f

Weight: 20%
Length:

Introduction and 2 x 300 word reflections. Up to but not more than 800 words.

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Relevance and strength of evidence 20 c INT.2.1
Depth of reflection 30 a INT.3.1
Strength of scholarly analysis 30 d INT.2.1, INT.5.1
Coherence, clarity of expression and presentation 20 e, f INT.5.1, INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Literature Review

Objective(s):

a, b, c, d, e and f

Weight: 40%
Length:

Up to but not more than 1200 words.
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Relevance and appropriateness of topic 15 a, b, c INT.2.1, INT.3.1
Depth of analysis 55 a, b, c, d INT.2.1, INT.3.1, INT.5.1
Clarity and organisation 15 e INT.6.1
Adherence to ethics and referencing standards 15 f INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Reflective Learning Journal Part 2

Objective(s):

a, c, d, e and f

Weight: 40%
Length:

500 words Introduction and 3 x 300 word edited reflections. Up to but not more than 1400 words.
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Relevance and strength of evidence 20 c INT.2.1
Depth of reflection 30 a INT.3.1
Strength of scholarly analysis 30 d INT.2.1, INT.5.1
Coherence, clarity of expression and presentation 20 e, f INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

To pass this subject, students must submit all assessment tasks and non-graded online preparation tasks, and achieve a total of at least 50% on the combined total of marks from the graded assessment tasks.

Required texts

See this Subject Outline and 976111_Readings (available with e-links on UTSOnline).

Students should be aware of the Policies and Procedures for Assessment of Coursework Subjects.

Recommended texts

Recommended reading materials and China specialist websites

Scholarly texts:

  • Marc Blecher, David S. G. Goodman, Yingjie Guo, Jean-Louis Rocca, and Beibei Tang, eds. 2022. Class and the Communist Party of China, 1978–2021: Reform and Market Socialism. Routledge.
  • Fei Xiaotong. 1988. 'Plurality and Unity in the Configuration of the Chinese People'. The Tanner Lectures on Human Values. The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
  • Rongxing Guo. 2013. Understanding the Chinese Economies. Academic Press.
  • Tamara Jacka, Andrew B. Kipnis, and Sally Sargeson. 2013. Contemporary China: Society and Social Change. Cambridge University Press.
  • Margaret E. Roberts. Censored: Distraction and Diversion Inside China's Great Firewall. Princeton University Press.

International China Studies scholarly journals:

International specialist media and scholarly sites:

Chinese state media in English:

References

Please see the list of subject readings in Canvas.