| Part II | Option | Convenor: Professor William J. Hurst |
Course Description 2025-26
This paper is designed to give the intended specialist a grounding in the current academic literature and debates on Chinese politics. This is not an introduction to Chinese political history or a foundational course on Chinese politics or international relations (for this, see C10). For students looking for additional background on Chinese politics in the Maoist and Reform eras or the general sweep of Chinese political history, I recommend Kenneth Lieberthal’s textbook on the Chinese political system, Governing China, as well as Jonathan Spence’s masterful survey history text (particularly for the period 1840-1980), In Search of Modern China. The goal for this paper is for students to have a firm grounding in the current key debates and scholarly perspectives on Chinese politics as the research field currently stands by the end of the paper.
Seminar format. Students will be expected to attend and participate fully in class discussions. There are no lectures or supervisions.
Form and Conduct
The paper will be assessed by two essays (1500 words each) on set topics drawn from the paper (3000 words total). Both essays will be submitted at the start of Easter Term.
This description is subject to change, for the latest information, students should consult the Undergraduate Handbook available on the Faculty Intranet.