Key facts
UNE unit code: PAIS380
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit provides you with a thorough examination of government and politics in the People’s Republic of China.
Throughout, you will focus on political reform and change since the early 1980s, including reform of institutions, the changing role of the Chinese Communist Party, political effects of economic and social change, state-society relations, ‘democratisation’ and ‘legitimacy’. You will also examine the interaction between Chinese domestic politics and foreign policy.
In doing so, you will build a broad knowledge of Chinese political institutions and processes, the extent and significance of recent political reforms in China, the significance and implications of recent political trends in China and current dilemmas and tensions of Chinese politics.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the principal Chinese political institutions and processes, and the extent and significance of recent political reforms in China;
- understand political trends in contemporary China, the significance and implications of these political trends, current dilemmas and tensions of Chinese politics, and the interaction between Chinese domestic politics and foreign policy;
- independently develop, through synthesising and evaluating evidence from a range of sources, coherent arguments about contemporary political developments in China and communicate these in a clear fashion; and
- display well-developed research, analytical and written communication skills through the planning and execution of assigned work in which they examine particular aspects of contemporary Chinese politics.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Online quiz No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Online quiz No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Governance and Politics of China
ISBN: 9781350353220
Saich, T., Bloomsbury Academic 5th ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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