IR373 Half Unit
China and the Global South
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Professor Chris Alden CBG.9.04
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in International Relations, BSc in International Relations and Chinese, BSc in International Relations and History and BSc in Politics and International Relations. This course is not available as an outside option. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Pre-requisites
Foreign Policy Analysis (IR202)
Course content
This course focuses on the substantive role that China plays in the Global South where its preponderance of material power and putative developing country status confers upon it a dominant position in bilateral and regional political economies. China's economic position, coupled to an astute use of finances flowing from its mercantilist policies, has enabled it to become the leading trading partner and a significant investor in the developing world. Moreover, the Global South is increasingly figuring in Beijing's expanding security interests and soft power provisions. Interpretations embedded in prevailing academic discourses like socialisation, threat and peaceful rise take on new meaning when studied through the lens of ties with developing countries. Understanding how dynamics in this relationship are impacting upon a host of global and contemporary issues (BRICs, multilateralism, peacekeeping, the environment) is crucial to the shape of the 21st century.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 20 hours across Michaelmas Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online lectures and in-person classes/classes delivered online. Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 book review in MT.
Indicative reading
Chris Alden and Chris R Hughes, 'Harmony, Discord and Learning in China's Foreign Policy', China Quarterly, Special Issue (No.9 December 2009), pp.13-34
Chris Alden, 'China and Africa - The Relationship Matures', Strategic Analysis (36:5 2012), pp.701-707
Kevin Gallagher, The China Triangle: Latin America's China Boom and the Fate of the Washington Consensus (OUP: 2016)
David Shambaugh, China Goes Global: The Partial Power (OUP: 2014)
Carol Wise and Margaret Myers (eds), The Political Economy of China-Latin American Relations in the New Millennium: Brave New World (Routledge: 2016)
Assessment
Essay (75%, 3000 words) in the LT.
Presentation (25%) in the MT.
During the course of the seminars students will participate in a group presentation (25%) and submit a 3,000 word essay (75%) at the start of the LT.
Student performance results
(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| First | 63.2 |
| 2:1 | 33.8 |
| 2:2 | 2.9 |
| Third | 0 |
| Fail | 0 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: International Relations
Total students 2019/20: 30
Average class size 2019/20: 14
Capped 2019/20: Yes (31)
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
