KIN4350 ¨C China ¨C Features of A New Geopolitical Power

Course content

The People¡¯s Republic of China (PRC) has undoubtedly risen to global power status over the past two decades. This rise is not only noticeable in the classic areas of geopolitics, which typically include diplomatic strategies, territorial claims, and military buildup. China is, for example, also a linchpin of global trade flows and supply chains, creates world-leading capacities in science and high-tech applications, and invests in the building of logistical and commercial infrastructure on all continents. While Chinese activities and influence around the globe are increasingly met with skepticism or even opposition in Northern-America and most of Europe, partnerships and collaboration with entities from the PRC are often welcomed and desired in other regions of the world. Altogether, it has therefore become essential to understand the many features of China¡¯s geopolitical rise, as well as the effects this has on other countries and, in turn, on China itself again.

On the basis of the lecturers¡¯ cutting-edge empirical research and a selection of topical academic texts, this course will build knowledge about China¡¯s status and orientation in global politics. Classes will deal with concrete areas, institutions, and actor constellations in which we can observe Chinese geopolitics. Attention will be paid to how China shapes and is in turn shaped by its geopolitical activities. Course participants will be able to expand on the course content via case studies and project work. Furthermore, at the example of the Chinese case, classes will foster a critical discussion of concepts commonly used to describe types and tools of modern geopolitics, such as "neo-imperialism", "soft and sharp power", or "techno-nationalism". ?

Learning outcome

You?will gain:

• Basic knowledge of China¡¯s current global role and the impact of its geopolitics on different world regions
• Access to innovative social science and humanities-based approaches to studying geopolitics in the 21st century
• Insights into different areas of relevance for China¡¯s global integration and geopolitical activity, supported by concrete case studies
• The ability to include different perspectives in an interpretation of current dynamics in world politics
• Skills in communicating about China¡¯s global role to a broader audience

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.

Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Teaching

The course is made up of ten live sessions, which usually consist of a lecture by a local or invited instructors combined with seminar discussions, project work, and other teaching and exchange formats.?Each session is accompanied by selected?preparatory readings.

Compulsory activities:

• Paper outline

As the compulsory activity in this class, students will prepare an outline of the term paper in the second half of the course that will be "peer reviewed" by fellow students and commented on by the course teacher.

An approved outline is only valid for one semester.

All compulsory activities must be approved in order to qualify for the exam.?It is the student¡¯s responsibility to check whether or not the compulsory activities are approved.?

This is how you apply for?valid absence from compulsory activities/compulsory attendance.

Examination

The exam is a term paper of 10 pages (¨¤ 2300 characters, not including bibliography) on a topic of your own choice from the course programme.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.