This course examines the foreign policy of China, the only other country that is capable and intends to reorganize the world, with profound implications for all of us. We will explore the history of Chinese foreign relations, Chinese worldviews and diplomatic tradition, with analysis of China's international position in the post-Cold War world. The focus of the course will be on the key factors, considerations, and limitations in the making and implementation of Chinese foreign policy. Finally, the course will discuss the major challenges and issues Beijing now faces abroad and assess its actions, with the backdrop of the rapidly rising Chinese power and in the context of U.S.-China relations.
There is no special requirement for this course except a willingness to read, think, and learn. The class will be organized as a seminar with a clear emphasis on having an extensive classroom participation of the students. The assigned readings are expected to be finished before classes.
An effort of following the current events relevant to the PRC especially its foreign relations is highly encouraged.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
Course content, activities, and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
· Intercultural Competence
· Perspective-Taking
· Persuasion
Marc Lanteigne, Chinese Foreign Policy: An Introduction, 4th Edition, Routledge, 2020.
Fei-Ling Wang, The China Race: Global Competition for Alternative World Orders, SUNY Press, 2024.
Additional handout materials will be posted on Canvas.
Requirement Marks (%)
Participation/Attendance 200 20
First test 300 30
Group Project 200 20
Second test 300 30
Total 1,000 100
More than two unexcused absences will incur penalty.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.