The re-emergence of China as a great power has raised important questions relating to its role in international politics and the likely consequences for world order. This course will critically assess the theoretical and conceptual debates surrounding China’s rise, as well as the ways in which China’s historical legacy has shaped its worldview, foreign policy and evolving global engagement. Particular attention will be given to four main areas: (1) key theoretical and conceptual approaches to interpret China’s rise, as well as the connections between China’s history and contemporary debates on its foreign policy; (2) the main drivers of China’s global engagement; (3) China’s evolving relations around the world; (4) and the processes of competition, contestation and cooperation in key areas of global governance. The course aims to provide students with the ability to navigate theoretical and conceptual debates, and gain nuanced insights into the complexities of China's evolving global engagement.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Critically analyse key theoretical and conceptual frameworks on China's rise
- Assess key debates on Chinese foreign and security policy in the scholarly literature and critically evaluate the key factors influencing China's global engagement
- Apply historical and conceptual knowledge of Chinese foreign policy to analyse China's contemporary international relations
- Develop strong written and oral skills for discussing and analysing Chinese foreign policy
- Conduct independent research and write cogent analytical essays
Other Information
The course is conducted through seminars with an emphasis on interactive teaching aimed at engaging all students in active participation.
Indicative Assessment
- Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Group Oral Presentation (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Essay 1 (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Research Essay 2 (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 130 hours comprising seminars as well as associated preparation, independent study, and assessment time.
Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
To be advised.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8277 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |