Politics and Business in post-Mao China

Subject 166-547 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 8 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of International Politics, Master of Public Policy and Management, Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in Political Science or International Politics, or Honours in Political Science or International Studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Pradeep Kumar Taneja

Contact

Dr. Pradeep Taneja
ptaneja@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: Over the past two decades, the role of the Chinese state in the country’s economic development has changed considerably. The state planning agencies no longer decide what and how much should the country’s enterprises produce. Many of the old and inefficient state-owned enterprises have been transformed into market-driven businesses. Some of these companies – still state-controlled – have become global players in sectors such as oil and gas. The so-called non-state companies also occupy an important place in the country’s economy. Ideology is no longer an important factor in decision-making and capitalists are welcome to join the communist party. This course will examine the relationship between the growing power of business and the political process in China. We’ll look at how the emergent class of professional managers and entrepreneurs attempts to convert its economic status into political advantage. A number of theoretical frameworks will be used to explore this relationship, including neo-traditionalism/clientelism, democratisation (civil society) and state corporatism. Students will also be encouraged to compare China’s experience with that of other transitional societies.
Objectives:
  • understand the dynamics of state-society relations in contemporary China
  • become familiar with key frameworks for the analysis of government-business relations
  • develop an understanding of the politics of co-optation within the Chinese context
  • have an understanding of the process and forms of lobbying in China
  • develop a familiarity with the political beliefs of China's private entrepreneurs and managers
Assessment: An essay of 5000 words 100% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of enquiry;
  • be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
  • be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.
Notes:

Formerly available as 166-547. Students who have completed 166-547 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Public Policy and Management(Honours)
Master of Applied Commerce (International)
Master of Applied Commerce (International)
Master of Arts (Asian Societies)
Master of Development Studies(CWT)
Master of International Business
Master of International Business
Master of International Politics
Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Asian Studies
Political Science
Political Science
Political Science
Public Policy and Management

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