Over the last thirty years, China’s political reforms have not kept pace with its economic transformation. But some change has occurred, and pressures for additional reform are apparent. This small seminar will focus on three areas where limited, but meaningful reforms, have occurred: legislative politics, village elections, and socio-legal reform. Several weeks will be devoted to each topic, and students will complete a research project on an under-explored aspect of Chinese legislatures, grassroots elections, or legal change (or another issue related to political reform, pending approval by the instructor).
The course is designed, and will be conducted, like a graduate seminar. Students who enroll must be ready to do all the reading in advance of seminar meetings and to participate actively in class discussions. Some prior study of Chinese politics, economics, or society is highly recommended.
Political Science Majors of Junior and Senior status, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.3. Students must place themselves on the waitlist through TeleBEARS. Selection and notification will occur around August 9, 2010