Courses
The Geography of Contemporary China and Its Place in a Globalizing World Economy
In this one-semester seminar we will explore China’s evolving place in greater Asia and the Pacific Rim through regional political-economic integration efforts and globalization processes. This will allow occasional brief introductions of neighboring countries. In China, the primary focus of the course, we will explore the impact of the post-1978 reforms. From agrarian change and rural development, to urban and industrial transformations, to Hong Kong’s return and China’s emergence as a global superpower, we will analyze the complex intertwining of the environmental, political-economic, and socio-cultural aspects of these processes as we interpret the geography of contemporary China. We will begin with an overview of contemporary China, discussing the unique aspects of China’s modern history, contemplating the changes and continuities that exist from one era to the next. Using a variety of theoretical perspectives, we will analyze a series of debates—environment/development conflicts, the moral economy debate, the role of the state, globalization and regional transformation issues, and the roots of the Tian’anmen student and social movement. Theoretical debates will revolve around the concepts and constructs of sustainable development, welfare of the peasantry and vulnerability, changing intra-household relations, modernization and socialist transition. We will follow this with analyses of popular culture, recent issues of Hong Kong’s transition, and border region/minority conflicts. China borders many of the most volatile places in the contemporary world. Thus we will conclude with a discussion of security issues and geopolitics and potential scenarios for China’s future. Other trends in China’s evolving path will also be examined as time permits. Throughout the seminar there will be openness to comparisons with other areas of the world within the context of the broader theoretical and thematic questions mentioned above. Weekly films, mass media, books, and selected readings will be used to inform debate and discussion. A structured conference project will integrate closely with one of the diverse topics of the seminar.