Course Overview

During the last decades, the international sphere of influence has been marked by Western countries. However, new nations, with different cultures, historical processes and objectives are beginning to compete for international prominence. In this scenario, the rise of China in the international scheme cannot be understood only from economic growth, but also from its political attitude and the cooperation mechanisms used.
In this configuration, China is now the EU's second-biggest trading partner behind the United States and the EU is China's biggest trading partner. Also, China, was the fourth foreign investor in the EU in 2020.This leads to opportunities, challenges and risks. In
this context, this course aims to be a contribution for students in order to integrate new knowledge that allows to negotiate and cooperate with China, and that at the same time strengthen the understanding of the evolution of this actor in the international context.

Learning Outcomes

Know key aspects of the Chinese economy, politics and culture, placing s pecialemphasis on aspects that encourage comprehensive relations between both regions.
- Strengthen skills for a senior management career based on China-related projects.
- Understand theoretical and empirical knowledge that allows analyzing the fundamental elements related to contemporary China.
- Analyze the main 21st century international trade initiative led by China: The belt and road initiative.

Course Content

The origins and geography of China.
Late Imperial China 1600-1911
The ROC 1912-1949
The People's Republic of China 1949-Present
Constitution and legal system of China
Political System of China
China Economic Policy
China Development Policy
China's Agricultural Policy
Human Rights in China
China Trade Policy
China financial system and institutions
China and relations with Special Administrative Regions
China's Defense Policy
China's Foreign Policy
Media in China
Intellectual Property Rights in China
Digital payments
5G connection and Huawei
E-yuan and digital currency
Chinese and European Union
China and East Asia
China and India
China and the United States
China and Africa
The belt and road initiative
China and the Asia Pacific
China and the World Trade Organization
China and the United Nations

Instructional Method

This course was developed from an “Active and Collaborative Learning” perspective.
The active learning approach is based on collaborative, inquiry-based, student–centered approach to teaching, in which students are actively involved in their own knowledge acquisition.

Required Course Materials

Computers (google docs)

Assessment

Video presentation of the student applying one route in the “belt road”according to economic and business criteria.
- Discussions, Moderations, Team Contributions – Student is expected to (1) complete all the assigned readings for the designated week by the due date listed, (2) have an active presence in class discussions, and (3) aim to contribute to the learning of the whole group, through moderations, participation, and peer review of discussions and team activities.
- Portfolio