Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module SGIA42315: POLITICAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE BUSINESS

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA42315: POLITICAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE BUSINESS

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Not available in 2021/22
Tied to L2K707
Tied to L2K407
Tied to M1K507
Tied to M9K607
Tied to M9L007
Tied to M1K607

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The aim of this module is to explore conceptual and empirical understanding on the study of Chinese culture and business relations. Chinese business culture refers to the fluidity of Chinese business concepts, philosophy and practice. Development refers to the continuity and changes that generated from these Chinese business ideas. We try to understand the interaction between business and culture through the transnational studies and the contexts of international political economy.

Content

  • The module will have one business meeting and eight seminars.
  • To understand various meanings of Chinese business relations such as: Confucius capitalism, Chinese business networks, Chinese business negotiation, political business relations, diasporic business relations, cross strait relations, financial centres of Chinese societies and the future of Chinese business and economic challenges.
  • It is expected that these areas can cover some important issues behind Chinese business culture and the practical values behind those concepts in understanding the changes of the current development activities.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • An advanced understanding of the understanding of Chinese business philosophy.
  • A critical appreciation of the interaction between Chinese business culture and practice.
  • Advanced knowledge of China's role in the world market and the position of the overseas Chinese business networks.
  • Advance knowledge of China’s monitory and financial powers in the current financial system.
  • An advanced understanding of cross strait business networks and negotiation.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • The ability to use and critique relevant advanced theoretical understanding of the notion of Chinese business culture and philosophy.
  • A critical understanding of the relations among business ideas, practice, economic powers and regional economic relations.
  • An ability to critically evaluate the significance of Chinese culture and business interactions.
Key Skills:
  • Independent learning within a defined framework of study at an advanced level.
  • Independent thought in analysing and critiquing existing scholarship on the subject area and in evaluating its contribution.
  • The ability to work to a deadline and complete written work within word limits.
  • Advanced essay-writing skills.
  • The ability to seek out and use relevant data sources, including electronic bibliographic sources.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The modes of teaching are seminars, which allow the students to discuss freely the assigned topics. Guidelines will be given by the tutor. At MA level, seminar is appropriate to the students because they are from different academic backgrounds. Seminars also allow a better exchange of views and ideas.
  • Assessment is through formative presentation and discussion, as well as summative essay on a specific topic. Essay writing is an appropriate method with the maximum freedom for the students to respond with what they have learnt.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 9 Weekly 2 hours 18
Preparation and Reading 132
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 4,000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Individual presentation and being a discussant. Presentation outline (around 500 words).


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University