HKIB01031U KIN, Introduction to Contemporary China (E26)

Volume 2026/2027
Education

Bacheloruddannelsen i asienstudier (kinastudier), 2026-ordningen 
Bachelordelen af sidefaget i kinesisk, 2026-ordningen

Content

The course provides a systematic overview of key structures, actors and issues in contemporary China, including China’s geography and demographic trends, its political system, social change and China’s role in the world. Students are introduced to working with academic sources and learn basic information-gathering skills for use in the study of contemporary China.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate:


Knowledge and understanding of 

  • China’s geography, demographics and society, the political systems in the P.R. China and Taiwan and China’s global and regional engagement
  • key events, institutions and actors shaping modern and contemporary China
  • digital tools and resources relevant to the study of contemporary China
  • practical applications of China Studies


Skills in

  • reading, understanding and discussing key texts on contemporary Chinese society, politics and culture
  • locating, assessing and applying information and academic literature on contemporary China
  • discussing current news concerning contemporary China from the media at an academic level.
     

Competencies to 

  • identify and explain key issues in the study of contemporary China
  • use digital tools, including databases, to search for information and data for the study of contemporary China
  • analyse and contextualise current developments and debates concerning China based on relevant academic literature.

Examination-qualified teacher sets a syllabus of approximately 600 standard pages of scientific literature and media texts.

Class teaching with active student participation through student presentations, group work, discussions, and exercises.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 0
  • Total
  • 0
Oral
Individual
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral defence, 30 minutter including asessment
Home assignment, 4-5 standard pages
Type of assessment details
The exam consists of 1) a written assignment of 4–5 standard pages responding to one or more questions set by the teacher, and 2) an oral presentation (max. 10 minutes) based on the written assignment, followed by a discussion of the assignment and the course syllabus.
Weighting: The written assignment and the oral exam are weighted equally in the assessment, but both must be assessed at a passing level for the overall exam to be passed.
Group exam regulations: The exam can only be taken individually.
Exam language: English.
Aid
All aids allowed

For rules on generative artificial intelligence, see Study Information.

Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam

Same as ordinary exam

 

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome