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WiSe 20/21: China and Globalization

Maria Bondes

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China’s development over the recent four decades is characterized by its opening up to and integration with the outside world. The transnational linkages that have emerged from this development – including trade, capital, information and people flows – are frequently captured with the buzz word “globalization.” However, what this term really means often remains rather fuzzy. In this course, students will be introduced to the theoretical concept of “globalization” and broader debates in this field of study. This analytical lens is then used to take a closer look at the complex of processes that link China with the rest of the world and shape not only people’s everyday life experiences in China and abroad, but also the processes of globalization itself. The course is structured in two parts: Part 1 will look at China’s integration into the global economy and political system. Part 2 will focus on social and cultural manifestations of China’s global embeddedness such as transnational migration flows, the role of transnational movements for Chinese social contention, and Chinese (youth) culture and identity in an era of globalization. Throughout the course, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how processes of globalization manifest themselves in different issue fields and learn to critically debate the opportunities and conflicts that arise from China’s global integration. The course will take place on Webex and Blackboard. We will approach the above issues through weekly reading assignments, in-class exercises and discussion rounds. Throughout the course, students will develop and present case studies that delve deeper into and illustrate the issues covered in class. Suggested case study topics will be uploaded on Blackboard before the beginning of the course. Topics will be assigned during the first class. All course materials will be in English. Presentations and in-class discussion rounds can be in English or German. close