Since Deng Xiaoping initiated the process of 'reform and opening up' in the late 1970s, China has emerged as the second largest and one of the most dynamic economies in the world. China's domestic economic reforms and integration into the global economy raise countless questions about the nature of China's economic growth and development process in the past, present, and future: Has China's transition from central planning to an increasingly market-based economy been successful? What kind of capitalist system is China becoming, if becoming capitalist at all? What are the major challenges facing the current generation of leaders under President Xi Jinping, and what are the prospects for inclusive economic growth in the future? How has China been transformed by, and in turn transformed, the global economy and how are other nations responding to these twin transformations?
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to address these questions and more through a series of lectures and tutorials that begin with China under Mao, before exploring the major features of the reform period, from gradual experimentalism and unbalanced investment- and export-led growth to Xi Jinping's 'New Era' of Socialism with Chinese characteristics. The course will then focus on the key challenges facing China today, including income inequality, the need for low-carbon “green” growth, and an ageing population. It will also explore China’s quest to become a global technology superpower, the deterioration in US-China relations through the lens of geoeconomics, and the Australia-China economic relationship.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of China’s economic growth and development.
- Identify the major strengths and weaknesses of China's economic system in a comparative context.
- Understand the broader societal, environmental, and geopolitical implications of China’s economic rise.
- Critically discuss and debate the academic and policy literature relating to China’s economic growth and development and its changing role in the world.
- Research and write critical analysis of key topics relating to the current and future development of the Chinese economy.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial notes – 4 sets relating to tutorial questions and readings (maximum 1,200 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Mini essay - 1 short essay (maximum 1,000 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Debate (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research essay (maximum 2,500 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
None.
Prescribed Texts
None.
Assumed Knowledge
An understanding of both microeconomics and macroeconomics from one or more prior university-level courses is assumed.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $5280 | Standard Rate |
| 2025 | $3840 |
Grandfathered Rate*
*continuing students in nominated programs only. See fee website |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 9244 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
| Online | ||||||
| 9245 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | Online | N/A |