This course examines the state-society relationship in contemporary China. It will begin with an overview of the political context and reform strategies of the 1978 economic reform. The main part of this course will focus on a critical assessment of the social consequences of the reforms in different domains, including rural governance, industry, administration, the third sector, etc. The course will provide students a fundamental understanding of how the state has sought to shape the society and how the society has responded in China in the post-reform era.