This course provides an introduction to the politics and governance of contemporary China, with a primary focus on developments since the start of economic reform in 1978. Rather than memorizing facts or institutional details, students are encouraged to understand how the Chinese political system works in practice, and how political institutions interact with economic change and social transformation.

The course is organized around a set of core questions: How is political authority organized in China? How does the Communist Party govern a vast and diverse society? How do central and local governments interact in policy making and implementation? And how do political institutions shape economic development and social outcomes?

Through a combination of lectures, guided discussions, debates, and group-based assignments, students will learn to analyze Chinese politics using institutional and political economy perspectives. Readings include both classic works and contemporary research, and are complemented by discussions of major events, reforms, and policy experiments since 1978.