This course offers a theoretical overview of politics in China from a historical perspective. Students get acquainted with the political processes, the institutions and structures of governance, and the main schools of political thought in China since 1978. By the end of the semester, they are familiar with the main political actors in contemporary China, can identify the key events in the evolution of China's political system since 1949, and can discuss the role of the different political organs.

The class places particular emphasis on practice: in-class and take-home exercises help students become familiar with primary sources relevant to the study of Chinese politics. As the saying goes: 师父领进门，修行靠个人.