Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024

Module ECON48115: Understanding the Chinese Economy (Fudan DBA)

Department: Economics

ECON48115: Understanding the Chinese Economy (Fudan DBA)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1R760

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To achieve a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese economy and associated internal, regional and global implications. In particular, students will learn about the reform processes and roles of government in driving China’s growth.

Content

  • The rise of Asia and China
  • Economic reforms and sources of growth in post-reform China
  • Structural transformation and unprecedented urbanization in human history
  • Globalization and GVCs
  • The poverty-growth-inequality triangle
  • Health care system
  • The population dividend and aging
  • The financial system
  • The Education system and human capital accumulation
  • Rural development and food security
  • The environmental issue

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • have explored, understood and appreciated the complexity and diversity of the current academic literature and its implications for professional practice, and be able to identify open questions for their own research;
  • have demonstrated ability to learn and work independently in addressing challenging complex issues in international and Chinese economics.
  • Be familiar with different aspects and key components of the Chinese economy;
  • Have a good knowledge on China’s growth profile and growth drivers;
  • Be able to form own opinion on the future outlook of the Chinese economy
Subject-specific Skills:
  • have used highly specialised and advanced academic and professional skills in analysing issues in Chinese economics, including
  • the growth accounting framework
  • the poverty decomposition framework
  • policy evaluation techniques
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication;
  • Planning, Organising and Time Management;
  • Problem Solving and Analysis;
  • Using initiative;
  • Numeracy;
  • Computer Literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module will be delivered in a workshop format over an intensive three-day teaching block. Workshops will comprise a balanced mix of lecture- and seminar-type delivery combined with small group discussions and other activities as appropriate to the nature of the material. Also, guided reading will address key topics. This range of methods will ensure that students will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge to enable them to develop a thorough understanding of this specialist field of study.
  • Learning will also occur through tutor-supported, as well as self-supported learning groups. In addition, guided reading will address key topics. This range of methods will ensure that students will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge to enable them to develop a thorough understanding of this specialist field of study.
  • The assessment of the module will be by individual written assignment, designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject-matter and their ability to apply it to the analysis of specific issues relating to the study of skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshop (see above) 3 Daily 8 hrs 24
Tutor-supported Learning Groups via webinars and other e-learning tools. With follow-up support as necessary using videoconferencing software. As required 16
Self-supported Learning group (self-organised by students, monitored by Fudan Office) 10
Preparation & Reading (reading list provided consisting of current published articles relevant to module content, available within library) 100
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written assignment that develops the initial formulation and articulation of a potential scheme of research 3,000 words max 100% same

Formative Assessment:

Participation in class discussions, group-based presentations and tutor feedback within lectures


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University