Spring 2011 IAS 5153-001:
Chinese Foreign Policy

Prof. Peter Hays Gries
www.ou.edu/uschina/gries
gries@ou.edu

Wed. 3:30 pm - 6:10 pm in Hester Hall 140
OH: by appointment in 120 Hester Hall

Course Description

Is China a fearsome dragon out to upset the global balance of power?  Or is China a cuddly panda seeking to integrate itself into the extant world order? This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Chinese foreign policy. With over a fifth of the world’s population (over 1.3 billion people), an enormous economy (a 2006 nominal GDP of over 2.68 trillion), and the world’s largest standing army, China is intrinsically important.  Anyone who wishes to understand 21st century world politics needs to engage the China question.

As a graduate seminar, this course focuses on the key debates that animate the field of Chinese foreign policy. The focus of each seminar meeting will be on close analysis of readings and debates. Students are expected to do the readings carefully, and attend class ready to discuss them. In some cases, students will be assigned to present and debate different sides of an argument.

Readings

Syllabus