Universität Wien

150070 SE Theories and methods of Chinese elite politics (2025S)

10.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 15 - Ostasienwissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work

SE Theorien und Methoden (Sozialwissenschaften) (M5)
Moodle
Th 05.06. 13:15-14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 30 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

The course starts on Mar. 6.

  • Thursday 06.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 13.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 20.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 27.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 03.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 10.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 08.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 15.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 22.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 12.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18
  • Thursday 26.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum Sinologie 2 UniCampus Hof 2 2F-O1-18

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Elite politics lies at the heart of Chinese political life, both historically and today. Yet, it remains one of the most elusive areas of study—not only for outside observers but also for many insiders. Navigating the labyrinthine pathways of the system requires grappling with incomplete, and often intentionally obscured, information due to an opaque institutional environment. In light of growing authoritarianism, it has become even more essential for students of Chinese politics to learn how to decode these elite dynamics—a challenging but achievable task.
This course provides an intensive series of lectures and discussions designed to equip participants with both the logic and the art of interpreting Chinese elite politics. Drawing on seminal and the most up-to-date literature, it surveys key theoretical findings generated by generations of scholars and the research methods they have employed.
As a part of the course exercise, students will be engaged to participate in a preliminary research project which is intended to develop a new method to study Chinese elite politics towards the end of the course.

Assessment and permitted materials

Students’ performance will be evaluated in three respects: attendance and class participation 20%, assignment 30%, and final exam 50%.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Students should have adequate proficiency of Chinese language to read and comprehend primary sources with dictionaries.
Students shall commit to prepare for the class by reading the assignments in advance and actively participating in class discussions.
Students will not be eligible for the exam if more than 3 sessions are missed. Absence for a session that you are assigned as the leading discussant needs to be announced at least one week ahead. Each absence will lead to a reduction of your attendance score, unless it is justified and pre-approved.

Examination topics

The course will have a final essay-question exam. It will be a 1.5-hour, in-class, open-book exam, but without internet access. The question will be directly related to the contents discussed in the course. The question(s) will be provided at the exam.

Reading list

Available on Moodle upon registration.

Association in the course directory

SINO alt: GG/PR SE I/II

Last modified: Th 06.03.2025 09:06