The Chinese Economy

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course aims to provide students a broad understanding of the Chinese economy following Deng Xiaoping’s 1978 reform and opening, with a particular focus on economic trends, the tension between state control of the economy and private sector innovation, and economic decision making in the Xi Jinping era. After charting the key turning points in the Chinese economy – reform and opening and WTO accession - the course will explore current domestic structural challenges, industrial and technology policy, trade relations with key partners, financial sector reform, energy and the environment, and China’s overseas investment in the context of “One Belt, One Road.” The course is aimed at practitioners and improving their understanding of China’s impact on private enterprise, the global trading system, and China’s trading partners. Assignments will be focused on practical application of this knowledge through formulation of policy memos, simulations, and classroom debate on Chinese policy tools and goals. Students can expect 15-20 pages of homework during the course, and a take-home final exam. The course will be open to graduate-level students and will meet once a week in the evenings for 2.5 hours.