Courses

In this course, we will follow the development and transformation of the Chinese economy from the early nineteenth century to the present day. We will first explore the basic characteristics of the premodern Chinese economy before moving on the question of the "Great Divergence" and the reasons why China fell behind the West in terms of economic development. We will then discuss the economic depression China experienced in the first half of the nineteenth century and investigate the impact both internal rebellion and foreign incursion had on the Qing economy. As we enter the twentieth century, we will look at the efforts of both political and economic elites to modernise and strengthen the Chinese economy – in particular attempts to push for industrialization – and evaluate to what extent they were successful in the period before the outbreak of World War II. Finally, the course will explore the post-1949 attempt at building a socialist economy in China and Deng Xiaoping’s post-1978 economic reforms that led to sustained rapid economic growth. Overall, the course will offer students an understanding of the historical development of the modern Chinese economy and a historical perspective on the Chinese economy today.