china and international relations - aalborg · pdf filechina and international relations ......

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. About China and International Relations（CIR） ................................................................................ 1

China and International Relations (CIR)........................................................................................... 1

University of International Relations ................................................................................................ 1

Aalborg University ............................................................................................................................ 2

II. Innovative Learning ............................................................................................................................. 2

III. The First Year ...................................................................................................................................... 2

IV. The Second Year .................................................................................................................................. 3

V. Important Dates for CIR, UIR Phase .................................................................................................... 4

VI. Conversion between 100-point and 7-scale grading systems ............................................................. 5

VII. Page Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 6

VIII. Course Syllabi .................................................................................................................................. 7

1. China’s Political System and the Policy-Making Process ............................................................. 7

2. China’s Foreign Policy: Theory and Practice .............................................................................. 10

3. International Economic System and China’s Development ........................................................ 13

4. Chinese Traditional Culture and Philosophy............................................................................... 16

5. Project Module III ....................................................................................................................... 19

6. Master’s Thesis Module .............................................................................................................. 22

Appendix:................................................................................................................................................ 25

Extracurricular Activities ................................................................................................................ 25

1

I. About China and International Relations

（（（（CIR））））

China and International Relations (CIR)

The joint master’s program China and International Relations (CIR) is a

two-year program taught in English with one year at Aalborg University

(AAU), Denmark, and the other year at University of International Relations

(UIR), Beijing, China. Both sides are committed to running this program as a

top-quality international education program.

The CIR program is jointly run by AAU and UIR under the management

and coordination of AAU’s Board of Studies for International Affairs, School

of Culture and Global Studies, and UIR’s Management Board of the CIR

Program. A master’s degree certificate will be granted respectively by each

university. Both sides agree to share a common professional norm and standard,

such as enrollment requirement, language requirement, academic qualification,

compulsory and non-compulsory reading, course lecture, project work, MA

thesis requirement, examination form and assessment, control of plagiarism,

etc.

University of International Relations

Founded in 1949 and contemporaneous with the People’s Republic of

China, UIR earns its title as one of the “key national universities” with decades

of dedication of its faculty to teaching and academic research in international

affairs and foreign languages, and enjoys a high academic reputation both at

home and abroad for its distinctive educational pattern. The university’s faculty

are fully committed to exploring and enriching its teaching programs which are

known for their intensive whole-person cultivation of professional elites and

small-sized classes where the need of each individual student is addressed by

2

most experienced and attentive teachers.

Aalborg University

Established in 1974, Aalborg University (AAU) is an internationally

recognized institution that offers cutting edge academic programs. 14,000

students choose from over 60 different study programs within three faculties.

AAU is one of Denmark’s leading universities in innovative methods of

cooperation with the world from local to international levels.

II. Innovative Learning

Although some basic characteristics of national education system of both

sides will be respected, the pedagogical approach of this joint program will

adopt the Problem-Based Learning System of innovation and learning, i.e.

problem-orientation, research-based teaching, interdisciplinary approach,

student project work. This learning model begins by students themselves

identifying real-world problems, which they tackle through group projects in

cooperation with their supervisor.

III. The First Year

The first year of the CIR program at Aalborg University is an integral part

of the AAU’s existing Master’s Program in Development and International

Relations combined with the specialization in Chinese Area Studies.

Selective lectures within the following modules are offered in the first year:

Module Name Semester ECTS

Theories of Social Science and Methodology 1st semester 5 ECTS

Theories of International Relations 1st semester 5ECTS

Political and Economic Development Processes 1st semester 5ECTS

Chinese Area Studies I 1st semester 5ECTS

3

Project Module I 1st semester 10 ECTS

International Political Economy 2nd semester 5 ECTS

Challenges to the Developing World 2nd semester 5 ECTS

Chinese Area Studies II 2nd semester 5 ECTS

Project Module II 2nd semester 15 ECTS

Total 60 ECTS

IV. The Second Year

The second year of the CIR program at University of International

Relations contains the following courses and modules:

Module Name Semester ECTS

China’s Political System and the Policy-Making Process 3rd semester 4 ECTS

China’s Foreign Policy: Theory and Practice 3rd semester 4 ECTS

International Economic System and China’s Development 3rd semester 4 ECTS

Chinese Traditional Culture and Philosophy 3rd semester 3 ECTS

Project Module III 3rd semester 15 ECTS

Master thesis Module 4th semester 30 ECTS

Total 60 ECTS

4

V. Important Dates for CIR, UIR Phase

4th Semester (February 29 th – June 24 th, 2016 )

Event Date

Classes begin Early September

National Day Holidays October 1 – October 7

Classes end Late October

Submit project topic and names in

each group Late October

Course exams November/December.

Appointment of Project Supervisor Early November

Submit finished project Early December

Project exam Mid December

Submit Master’s Thesis Topic Mid Decmber

Appointment of Master’s Thesis

Supervisor Late December

Course and project grades due from

teachers and supervisors January

Winter Vacation Christmas season until the end of

the Chinese New Year.

Submit Master’s Thesis Proposal to

Supervisor January

Event Date

Full-time Master thesis writing February -May

Submit the final version of thesis to

supervisor Mid- May

Master’s thesis exam Early June

5

VI. Conversion between 100-point and 7-scale

grading systems

100-point 7-scale Designation Description

100

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Excellent

For an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the relevant material, with no or only a few minor weaknesses.

90

10

Very good

For a very good performance displaying a high level of command of most aspects of the relevant material, with only minor weaknesses.

80 7 Good

For a good performance displaying good command of the relevant material, but also some weaknesses.

70 4

Fair For a fair performance displaying some command of the relevant material, but also some major weaknesses.

60 2 Adequate For a performance meeting only the minimum requirements for acceptance.

50 0

Inadequate For a performance which does not meet the minimum requirements for acceptance.

40 -3 Poor For a performance which is unacceptable in all respects.

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VII. Page Requirements

Exams Minimum Maximum

Course Exam 5 pages 8 pages

Semester Project

Work

1 Person: 12 pages

2 Persons: 17pages

3 Persons: 23pages

4 Persons: 27 pages

5 Persons: 32 pages

1 Person: 25 pages

2 Persons: 35 pages

3 Persons: 45 pages

4 Persons: 55 pages

5 Persons: 65 pages

Master’s Thesis

1 Person: 35 pages

2 Persons: 50 pages

3 Persons: 65 pages

1 Person: 70 pages

2 Persons: 100 pages

3 Persons: 130 pages

A standard page is defined as 2400 keystrokes, including spaces. The

established page requirements apply only to the actual thesis text, meaning that

items such as the title page, preface, table of contents, bibliography and

appendices are not included. Footnotes and endnotes, however, are.

Please go to http://duirap108en.uir.cn/view.php?cid=3&tid=7 to see more

requirements for project writing and thesis writing.

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VIII. Course Syllabi

1. China’’’’s Political System and the Policy-Making Process

ourse Description

China’s political system is unique in the world and is undergoing great

changes. This course will explore the important aspects of China’s political

system and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of it, and compare China’s

political system with those of the Western countries.

Selected lectures

• Form of China’s state structure

• China’s judiciary system

• China’s party system

Contents

� Form of China’s state structure: Understanding the uniqueness and

complexity of China’s political system；

� China’s Party System;

� China’s judiciary system: human rights issues and the role of policy

making in China’s legal system;

� China’s anticorruption reform.

Credits

4 ECTS

Teaching and Work Methods

The course comprises of lectures and seminars and student contributions.

Criteria for participation

10 percent of the overall grade would be for class participation. Attendance

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is therefore highly recommended.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

� Possess knowledge on theories and methodological tools

within the field of China’s political system and can reflect

on a scientific basis

� Have an on-going understanding of China’s political system

and self-understanding and world awareness.

� Possess basic knowledge about and understanding of the

themes within the field of China’s political system and

various approaches to these.

Skills

� Can utilize their knowledge within the disciplines to choose

the theories that work best with the analytical purposes,

whilst critically relating to these theories.

� Can analyze, interpret and see the broader perspective of

China’s political system in an inter-disciplinary and

comparative perspective.

Competence

� Can reflect and argue on a scientific basis.

� Can analyze China’s political system in order to work in a

Chinese context and integrate socially with people in

Chinese institutions.

Evaluation Criteria

A grade will be given following the 100-point system.

A mark of 100 is awarded for: an excellent presentation that, in relation to

the learning objectives, demonstrates a complete fulfillment of the module’s

objectives with none or very few insignificant weaknesses.

A mark of 60 is awarded for: the minimal acceptable degree of fulfillment

of the learning objectives, i.e. at least a basic knowledge of the most important

theories and subjects that are covered in the course literature.

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Exam Type

This course is evaluated by an internal individual written exam，which

will be held after six weeks’ lectures. The exam is a 15-day take-home

assignment which consists of an essay.

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2. China’’’’s Foreign Policy: Theory and Practice

Course Description

The course aims at providing the students with perspectives on the

determinants of China’s foreign policy, and will also survey China’s foreign

policy toward different kinds of countries or on different issues.

Contemporary diplomatic, security and economic issues will be examined

to identify and explain China’s foreign policy goals and their implementation.

Selected lectures

• China’s theory of diplomacy

• China’s grand strategy and foreign policy-making

• China in world affairs

• Prospects of China’s foreign policy

Contents

� China’s National Interest: Mainstream IR Theories and China;

� China’s foreign policy making: Mainstream IR Theories, Historical

Influences, National Interests and Ideology;

� China in the international Institutions; China and Major Powers, China

and Asia;

� China and BRICS; Prospects of China’s foreign policy, Major issues of

future international relations

Credits

4 ECTS


The course comprises of lectures and seminars and, where appropriate,

exercises and student contributions.

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Learning objectives

Knowledge

� Possess� knowledge on theories and methodological tools

within the field of China’s foreign policy and can reflect

on a scientific basis.

� Have an on-going understanding of China’s foreign policy

and self-understanding and world awareness.

� Possess basic knowledge about and understanding of the

themes within the field of China’s foreign policy and

various approaches to these.

Skills

� Can utilize their knowledge within the disciplines to

choose the theories that work best with the analytical

purposes, whilst critically relating to these theories.

� Can analyze, interpret and see the broader perspective of

China’s foreign policy in an inter-disciplinary and


Competencies � Can reflect and argue on a scientific basis.

� Can analyze China’s foreign policy in order to work in a

Chinese context and integrate socially with people in

Chinese institutions.

Evaluation Criteria







12


Exam Type

This course is evaluated by an internal individual written exam，which will

be held after six weeks’ lectures. The exam is a 15-day take-home assignment

which consists of an essay.

13

3. International Economic System and China’’’’s Development

Course Description

This course focuses on international environment that affects the practice

of China’s reform and opening policy, the prospects and problems of China in

international trade, finance and foreign investment; and the implications of

Chinese development on the shaping of a possible new world economic order.

Contents

• Developments of the International Economic System: China’s Position;

• The Growth of China's Largest Corporations and Global Business;

• China’s Capital Market and Banking System;

• Intellectual Property Protection System in China;

• The Role of IPR in Developing Countries and the WTO Standards;

• Mechanism of solving IPR disputes under the WTO framework;

• China’s Economic Prospect: Challenges and Opportunities

Credits

4 ECTS







14

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Possess knowledge on theories and methodological tools

within the field of China’s economic development and can

reflect on a scientific basis;

• Have an on-going understanding of China’s economic

development and self-understanding and world awareness;

• Possess basic knowledge about and understanding of the

themes within the field of China’s economic development

and various approaches to these.

• Possess contours of intellectual property protection

development and system in China;

• Understand background and influence of TRIPS

agreement to China as WTO member;

• Understand hot topics in IP protection area.

Skills

• Can utilise their knowledge within the disciplines to


purposes, whilst critically relating to these theories;

• Can analyse, interpret and see the broader perspective of

China’s economic development in an inter-disciplinary and


• Master the relevant Chinese IP protection legal knowledge

and analyze simple current cases in international

trade-related field.

Competence

• Can reflect and argue on a scientific basis;

• Can analyze China’s economic development in order to

work in a Chinese context and integrate socially with

people in Chinese institutions and businesses.

Evaluation Criteria



15






Exam Type


be held after six weeks’ lectures. The exam is a 15-day take-home assignment

which consists of an essay.

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4. Chinese Traditional Culture and Philosophy

Course Description

A general introduction to Chinese culture including history, philosophy

(Confucianism), religion (Buddhism and Taoism), literature, art, Great Wall

and the Silk Road (Ancient China and the world), comparison between the

Chinese and the Western cultures, Chinese culture and globalization, the

diversity in the multicultural world and the importance of dialogue among

civilizations.

Selected lectures:

• Basic information about China

• Chinese history

• Confucianism

• Religions: Buddhism and Taoism

• Great Wall and the Silk Road

• Literature and art

Contents

• A general introduction to Chinese history: beginning of Chinese

civilization, Qin, Han, Yuan, Ming, Qing Dynasties and modern China.

• Traditional Chinese philosophy: Confucianism and Taoism

• Chinese religion: Buddhism and Taoism

• Chinese literature and art.

• Great Wall and the Silk Road

• Ancient China’s foreign policy.

• Comparison between the Chinese and the Western cultures, Chinese

culture and globalization

Teaching Philosophy

• Free thinking, passionate but rational

• Love your own culture but respect others’, like Confucius said:

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The true gentleman is conciliatory but not accommodating.

• Learning from outside your class: visit historical sites and museums,

observe and communicate with the Chinese will help you to understand

the culture.

Credits

3 ECTS




Trip to the National Museum, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace,

guided by the lecturer (optional, participants pay for their own tickets and

traffic).




Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Basic knowledge about China’s culture, mainly including

history, philosophy and religion.

• Basic knowledge on theories and methodological tools

within the field of China’s culture, mainly including

history, philosophy, religion and can reflect on a scientific

basis.

Skills

• Can utilize their knowledge within the disciplines to


purposes, whilst critically relating to these theories.

• Can analyze, interpret and see the broader perspective of

China’s culture in an inter-disciplinary and comparative

18

perspective.

Competence

• Can reflect and argue on a scientific basis.

• Can analyze China’s culture in order to work in a Chinese

context and integrate socially with people in Chinese

institutions.

Evaluation Criteria








Exam Type


be held after six weeks’ lectures. The exam is a three-hour location-bound

written assignment without academic aids.

19

5. Project Module III

Objective

The objective of the module is that the student is able to use their

knowledge on China and International Relations on a preliminary level.

Contents

The second half of the third semester of the Master’s Programme is

dedicated to working on Project Module III, where the student will devote

themselves to a problem formulation that relates to China and International

Relations.

Credits

15 ECTS.


A supervisor will be assigned for each project, but the student must still

organize their project work and therefore must choose the subject, problem

formulation and find the relevant literature and source material individually.

Project Structure

Introduction Purpose, problem formulation

- What is the problem that this project seeks to explore?

- Why is this a relevant/topical/interesting problem?

- How do you want to approach the topic?

Method Method(s) of analysis/approach:

- How will you approach and explore this problem?

- Why did you choose this particular research

design (including particular kinds of sources/data)?

Theory Presentation and critical discussion of theories relevant

to the identified problem.

Analysis Critical use/discussion of data and sources. Make sure to

20

apply theory actively in your analysis

Conclusion Summary of findings, answering questions posed in the

Introduction

List of references Works cited.

Learning Objectives

Knowledge • has a good knowledge of theories and practices within

the field of study of the project and can reflect on a

scientific basis

• is able to identify, reproduce and explain existing

problem formulations within the field of study of the

project from various perspectives and theories.

Skills • can research independently by using the subject’s

theories and methods

• can combine various disciplines and research methods

related to China and International Relations

• can apply theory about the chosen subject matter of

the project in actual problem formulations/situations

• can analyse a problem and is able to build upon

different academic perspectives

• can critically choose relevant theory, methods and

tools for the chosen subject on a scientific basis and

develop new solution models

• can formulate and communicate various types of

arguments related to the field of China and International

Relations.

• can convey and discuss their knowledge about the

chosen subject with both peers and non-specialists.

21

Competencies • can work effectively and structured and combine

various disciplines and research methods related to China

and International Relations

• can argue on a scientific basis

• can take responsibility for their own academic

development and specialization within the chosen subject

independently.

Evaluation Criteria

A grade will be given following the 7-scale grading system.

A mark of 12 is awarded for:

An excellent presentation that, in relation to the learning objectives,

demonstrates a complete fulfilllment of the module’s objectives with none or

very few insignificant weaknesses.


The minimal acceptable degree of fulfillment of the learning objectives for

the module.

Exam Type

This module concludes with an internal oral exam based on the submitted

written paper. The exam takes the form of a discussion between the student(s),

the supervisor and an examiner based on the finished paper.

22

6. Master’s Thesis Module

Objective

The objective of the module is that the student is able to use their

knowledge on China and International Relations on a specialized level.

Contents

The fourth semester of the Master’s Program is dedicated to writing the

Master’s thesis, where the student will devote themselves to a problem

formulation that relates to China and International Relations.

The coordinator will approve the subject of the thesis and a deadline will be

set. If the student has chosen a full specialization in Chinese Area Studies, the

subject matter of the Master’s thesis must be within the respective field.

Credits

30 ECTS.


Supervisor A from UIR and Supervisor B from AAU will be assigned

during the thesis writing process, but the student must still organize their thesis

writing and therefore must choose the subject, problem formulation and find

the relevant literature and source material individually.

Placement within the Master’s Program

The whole of the fourth semester is dedicated to writing the Master’s

thesis.

Criteria for Participation

The Master’s thesis concludes the Master’s Program, and therefore all

previous modules must be passed before a student can take the exam for master

thesis.

23

Learning Objectives

Knowledge • has a thorough knowledge of theories and practices

within the field of study of the thesis and can reflect on a

scientific basis

• is able to identify, reproduce and explain existing

problem formulations within the field of study of the

thesis from various perspectives and theories.

Skills • can research independently by using the subject’s

theories and methods

• can combine various disciplines and research methods

related to China and International Relations

• can apply theory about the chosen subject matter of

the thesis in actual problem formulations/situations

• can analyze a problem to an advanced level and is

able to build upon different academic perspectives

• can critically choose relevant theory, methods and

tools for the chosen subject of the thesis on a scientific

basis and develop new solution models

• can formulate and communicate various types of

arguments related to the field of China and International

Relations.

• can convey and discuss their knowledge about the

chosen thesis subject with both peers and non-specialists.

Competencies • can work effectively and structured and combine

various disciplines and research methods related to China

and International Relations

• can argue on a scientific basis

• can take responsibility for their own academic

development and specialization within the chosen subject

of the thesis independently.

24

Evaluation Criteria

A grade will be given following the 7-scale grading system.


An excellent presentation that, in relation to the learning objectives,

demonstrates a complete fulfillment of the module’s objectives with none or

very few insignificant weaknesses.


The minimal acceptable degree of fulfillment of the learning objectives for

the module.

Exam Type

This module concludes with an external oral exam based on the submitted

written thesis. The exam takes the form of a discussion between the student(s),

Supervisor A, Supervisor B and an external examiner based on the finished

thesis.

Weighting: An overall grade will be awarded for the written Master’s thesis

and the oral presentation. The main emphasis is on the written part. When the

thesis has been written by more than one student, it must be evident who has

written which section and therefore has responsibility for that section. The

remaining sections are considered as the group’s overall responsibility. Each

student will be awarded an individual, overall grade for their contribution.

25

Appendix:

Extracurricular Activities

Both the Graduate School and the International Cooperation and Exchange

Office (ICEO) will organize extracurricular activities, among them are visits

and lectures.

An enhancement course in Chinese language and culture is also offered for

students who pass a basic Chinese test, which will be held after students arrive

on campus.

This extra course will last for the whole of the third semester, 4 hours each

week.

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Acquire basic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing;

2. Understand basic daily conversation in Mandarin Chinese;

3. Acquire interest in the study of Chinese culture and society.


No credit is offered for this course.

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