Asian Studies: China Today - Political Developments, Societal Issues and Global Influences

Since 1978, China has undergone major reforms that have transformed its politics, economy, and society. In this online course, you will study how those changes affect people’s lives in China and influence the global order.

You will explore how China’s political system works and examine central issues such as environmental challenges, gender equality, human rights, and digital life. The course also looks at civil society, freedom of speech, social activism, and the rise of surveillance technologies. Along the way, you will consider how these areas are connected and how decisions made in China shape international politics, economics, and culture.

After completing the course, you will be able to explain key developments in Chinese politics and society, analyse current issues from both local and global perspectives, and write clearly and critically about a chosen topic using reliable sources. You will also strengthen your ability to evaluate different perspectives and arguments.

This course is well suited to you who are curious about international affairs, interested in Asian studies, or want to understand how China’s choices shape the rest of the world. It can also be a valuable step towards further study or a career in global politics, journalism, or development work.

Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The course is taught entirely online, which means you can study from wherever you are, using digital tools and our learning platform. To take part, you will need a computer and a stable internet connection.

The course combines several forms of digital teaching to help you approach the subject from different perspectives. You will follow lectures online, take part in virtual group discussions, and watch films that connect directly to the course themes.

You will also join one to three online seminars where you present your ideas and knowledge in a digital setting. These seminars are a central part of the course, and your active participation is expected. If you are unable to attend, you will instead complete a written assignment based on instructions from the course director.

The assessment is based on a written seminar paper and a take-home exam. At the beginning of the course, you will receive clear guidance on grading and on what is expected of you.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements and at least 30 higher education credits. Oral and written language proficiency in English equivalent to English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school is a requirement. A general exemption from the requirement of proficiency in Swedish is applied.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 14,375
First payment: SEK 14,375

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.