Course coordinator
Dr Pimrak Pakdeethai
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Economics School
This is a multidisciplinary course designed for anyone who has an interest in the Chinese economy and wants to learn about a wide range of issues from a holistic perspective. The course is taught by experts who work on China from various disciplines across the university. More specifically, this course will critically examine China's policies and consider the key economic, business, political, social, legal and normative factors that shape China's current situation. By examining the complexity and nuance of China's position on a number of issues arising from various disciplines, the course aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of China's global engagement in a changing world.
This course hasﾠbeenﾠdesigned for students with an interest in the Chinese economy and wantﾠto learn about a wide range of issues from a holistic perspective. Students will critically examine China’s development trajectory and consider the key economic, business, political and social factors that shape contemporary China. By examining the complexity and nuance of the country, students will gain a robust understanding of China and its engagement with the world, including Australia.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There are no prerequisites to this course and no background knowledge on China is required.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Single bachelor degree students: minimum of 24 units; dual bachelor degree students: minimum of 32 units.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ECON2500
Course contact
School enquiries
Student Enquiries, School of Economics
All enquiries regarding student and academic administration (i.e. non-course content information, e.g., class allocation, timetables, extension to assessment due date, etc.) should be directed to enquiries@economics.uq.edu.au.
Enquiries relating specifically to course content should be directed to econ3820@uq.edu.au.
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Pimrak Pakdeethai
Tutor
Mr Yunlong Liu
Mr Daniel Quill
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures commence in Week 1.
Tutorials commence in Week 2.
Please see the Learning Activities section of this Course Profile for the timetabling implications of public holidays.
Important Dates:
- Public Holidays: Wed 13 August (Royal Queensland Show Holiday), Mon 6 October (King’s Birthday public holiday).
- Mid-Semester Break: 29 September – 3 October. Semester 2 classes recommence on Tue 7 October.
Students should refer to the timetable prior to the commencement of classes to ensure that they have the most up to date information, as from time to time late room changes may occur.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of China's global engagement in a changing world by examining the complexity and nuance of China's position on a number of issues arising from various disciplines.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explore and discuss Chinas economic, political and social development, drawing on relevant sources of information to analyse issues and inform thinking.
LO2.
Research and present informed opinions about Chinas agriculture, resource management and environmental issues, and policies related to them.
LO3.
Identify and discuss Chinas stance and public relations with reference to its economic, social, foreign and international connections and policies.
LO4.
Review the internal and external trends that impact on China's labour market, and determine consequent impacts on poverty and inequality.
LO5.
Reflect on the nature of doing business in China for the purpose of establishing strategies for engaging effectively with Chinese cultures and norms.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Reflection |
Comparing perspectives on China
|
30% |
Presentation during sign-on tutorial, essay due TWO weeks after |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Quiz | Reflections on key issues in lectures | 30% (best 8 of 10) |
15/08/2025 4:00 pm 22/08/2025 4:00 pm 29/08/2025 4:00 pm 5/09/2025 4:00 pm 12/09/2025 4:00 pm 19/09/2025 4:00 pm 26/09/2025 4:00 pm 10/10/2025 4:00 pm 17/10/2025 4:00 pm 24/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
End-of-semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
Comparing perspectives on China
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Presentation during sign-on tutorial, essay due TWO weeks after
Task description
For this assessment item
- Choose any topical or controversial issue that relates to China. Ideas on a range of issues will also be provided in the first lecture.
- Find two articles that address this issue from different perspectives.
- Write an essay and deliver a presentation on the issue, the different perspectives in it, and draw your own conclusions on the issue.
Your structure for both should include:
- AN INTRODUCTION that summarises the underlying issue so that the reader understands the situation and context.
- A CRITICAL EVALUATION of the substance of your chosen articles with regard to your chosen issue.
- CONCLUSIONS in relation to your critical evaluation.
This review task is split into two parts:
TUTORIAL PRESENTATION (10% of course marks). During your first tutorial (Week 2) you will be allocated a week in the semester to present the key findings of your analysis. Your presentation is a short summary of key points and should last for 5-7 minutes. The presentation will be followed by class discussion and tutor feedback, designed to help improve your essay. The presentation will be recorded.
FINAL ESSAY (20% of course marks). After your presentation you will have TWO weeks to make updates and improvements to your essay before submitting the final version via Turnitin. The essay should be a maximum of 2,000 words, excluding references.
Points to note:
- You can use any referencing system, so long as it is consistent, professional, and in alphabetical order.
- You are expected to have more references than just the two articles you are reviewing.
- When you submit your final essay, please use the provided template (located in the course blackboard) for a cover page including your name, student ID, course code/name, essay title, and the number of words in your essay.
- There are no other specific formatting requirements, but please ensure your essay is clearly structured, flows well and is professionally presented.
- In tutorials, you are expected to make critical comments and pose questions of other students' presentations.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Essay to be submitted using Turnitin by the due date and time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Presentation must be performed on the pre-allocated time and date (during the sign-on tutorial).
In a very exceptional case in which it prohibits a student to deliver his/ her presentation on the designated date and time, the affected student must formally apply for an extension and notify the course co-ordinator AT LEAST 24-hour PRIOR to their scheduled presentation.
Extensions are limited to 7 calendar days to ensure timely feedback to other students.
This assessment cannot be deferred.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Reflections on key issues in lectures
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Quiz
- Weight
- 30% (best 8 of 10)
- Due date
15/08/2025 4:00 pm
22/08/2025 4:00 pm
29/08/2025 4:00 pm
5/09/2025 4:00 pm
12/09/2025 4:00 pm
19/09/2025 4:00 pm
26/09/2025 4:00 pm
10/10/2025 4:00 pm
17/10/2025 4:00 pm
24/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
For this assessment item
- At the end of each lecture throughout the semester you will be provided with a question/task that arise from the lecture material.
- Students are required to write a short-written response (in pdf) to the question/ task and submit it the week after (Fri, 4pm) via Turnitin.
- Responses must incorporate information provided in lectures, however further additional information and sources from outside lecture material can be used.
- In responding to the set questions/tasks, your responses must demonstrate critical reflection on the underlying material.
- Each response/ submission should be limited to less than 500 words (approximately one page), excluding references.
- Only the best 8 out of 10 submissions will be counted towards the final grade.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit by Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End-of-semester Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The final assessment item for this course is an exam
- The exam will be invigilated in-person held on St. Lucia Campus.
- It will cover the major course materials and concepts addressed this semester.
- It will consist of a variety of short answer and short essay questions.
- Scheduling details will be managed by UQ Examinations, and you will be advised of the exam timing once this is finalised.
- Further details about the exam will be discussed in class and practice questions will be provided.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | An unmarked dictionary |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0% - 29% |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30% - 46% |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47% - 49% |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50% - 64% |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65% - 74% |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75% - 84% |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85% - 100% |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
A student’s final overall end of semester percentage mark will be rounded to determine their final grade. For example, 64.5% rounds to 65%, while 64.4% rounds to 64%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Using AI at UQ
Visit the AI Student Hub for essential information on understanding and using Artificial Intelligence in your studies responsibly.
Plagiarism
The School of Economics is committed to reducing the incidence of plagiarism. You are encouraged to read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy available in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile.
The Academic Integrity Module (AIM) outlines your obligations and responsibilities as a UQ student. It is compulsory for all new to UQ students to complete the AIM.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
As lecturers from multiple disciplines teach into this course, they will provide you with relevant lists of readings/articles.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
1. Course introduction About the course. Why and how to study China Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
2. History of imperial China, revolution and central planning Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
3. China's Economic reforms Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
4. Chinese rural and agriculture sector Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
5. China's demographic dividend, labor, and human capital Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
6. China and the World Economy Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
7. China's Relations with Major Trade Partners Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
8. China's Environmental Challenges and Social Issues Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
9. China's fiscal regime Lecture from Zhu Yunxia Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
10. Business in China Lecture from Zhu Yunxia Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
11. China's Outlook and Forecast Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
12. Review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Tutorial |
No lecture - tutorials run as normal Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.