中国为何重要 | Why China Matters

China is home to nearly a fifth of the world’s population, the second largest economy, the largest standing army, and by far the most greenhouse gas emissions. Its global influence is undeniable. So how will China shape our shared future? Will it lead efforts to slow climate change, or will it accelerate global warming? And can China’s 21st century future remain conflict-free?

This online course, led by Professor Peter Gries, Director of the Manchester China Institute and Professor of Politics, explores 21st-century China in both local and global contexts. The course covers a wide range of topics, including China's economy, global trade and investment, politics and international relations, diverse populations, social issues, technology and innovation, and energy and environmental challenges.

Written assignments

In the for-credit full course, University of Manchester students write foreign policy memos on UK-China relations, and blog posts.

For the blog posts, students watch a Chinese-language documentary with subtitles, select a research question about China’s future inspired by the film, and provide their own analysis in response.

You can explore some of the best written work by past students below.