Time Schedule:
Kam Wing Chan
GEOG 435
Seattle Campus
Examines the impacts of industrialization strategies adopted by the Peoples Republic of China on urbanization and rural-urban relations. Topics include: economic development strategies, industrial geography, rural industrialization, urban development patterns, migration, and urbanization policies. Recommended: GEOG 336. Offered: Sp.
Class description
This course examines the relationships between economic development and spatial development in post-1949 China. China was once held up as a model of rural development for developing countries, but it is now the “world’s factory.” In this course we will study post-1949 Chinese development through an analysis of its industrialization strategy, and rural/urban development and socioeconomic segmentation. The course focuses on a set of related issues: industrial location, rural industrialization, the hukou system, urbanization policies, rural-urban relations, migration and urban development. The Chinese experience is analyzed in the general context of development and globalization. Students are expected to gain an in-depth understanding the complex issues of industrialization and urbanization trajectories now intertwined closely with the world. Recommended: Geog 236, or a background course on contemporary China. Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of China.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Small lecture/discussion format, and videos.
Recommended preparation
Geog 236 or a background course in contemporary China.
Class assignments and grading
Weekly readings; tests, one paper and presentation and discussions
See above.
