GEOG 336 Development and Challenge in China
(5)
2004S
Course
webpage: http://faculty.washington.edu/kwchan
Instructor: Prof. Kam Wing
Chan, Smith 424, Office hours: Thursdays 1:30-2:20 pm
Phone:
206-543-6994; E-mail: kwchan@u.washington.edu.
Home
page: http://faculty.washington.edu/kwchan/
Meeting time and
place: T, Th 9:30 am-11:20 pm, Music
213
Course Description: Development
in China in the last two decades has brought about one of the biggest
improvements in human welfare anywhere at any time; yet the country is also beset by
many difficult problems that threaten
to disrupt stability and derail economic development. Many China’s issues are of
global concern but they are often poorly presented in the media. This
course helps students gain an understanding of this complex Asian power through studying the geography of
development process and its present problems. With some introductory background
on China’s physical geography, history, and economic and political systems, the
course focuses on major geographical issues in China's development: agriculture,
population, and industry and trade. Students learn about how China has been
coping with its population growth and rapid industrialization, and recent
challenges brought by globalization and internal changes. Multi-media presentations and films are
used to help students gain a better understanding of the geography of China’s
development and an appreciation of the enormous implications for the world.
Students will complete a small research project through using online and library
materials. No prior background knowledge of China is required.
List of
Topics:
1.
Introduction
2. Physical
Landscape and Regions
3. Historical
Context
4. Politics and
Economics
5. Agriculture
6. Population
and Food
7. Industry,
Trade, and Greater China
8. Major
Challenges Ahead
Assessments: One map quiz,
one research paper, and two tests consisting of multiple-choice and short essay
questions based on readings and class lectures.
Course
Materials:
·
Course
reading packet (will be available from RAMS Copies, 42nd and University Way).
·
R
Benewick and S Donald, 1999. The State of China Atlas, Penguin ISBN
0-14-051458-9 (available from University Bookstore).
·
Class
handouts
Map quiz (15%),
April 13, 2004
Test 1 (25%),
May 4, 2004; Test 2 (30%), June 3, 2004. Due to the large class
size, no make-up or early tests are available except under very special
circumstances beyond the control of student.
Research paper
(30%), Due: May 20, 2004.
Useful
Links
China
Material Sources: http://faculty.washington.edu/kwchan/websites.htm
Course
research project: http://courses.washington.edu/chinageo/336-project.jpg
Useful
Websites for Articles, Information and Data on
China:
http://courses.washington.edu/chinageo/websitesChina2.doc