GEOG 435

Industrialization and Urbanization in China

Course Outline:
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 strategies, and rural/urban development and socioeconomic structures. The course focuses on a set of related issues: industrial location, rural industrialization, the hukou system, urbanization policies, rural-urban relation, migration and urban development. The Chinese experience is studied in the general context of development and globalization.

Learning Objectives:

1. To introduce key concepts in China’s industrialization and urbanization

2. To gain an in-depth understanding the complex issues of industrialization and urbanization trajectories intertwined closely with the world.

Recommended Preparation: Geog 236, or a background course in contemporary China.  Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of China.

Topics:

1. Introduction - the PRC: the basics

2. Industrialization strategy and dual economy

3. Industrial geography and regional development

4. Rural industrialization

5. Urbanization: Statistics and trends

6. Urban development

7. Internal structure of cities

8. Migration and development