KSCB163 A New Player in Town: China's Growing Role in Central Europe

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2018
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Ing. Mgr. Richard Turcsányi, Ph.D. (lecturer), Mgr. et Mgr. Dušan Vávra, Ph.D. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
doc. Lucie Olivová, MA, Ph.D., DSc.
Department of Chinese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Ing. Mgr. Richard Turcsányi, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Chinese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Prerequisites (in Czech)
KSCA001 Study of China - Introduction
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 10 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/10, only registered: 0/10
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course discusses one of the most interesting international developments in recent years in Central Europe - the growing role of China. For both sides, this is quite a new diplomatic frontier: for most of the history they have focused their attention elsewhere, most recently since their political direction diverged after 1989. The situation, however, started to change after the global crisis in 2008 and even more so since 2012 and 2013, when China initiated new diplomatic initiatives 16+1 and Belt and Road in which Central Europe plays a role.
Today, China is one of the most active players in the region - but it is also one of the least understood. Students will be able to understand the Central European and Chinese perspectives of the relationship, as well as the one of the European Union, that is to some extent worried and cautious. The course will discuss historical, political, economic, and international issues stemming from the China-Central European relations.
Learning outcomes (in Czech)
Students will acquire a complex understanding of major issues in the relations of China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Throughout the course, focus will be paid on developing of critical and analytical thinking of students. We will discuss issues relevant for the China-CEE ranging from political, economic (especially trade and investments), and also societal (mutual perceptions). In the first part of the course, students will get familiar with ‘background’ information about Chinese foreign policy, Central European affairs after 1989 (especially for international students from outside the region), EU-China relations and historical development of China-CEE relations. Knowledge of the basic facts will be tested in the mid-term exam by a few short open questions. The second part of the course will be even more interactive and will consist of student presentations, followed by discussions on the concrete issues of relations between individual CEE countries and China, including some most important investment cases.
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • 8 October: Introduction to the course and Central Europe affairs after 1989 15 October: Chinese foreign policy I. (History and drivers of Chinese foreign policy) 22 October: Chinese foreign policy II. (Chinese bilateral relations with countries and world regions) 29 October: EU-China relations  2 5 November: History of China-CEE relations (20th century and early 21st century) 12 November: Development of 16+1 and BRI 19 November: Mid-term exam. Presentations - Chinese investments in the CEE 26 November: Presentations - V4 approach towards China 3 December: Presentations - Baltics and Balkans and their approach to China 10 December: Conclusion of the course, final consultations
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught: every week.
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