Oracle Bones by Peter Hessler Book Review: Capitalism

Each student is required to write one review (around 1200 words) on one of the books listed below. The review should be submitted prior to Nov 14’s class. Early submission is allowed; late submission will be penalized (a day = 1% of the total grade). Here are a few tips of how to write a good book review: 1. Read the book thoroughly and take notes 2. Determine the major themes of the book and the author’s chief argument 3. Consider the evidence provided by the author to support his or her argument 4. Think about whether you agree or disagree with the author’s argument and why 4 5. Find materials to support your opinion * Note that in this class, we focus on the argument laid out in the book you choose and/or the facts and evidence presented by the author, instead of the book’s genre or the author’s writing style * The review should be written in English no matter what source you use * Bonus points will be given to an additional book review (up to 5% of the total grade). If you decide to write two reviews, one of the two books you choose has be written in English. All reviews need to be written in English. You may use additional sources of information, but each review should be mainly about one of the books listed blow. If you have a book you’re particularly fond of, please let me know and I’ll consider adding it to the list.

There is a list of books, you can choose one and I’ll give you the PDF for that book.

Course Overview This course provides an overview of China’s recent history and its political system. We will begin with a historical overview of China’s political development from late Qing dynasty to the present. The remainder of the course will examine the institutional features of the Chinese political system and the key challenges facing the CCP leadership, such as economic reforms, regime stability, , and succession. We will also invite world renowned experts in various areas of China studies to speak in our class.